After three long years, Netflix’s beloved supernatural saga Stranger Things has officially returned with its fifth and final season — marking the beginning of the end for one of television’s most iconic modern series.
As fans dive back into the eerie town of Hawkins, Indiana, the cast is sharing what it felt like to film the conclusion of a show that defined much of their lives and careers. From laughter on set to emotional final goodbyes, the stars describe the experience as “bittersweet” yet “incredibly fulfilling.”
In exclusive conversations with ScreenRant, the ensemble reflected on their journey, offering a glimpse into how the final moments of Stranger Things came together — and what lies beyond its ending.
A Bittersweet Goodbye: Cast Opens Up About Filming the Finale
Noah Schnapp: “It Hit All of Us on the Last Day”
Noah Schnapp, who has played Will Byers since the show’s debut in 2016, admitted that filming the final season was emotionally taxing.
“Obviously, it hit all of us on the last day,” Schnapp said. “But even before then, I was writing notes for everyone — goodbye letters, thank you messages — just remembering all the memories I’ve had with everyone. It really helped me understand how impactful these people have been on my personal journey.”
Schnapp described the experience as “bittersweet,” noting that while it was difficult to let go of the show that shaped his teenage years, the process also gave him closure.
Stranger Things Cast Reflections on Season 5
| Actor | Character | Description of Filming Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Noah Schnapp | Will Byers | “Bittersweet and emotional — hard to say goodbye.” |
| Millie Bobby Brown | Eleven | “Like leaving a piece of myself behind.” |
| Natalia Dyer | Nancy Wheeler | “Some of my favorite moments are from this season.” |
| Charlie Heaton | Jonathan Byers | “Really fun — especially filming in New Mexico.” |
| Finn Wolfhard | Mike Wheeler | “A full-circle moment for all of us.” |
Millie Bobby Brown: “A Piece of Me Was Left Behind”
For Millie Bobby Brown, who became a global sensation as Eleven, filming her final scene was one of the most emotional moments of her career.
“It gave me the craziest feeling ever — like a piece of me was being left behind,” Brown shared. “When Matt and Ross [Duffer] called me to offer the role years ago, it was one of the best days of my life. Saying goodbye to Eleven feels like saying goodbye to a part of myself.”
Brown has been open about growing up on the show and often refers to Stranger Things as “a family I’ll carry forever.”
Natalia Dyer and Charlie Heaton: Finding Joy in the Final Ride
Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler) teased that Season 5 contains “some of my favorite moments in the entire series.”
Though the cast remains tight-lipped about plot details, Dyer hinted that the final season offers powerful payoffs for longtime fans.
Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers) echoed that sentiment, describing the production as “really fun,” particularly their outdoor shoots in the New Mexico desert.
“It was surreal,” Heaton said. “We’ve all grown up together, and this last season really celebrates that bond — both on-screen and off.”
Behind the Scenes: The Emotional Weight of a Cultural Phenomenon
The cast’s reflections mirror the emotional tone that Stranger Things has always balanced — heart and horror in equal measure.
Showrunners Matt and Ross Duffer have long said that the final season is “the culmination of everything we’ve been building toward.”
“We wanted the ending to feel earned,” Matt Duffer explained. “These characters mean so much to us and to the fans, so we treated this season as a love letter — to the cast, the audience, and the world we created together.”
What Fans Can Expect from Stranger Things Season 5?
The first batch of Stranger Things Season 5 episodes — released November 26, 2025 — has reignited global excitement for the series.
This season dives deeper into the emotional and psychological scars left by the events of Season 4, as the residents of Hawkins face one final confrontation with the forces of the Upside Down.
“Season 5 is the most intense and personal chapter yet,” said Ross Duffer. “It’s not just about monsters anymore — it’s about legacy, loss, and growing up.”
Stranger Things Season 5 Release Schedule
| Volume | Episodes | Release Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume 1 | Episodes 1–4 | November 26, 2025 | The return to Hawkins begins |
| Volume 2 | Episodes 5–7 | December 25, 2025 | Christmas Day drop |
| Volume 3 (Finale) | Episode 8 | December 31, 2025 | The series finale — also screening in select theaters |
The Future of the Stranger Things Universe
Even as the main series nears its end, the Stranger Things universe will live on. The Duffer Brothers confirmed that a spin-off is already in active development at Netflix.
“We’re still very involved,” Matt Duffer said during a screening event. “We want anything that carries the Stranger Things name to be high-quality and worthy of the fans. Netflix finally knows what the spin-off is — but we held onto that secret for a long time.”
Interestingly, Finn Wolfhard reportedly guessed the spin-off’s concept before anyone else. The project will continue under Netflix’s banner, even as the Duffer Brothers begin new work at Paramount.
Fans React: Nostalgia, Tears, and Celebration
Within hours of the new season’s release, social media was flooded with fan reactions — many expressing joy at the show’s return and sadness that it’s nearing its end.
On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #StrangerThings5 trended globally within minutes. Fans praised the show’s emotional storytelling and the maturity of the characters, now young adults facing their final battle together.
“It’s not just the end of Stranger Things,” one fan wrote. “It’s the end of an era for everyone who grew up with these kids.”
Final Thought
For the cast of Stranger Things, Season 5 marks the culmination of nearly a decade of storytelling, friendship, and growth.
Their reflections — at once joyful and tearful — echo the emotions of millions of fans worldwide. As the show draws to a close, the sense of nostalgia is powerful, but so is the excitement for what comes next.
“It’s been a wild ride,” said Millie Bobby Brown. “But it’s not goodbye forever — it’s just goodbye for now.”
The lights may be dimming in Hawkins, but its story will continue to cast a long, luminous shadow in pop culture for years to come.
FAQs
Season 5 premiered on November 26, 2025, exclusively on Netflix.
The season is split into three parts — with new episodes on Nov. 26, Dec. 25, and Dec. 31.
Yes, it concludes the main story of Hawkins, though spin-offs are planned.
Yes. Despite signing a new deal with Paramount, they remain creatively involved in all Stranger Things-related projects.
Yes. Despite signing a new deal with Paramount, they remain creatively involved in all Stranger Things-related projects.
Yes. The final episode will be released on Netflix and select theatres on December 31, 2025.
