It’s the end of an era, and emotions are running high. Stranger Things, one of the most beloved TV series of the past decade, is gearing up for its final, epic season—and the stars are feeling the weight of this monumental conclusion. Three years after the release of season four, the fifth and final installment is set to drop, leaving millions of fans on the edge of their seats. But here’s where it gets emotional: creators Matt and Ross Duffer, the identical twin brothers from North Carolina, are struggling to come to terms with saying goodbye. 'It makes me sad,' Ross admits. 'It’s easier not to think about the show ending.'
A decade ago, the world was unfamiliar with the Upside Down, Vecna, or Demogorgons. Fast forward to 2015, and the Duffer brothers—self-proclaimed nerds and film enthusiasts—were about to embark on their first TV series. Stranger Things was envisioned as a supernatural adventure drenched in '80s nostalgia, a tribute to the likes of Steven Spielberg and Stephen King. Their pitch to Netflix? A blend of 'John Carpenter mashed up with E.T.' With stars like Winona Ryder and Matthew Modine on board, it wasn’t a low-key production, but success was far from guaranteed, especially with a cast of young, unknown actors. Yet, the first season, released in 2016, shattered Netflix records and became an instant cultural phenomenon.
But here’s the kicker: would the Duffers rather face the pressure of launching a brand-new sci-fi series into the unknown, or would they prefer the challenge of sticking the landing on a massive hit beloved by millions? 'I’d rather have the pressure of trying to stick the landing,' Matt reflects. Their first feature film, Hidden, had flopped, going straight to video-on-demand. 'Stranger Things felt like a second chance,' Matt explains. 'One that many don’t get.' Now, even if the final season doesn’t meet every expectation, they’re confident they’ll continue creating.
And this is the part most people miss: the Duffers almost prefer being underdogs. 'When we started, Netflix was an underdog, we were underdogs, and everyone loves a good underdog story,' Ross notes. 'It’s surreal to be the opposite now.' Matt adds with a laugh, 'We’re still not cool.' But in Stranger Things, being uncool is the whole point. The show has brought nerd culture into the mainstream, even boosting the popularity of Dungeons & Dragons to levels not seen since the '80s. 'The show is about outsiders,' Ross explains. 'Matt and I felt like outsiders growing up. We wanted to show that your differences make you cool.'
Season four, released in 2022, left an indelible mark on pop culture. Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill became an anthem after being featured in a pivotal scene, giving her a UK No. 1 single for the first time since 1978. 'We had no idea it would go viral like that,' Ross admits. And yes, there’s even more of the song in season five. Kate Bush sent the Duffers a unique gift to say thanks: a gilded bird cage with animatronic birds that chirp when wound up. 'Only Kate Bush would give this present,' Ross smiles.
For the final season, the Duffers recruited another '80s icon: Linda Hamilton, best known as Sarah Connor in The Terminator. Hamilton plays Dr. Kay, a steely military scientist, bringing her trademark toughness to the role. 'She’s kind of scary,' Hamilton jokes, though she admits she’s not one to watch herself on screen. Even as a fan of the show, she’s unsure if she’ll watch the finale. 'I’d rather just live the experience,' she says.
Meanwhile, the young stars of the show—Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard, and Noah Schnapp—are reflecting on growing up together on screen. 'It’s been amazing, but it’s time for it to end,' McLaughlin says. 'What I’ll miss most is the family we’ve built.' Wolfhard adds, 'It’s a lot to process. It’s really emotional.' On the last day of filming, everyone stayed, a rare moment of unity that underscored the bond they’ve formed over 10 years.
The Duffers have meticulously crafted the final 30 minutes of the show, knowing it’s the key to a satisfying conclusion. 'If we didn’t get those 30 minutes right, nothing else would matter,' Matt explains. And as millions of fans eagerly await the finale, the brothers can only hope it works. Stranger Things 5 begins its release on November 27, with the final episodes dropping on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. It’s the end of a journey—but what a journey it’s been.
Controversy Alert: Is it fair to expect the final season to live up to years of hype? And does the show’s impact on pop culture overshadow its narrative flaws? Let’s debate in the comments—agree or disagree, your thoughts matter!
