No spoilers ahead:
Many of us grew up watching Stranger Things, and looking back, it defined our childhood more than we realized. As the decade-long show comes to an end, it’s heart-wrenching and shocking to know that it’s now actually completely over.
After so many years of anticipating the next season, identifying with the characters, and singing “Never Ending Story,” it has finally concluded. Yet after longing for a conclusion for so long, the strangest thing of all is that it feels like a piece of our own youth has come to a close, too. Still, this final season delivered a powerful and emotional goodbye that felt both fulfilling and rewarding.
Stranger Things debuted in 2016, and ever since then, it has undoubtedly become one of Netflix’s most successful original series, ranking among its top three most-watched shows. The series not only positively impacted streaming numbers, but also impacted the music industry as well. Since the show is set in the 1980s, it’s packed with 80’s hits. One of the series’ most popular featured songs is Prince’s “Purple Rain,” whose Spotify streams have increased by 243% since the release of the new season in late December. Highlighting the series’ significant cultural influence.
Its cultural impact is primarily due to the series’s beautiful storyline and its compelling visuals, which attract a wide audience demographic. It has proven to be captivating for both older audiences, who want to relive their 80s childhood years, and for younger generations, who feel a certain type of nostalgia towards the series or anemoia (a feeling of nostalgia for a time you’ve never experienced).
There is no doubt that the show has reached people of all ages, connecting them to a story in which they see themselves in. The creators, The Duffer Brothers, are aware of the strong connection fans have to the story, so the finale wasn’t just another episode; it was released for fans to enjoy on the big screen. Making it the first series to ever receive a theatrical release.
Netflix and The Duffer Brothers released the final episode in select theaters for a New Year’s 2-day-only special, which grossed over $25 million in concession sales. I attended the finale screening at Cinemark in Boca Raton, and it was totally tubular. Seeing people from 50-year-olds, to kids who weren’t even born when the show aired, share the love for this story was truly a special experience.
As a longtime fan, watching the final episode of one of my favorite series in the theater was incredible. Everyone in the theater was either wearing a “Hellfire Club” shirt, “The Squack” merch, or even dressed up with full-on Demogorgon suits, while others wore Eleven, Hopper, and Eddie costumes; it was the hilarious! There wasn’t one person in the theater who didn’t show their love through at least a fake bloody nose or bowl-cut wig!
From beginning to end, season 5 was filled with stunning action shots, shocking twists, beautiful visuals, and some of the most distressing scenes. One thing I liked about this final season is that, unlike many shows, we finally get a well-wrapped ending for each of the characters and their relationships, knowing what the rest of their story will look like. Yet, it leaves us with a bittersweet feeling, but without having any loose strings, only leaving us with a bit of hope.
In general, I thought this last season delivered a fitting final act, rich in emotion, suspense, and a great plot. It introduced new lead characters while remaining true to the original ones. Without diving into specifics, this latest season focuses on Holly, Mike’s sister, as it continues to show the aftermath of the events from the 4th season. In addition to Holly, some of the best performances this season were seen from characters like Will, Max, and a new fan favorite, Derek. Season 5 also continued with its effortless friendship moments, featuring its iconic heart-to-heart and humorous anecdotes.
Though some may argue that this season’s pacing seemed off or that some materials were rushed, I believe it was just enough to keep audiences on their feet, while having time to bid it goodbye. By the end of the final episode, there wasn’t one dry eye in sight. Mainly because of the sensitive topics of the “magic” of childhood that has now faded away. Personally, the themes and end of the series reminded me of the films, Harry Potter and Stand By Me, which echoes the silent heartbreak of growing up.
Overall, the blend of 80s, sci-fi, and horror is well-executed, reinforcing themes of valuing outcasts and celebrating the underdog. If you haven’t seen this show yet, it’s time to watch it, because its popularity is not without reason. It is an entertaining show that explores important topics such as friendship, love, trauma, and childhood. It’s not just a story about terrifying demogorgons but about how the truest of friendships is the key to getting through anything, even alternate-dimension monsters.
I believe.
