The hit TV series Stranger Things is back for one last season, and the anticipation buzzing through the fanbase feels electric. Since its debut on Netflix on July 15, 2016, Stranger Things has risen to massive popularity, not only for its unmatchable blend of sci-fi, supernatural effects, and heartfelt coming-of-age storytelling, but also for its impact on such a widespread audience. The show undeniably invites a homey-nostalgia feel for many, mostly due to the iconic 1980s setting, massive music hits, and comfy small-town feeling. Of course its highly respectable cast, including stars like Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, and more outstanding members, contributes to the show’s cultural success as well. With the final season on its way, it’s only fitting to look back at how the adventure, spanning roughly fifteen years in the works, truly began.
The series wasted no time with drawn-out storytelling, but rather launched almost immediately into crisis with the sudden disappearance of Will Byers. His vanishing opened the doors for one of the biggest mysteries of the entire series: the Upside Down, a misunderstood parallel world which mirrors the group’s hometown of Hawkins, Indiana. As Will’s friends search for him, they cross paths with Eleven, an innocent girl with psychic powers who was raised inside a secret laboratory. Despite the incredibly dark and twisted plot, the directors sprinkle in sentimental and occasionally humorous moments into the episodes, creating a well-rounded viewing experience for an audience of various age groups.
Most recently, in season four, the overarching villain of the series, Vecna, was finally revealed. His motive becomes clear as well: to open gateways in Hawkins by killing a series of strategically selected victims, allowing the Upside Down to merge with reality. In the climatic final episode of the season, Vecna captures his last victim: Max Mayfield, a core member of the main friend group. His attack leaves a tremendous mark, ultimately putting her in a coma. This suspenseful conclusion undoubtedly left the fanbase wondering how or even if Max will survive, and more so whether or not Hawkins can recover with Vecna’s powers growing.
Following season four’s intense and unclear ending, individual interpretations and fan theories have surged, especially on social media. These occurred primarily on TikTok, but other popular apps like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit have become some of the most used spaces to discuss speculations, dissect details from episodes, and put theories out into the world. Many have focused on Max’s uncertain fate, whether or not Eleven’s powers are strong enough to keep fighting Vecna, or predictions about Hawkins itself. However, some are insanely creative and unexpectedly become centered around side characters, even ones with very little involvement in the show’s adventures. These theories and discussions—ranging from lighthearted edits to complete mental breakdowns—have served a major role in maintaining the show’s appreciation and accelerating the hype for season five.
Volume one of Stranger Things 5 was released on November 26. The long-awaited debut episode picks up with Hawkins under strict military quarantine, specifically to keep any more of the Upside Down from leaking into the real world. With Vecna missing, the group spends the debut episode executing one of their ritual “crawls,” which are essentially strategically planned attacks designed to locate Vecna and kill him. Although historically unsuccessful, the kids feel confident in the upcoming crawl that takes place in episode one. The stakes turn more intense once Vecna unexpectedly abducts Mike Wheeler’s little sister, Holly Wheeler, causing the squad to partake in an emergency rescue mission to save her. After putting the pieces together, the group considers that Holly’s sudden disappearance might have had something to do with the recent “imaginary friend” she was talking to named Mr. Whatsit. Another important piece of context is that Will still remains connected to Vecna and the Upside Down since his disappearance from season one, and he gets sensations when any monsters are in close proximity to him or his loved ones. On the other hand, Hopper and Eleven are in the Upside Down hoping to uncover top secret information held by the military, which they reveal in the final episode of Volume one. Without giving away spoilers, the closure of the final released episode undeniably sends the group’s long-standing mission to end Vecna and save Hawkins into a completely different direction, hinting that the conclusion of the entire series will be one that few die-hard fans could have even predicted.
After over a decade of 1980s nostalgia, complicated character narratives, and unbelievable supernatural mysteries, the Stranger Things crew will take its final bow. And one thing is for certain: the remaining episodes, one of which has been said to span right around two hours, will absolutely deliver on the action-packed demand that the show has always mastered
