Stranger Things: The First Shadow Boosts Broadway Attendance with Season 5 Release

Broadway's Surging Success: A Season of Record-Breaking Performances

Broadway has experienced a remarkable surge in attendance and revenue, particularly for the production Stranger Things: The First Shadow. This increase is largely attributed to the buzz generated by the highly anticipated arrival of the TV series' Season 5. For the week ending December 14, the show filled approximately 99% of seats at the Marquis Theatre, a significant jump from the previous week’s 89%. The production, starring Louis McCartney as Henry Creel, grossed $1,610,132, which marks its highest gross since performances began on March 28.

The overall 2025-2026 Broadway season is shaping up to be one of the most successful in recent history. It is on track to match or surpass the record-setting $1.89 billion in total season-end grosses set during the 2024-2025 season. As of the week ending December 14, the season-to-date grosses reached $1,045,915,735, which is about 10% higher than the same period last year. This figure broke the $1 billion threshold the week before, highlighting the strong momentum of this season.

In terms of overall performance, the 35 shows currently running on Broadway grossed $43,941,878 last week, a 5% increase compared to the same time last season. Total attendance for the current season stands at 7,908,788, representing a 3% growth year-over-year. The average ticket price this season is $132.25, an increase of 7% over last year’s $123.87.

Top Grossing Shows of the Week

Several productions led the way in terms of box office success:

• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child continues to thrive, with Tom Felton joining the cast as Draco Malfoy. It grossed $2,986,734.
• Hamilton took in $2,804,662.
• Wicked brought in $2,763,955.
• The Lion King earned $2,370,958.
• Mamma Mia! grossed $1,914,060.
• Chess added $1,887,488.
• Stranger Things: The First Shadow came in at $1,610,132.
• Art collected $1,543,419.
• Just in Time earned $1,470,023.
• Aladdin grossed $1,328,174.

Sell-Outs and Near-Sell-Outs

This week saw several shows selling out their performances. These included the first two previews of Simon Rich’s All Out: Comedy About Ambition, as well as Art, Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Just in Time, Oh, Mary!, Ragtime, Waiting for Godot, and Wicked.

Other shows came very close to sellouts, with at least 95% of seats filled. These included Chess, Hadestown, Mamma Mia!, Maybe Happy Ending, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, The Great Gatsby, The Lion King, The Book of Mormon, and The Outsiders.

Underperforming Shows

Not all shows had the same level of success. Some struggled to fill their seats:

• Beetlejuice managed only 58% capacity, grossing $663,040.
• Liberation filled 62% of its seats, earning $429,694.
• Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) sold 76% of its tickets, bringing in $634,437.
• The Queen of Versailles filled 77% of its seats, grossing $792,190.
• Chicago also filled 77% of its seats, earning $707,054.

New Openings and Recent Arrivals

New productions have also made an impact. Marjorie Prime, starring June Squibb and Cynthia Nixon, opened at the Hayes Theatre, filling 87% of its seats with a gross of $292,843. Another recent arrival, Little Bear Ridge Road, was at 74% capacity at the Booth, grossing $433,794. Oedipus, playing at Studio 54, filled 90% of its seats, earning $849,755.

Additionally, Waiting for Godot grossed $1,285,710.

Season Performance Summary

As of the 29th week of the 2025-26 season, Broadway has grossed $1,045,915,735, a 10% increase over the same period last year. Total attendance has reached 7,908,788, showing a 3% growth compared to the previous year.

All figures are provided by The Broadway League. For more detailed box office information, visit the League’s website.