After a decade, “Stranger Things” has come to an end. As someone who grew up watching the show, that sentence feels weird to write. This series wasn’t just a Netflix original hit; it was a cultural phenomenon. Season 5 had the impossible task of wrapping up storylines that mattered deeply to viewers, and while it isn’t the strongest season, it still provides a meaningful goodbye.
Visually, this season is elite television. With the help of massive sets and cinematic effects, Hawkins looks completely unrecognizable after being overtaken by the military and slowly turning into the Upside Down.
The actors also give strong performances, even when the writing doesn’t deserve it. Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) carry enormous emotional weight. Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo) continues to bring heart and humor, even amid tension with Steve Harrington (Joe Keery).
The season’s soundtrack elevates the show further. The Duffer brothers have always understood how music creates emotional reactions, and this season continues that tradition by intentionally pairing nostalgic 80s tracks with meaningful moments.
ABBA’s “Fernando” plays ironically during a tense Demogorgon scene in the Wheeler home. In the finale, songs like Prince’s “Purple Rain,” which plays over Mike and Eleven’s final conversation, and David Bowie’s “Heroes,” which plays during the end credits, help create full circle moments for the viewer.
One of the best surprises of the season was the addition of Derek Turnbow (Jake Connelly). His chaotic energy made him my favorite character this season. He’s effortlessly funny and the only person willing to say what the audience is thinking. When he drops a line like “Mom can suck a fat one,” it’s impossible not to laugh. Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher) having an expanded role was also a great choice, adding an additional perspective to the chaos in Hawkins.
Unfortunately, season 5 isn’t perfect. The season suffers from character overload, with too many characters fighting for screen time and storylines competing for attention. The slow pacing only worsens this. Entire scenes are devoted to characters explaining painfully obvious plans. The tension is lost when the writers insist on clarifying every single detail.
Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink) and Holly Wheeler’s portal scene in episode 6 was especially frustrating. In the scene, the characters could have easily escaped through the portal quickly. Instead, they decide to keep yapping, and their conversation drags on for so long that the suspense is lost.
Plot holes continue with Dr. Kay (Linda Hamilton) and her military presence, who strangely disappear in the finale’s second half. The resolution also felt rushed and questionably safe. The writers hesitated to kill off major characters, and when no one dies, nothing truly feels dangerous.
Still, it’s hard to be upset. Season 5 may not be the best of “Stranger Things,” but it doesn’t erase the show’s legacy. The characters, music and memories are what ultimately give the series its lasting impact. The finale isn’t perfect, but it’s sincere, and for a show about growing up and acceptance, that feels right.
Published and digitized February 2026.
