After a decade of captivating audiences worldwide, the cultural behemoth that is Stranger Things is preparing to take its final bow. The fifth and ultimate season of the Netflix hit is scheduled to begin its release in November 2025, bringing the epic saga of Hawkins, Indiana, to a close. The show's creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, alongside its beloved cast, are now confronting the immense challenge of concluding one of television's most cherished stories.
The Emotional Weight of Ending an Era
For the Duffer brothers, the reality of the show ending is bittersweet. "It makes me sad," confesses Ross Duffer, "because it's easier to not think about the show actually ending." The journey began in 2015 when the self-professed nerds and movie obsessives pitched a supernatural adventure steeped in 80s nostalgia, a blend they described as "John Carpenter mashed up with ET". Despite featuring established stars like Winona Ryder and Matthew Modine, the series was led by young unknowns and was no guaranteed success.
That all changed in the summer of 2016. The first season smashed Netflix viewing records, transforming from an underdog project into a global TV phenomenon. When asked if they would rather launch a new unknown series or stick the landing of a massive hit, Matt Duffer reflected on their pre-Stranger Things career. Their first feature film, Hidden, went straight to video-on-demand. "Stranger Things felt like we had been given this second chance, which a lot of people don't get," he said, acknowledging the pressure but also the security they now feel.
New Faces and 80s Icons in the Final Chapter
The final season sees the introduction of a formidable new character, Dr Kay, played by none other than Linda Hamilton, the iconic Sarah Connor from The Terminator. The Duffers explained they needed a replacement for the late Dr Brenner. "We wanted someone intimidating, but in a very different way than Modine," said Ross. Hamilton, who describes herself as a fan of the show, was initially contemplating retirement due to a hip injury. Her agent, knowing her well, accepted the offer on her behalf. "I did not hesitate to say, yes, let's talk," Hamilton admitted.
Walking onto the set for the first time was "very overwhelming," she said, praising the Duffers for trusting her to build the character. While she performed many of her own stunts, the 68-year-old actor has one peculiar habit: she never watches herself on screen. This means she may never see how Stranger Things ends, though the Duffers are hopeful they can convince her otherwise.
The show's profound impact on pop culture was never more evident than in season four, when the use of Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" propelled the 1985 song back to the UK No 1 spot. The singer showed her appreciation with a unique gift. "It was this gilded bird cage with animatronic birds inside it," Ross revealed. "Only Kate Bush would give this present." Fans can expect to hear more of the track in the final season.
A Family Forged Over Ten Years
The core cast, who were barely in double digits when they started, have now spent almost half their lives on the show. Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin), Finn Wolfhard (Mike), and Noah Schnapp (Will) shared a breakfast, reflecting on their unique experience. Matarazzo noted that the bizarre environment of fame felt most normal when he was with his co-stars. "I felt the most comfortable when I was with them," he said.
As the series concludes, the emotional weight is palpable. "Playing these characters has been amazing... but growing up with these guys, and having the family that we've built, is something I won't get again," said McLaughlin. Wolfhard described the processing of it all as deeply emotional, with many layers.
The final day of filming was a collective effort. Unlike most productions where actors wrap on different days, the entire cast made a point to be present for the last shot. "It was important to all of us that we were there for each other," Matarazzo explained, calling it a necessary experience after ten years.
The Duffer brothers knew the importance of getting the ending right. They spent weeks perfecting the final 30 minutes before writing the rest of the season. "We were able to design it so that it would be building towards those last 30 minutes," Matt said. With the fate of Hawkins and the Upside Down hanging in the balance, he echoed the sentiment of millions of fans awaiting the conclusion: "Hopefully, it works."
Stranger Things 5 part one is released at 1am on 27 November 2025, followed by three episodes on Boxing Day and the finale on New Year's Day.
