Jumping back to 1983, the beginning of it all, the final instalment of Stranger Things, streaming now on Netflix, flashes back to the first encounter with the Demogorgon which reveals that Henry Creel was already present in Vecna and in control, establishing the slug into young Will whilst being dragged into the eerie Hawkins Lab in the upside down. It’s a moment in the final chapter that establishes this flashback to be crucial to the anticipated ending.
Dedicated Stranger Things fans across the world tuned in on Christmas Day and New Years Eve to finish off the series that has been on for almost 10 years. According to the magazine, Variety as of January 6th, Stranger Things 5 had 105.7 million views.
Reactions quickly came out on the new episodes – it seemed to be a huge disappointment for most fans.
In the article “The ‘Stranger Things’ Series Finale Is A Crushing Disappointment” by Erik Kain, author of Forbes magazine, Kain highlights that there was a built up momentum in Volume 1 but came to a “screeching halt” in Volume 2. Hopes were high with more positivity and love towards Volume 1 but Volume 2 did not live up to the high standards set. Fans thought that the dialogue was a huge let down and was even seen as bad writing.
Overall Triton fans were wishing for more, especially with how long everyone has been waiting for the finale.
Heidi Sanger and Lucie Remignanti were pretty unsatisfied with the ending of the show that they have been watching over the past 10 years.
“I was wicked unsatisfied with the ending, it should have been much more exciting and dangerous, higher stakes, and maybe even left with a cliffhanger instead of just bringing everyone back to normal. I love the show but didn’t like the ending.” stated Sanger. “I enjoyed the new episodes, but I wished they had more plot twists.”
In the Script’s, author Rahul Menon writes in their article “Stranger Things’ Season 5, The Finale – Review” how most fans feel about the show coming to an end. For most, people have been growing up watching and the ending being a disappointment was an unfortunate ending.
Fans spent lots of time thinking about theories and what could happen in the new episodes.Said Remignanti, “none of the fan theories were correct because nothing cool or unexpected really happened.” The characters plateaued and their plan just worked, nothing went wrong or anything. They were good but disappointing.”
However, the sets of Volume 2 did not disappoint. With the incredible visuals and amazing set work the set designers pulled through. The Script shared, “The finale offers several striking set pieces, and the production value is undeniably massive. The show continues to wear its love for ’80s cinema proudly, drawing inspiration from action, horror, and fantasy without losing its own identity.”
What is next for the beloved actors of Stranger Things now that the show is over?
Well for Max Mayfield, played by Sadie Sink, she is taking on a huge and exciting role in the newest upcoming Marvel’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day movie. Sink acquired this role in late 2025.
Jim Hopper played by David Harbour will be returning to the MCU in Avengers: Doomsday.
Robin Buckley played by Maya Hawke, is going to be seen in the newest Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.
Vecna, played by Jamie Campbell Bower, joined The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 3.
Smaller upcoming plans for other actors of Stranger Things including Dustin Henderson played by Gaten Matarazzo will be a voice actor in a new movie called Animal Farm and as well as a new netflix movie called Haunted Hotel. For Mike Wheeler played by Finn Wolfhard he will be continuing his music career and appearing in a new film called Crash Land.
Eleven, played by actress Millie Bobby Brown, has started her cosmetics brand in late 2020 so she will continue with that. She has also recently gotten married and adopted her daughter at 21 years old. Brown will also be continuing her Netflix career with new projects including producing.
