By: Gunner Van Driessche
Stranger Things has become a global cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its intense horror, compelling plot, energetic humor, and increasingly complex characters. At the end of 2025 the show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, released the final season of their hit show. Stranger Things Season 5 was split into two volumes. The first volume included the first seven episodes, while the second featured the final two, widely regarded as the most emotional and cinematic episodes of the series, packed with raw emotion and character-defining moments. Did the Duffer Brothers land this plane to successfully conclude a decade-long journey or is Stranger Things a shadow of its former self?
Stranger Things Season 5 plunges back into Hawkins with the stakes higher than ever. The original group of kids, now teenagers, and the adults continue their hunt for Vecna through “crawls” in the Upside Down, led by Hopper (David Harbour). The season opens with Hawkins surrounded by the military after the devastation of the previous season. The town lies in flames, divided by four massive gates representing the four victims Vecna claimed. Tensions rise between Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and Hopper due to his stubborn refusal to let her search for Vecna in the Upside Down. The core group, Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), and Will (Noah Schnapp), assist Hopper in the crawl, with guidance from Robin (Maya Hawke), Steve (Joe Keery), Jonathan (Charlie Heaton), and Nancy (Natalia Dyer). Max (Sadie Sink), meanwhile, remains in a coma 18 months after Vecna’s attack in Season 4. When Mike’s sister, Holly (Nell Fisher), becomes attached to an imaginary friend, everything begins to spiral out of control. Eleven, a person of great interest to the military because of her powers, defies Hopper and ventures into the Upside Down to save Holly. This sets up two intertwined storylines: Eleven and Hopper navigating the Upside Down, facing military threats, and the rest of the group fighting to rescue them. Eleven and Hopper may not return to Hawkins until the finale (if they survive), making their storyline the main lens through which we learn about the Upside Down and Vecna’s ultimate plan.
What Stranger Things 5 Does Right
One of Stranger Things’ greatest strengths is its ability to connect different characters and foster dynamic interactions that further each character’s arc. Season 5 continues this tradition, introducing new dynamics, such as Robin’s and Will’s budding friendship, while maintaining long-established ones, like the comedic duo of Steve and Dustin. Season 5 wastes no time and boldly expands the story. One notable choice was recasting Holly Wheeler to give her a larger narrative role compared to her minimal screen time in earlier seasons. Nell Fisher delivers an impressive performance, justifying the casting decision. The season also introduces ambitious set pieces, shocking twists, and lightning-fast pacing, all building toward the finale.
The ensemble cast continues to impress with its range and skill. Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Winona Ryder, Millie Bobby Brown, and many others deliver outstanding performances. McLaughlin portrays Lucas with heart-wrenching emotion, especially in scenes with Max. Schnapp, who rose to prominence in Season 2, shines again with increased screen time. Each actor inhabits their role fully, elevating the show to new heights.
What Stranger Things Gets Wrong
The list of missteps in Stranger Things is short; it remains near-perfect television. However, some choices in Season 5 raise questions. For instance, the tension in the love triangle between Nancy, Jonathan, and Steve feels underdeveloped. Season 4 had reaffirmed Jonathan and Nancy’s relationship, and while Steve still harbored feelings for Nancy, he had accepted it. Focusing heavily on this triangle limits the development of all three characters. Additionally, the 18-month time gap is summarized in a single monologue by Robin, which feels insufficient for such a significant passage of time. Robin explains that the military closed the gates with metal, but the recap feels rushed, likely to maintain the season’s pacing, a decision that may not have been ideal.
Final VerdictOverall, the three-year wait was highly worth it. Stranger Things Season 5 is extraordinary. The Duffer Brothers clearly had a vision for the series’ conclusion and have executed it nearly flawlessly. The finale introduces compelling new dynamics, thrilling pairings, intense action, shocking twists, and terrifying horror, leaving viewers captivated and believing in their favorite characters who leave behind their childhoods when they wrap up their final D&D game.
