When Stranger Things first premiered in 2016, few could have predicted the cultural phenomenon it would become. Over the course of nearly a decade, the Netflix original series captivated audiences with its blend of 1980s nostalgia, supernatural horror, and a cast of charismatic, relatable characters. But as the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2025, and the series finale aired, fans around the world found themselves both celebrating and fiercely debating the show’s conclusion.
The two-hour finale episode, which marked the end of a journey that began in Hawkins, Indiana, was always bound to carry enormous expectations. According to ComicBook.com, the Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, chose to close the saga not with bombastic spectacle or lengthy goodbyes, but with a more thoughtful, introspective approach. The final episode leaned into quieter moments, focusing on character growth and the show’s own creative legacy. One scene in particular—a conversation between Hopper (David Harbour) and Joyce (Winona Ryder) at Enzo’s restaurant—stood out. Hopper mentions receiving a job offer to become chief of police in Montauk, New York. At first glance, it’s a simple nod to a new beginning, but for longtime fans, Montauk is much more than just another town.
Montauk was, in fact, the original setting and title for Stranger Things before the fictional town of Hawkins came to be. Inspired by real-life conspiracy theories about secret government experiments, the series was initially conceived as a story set in Montauk. By referencing it in the finale, the Duffer Brothers offered a clever Easter egg for dedicated viewers, acknowledging the show’s roots and hinting at what might have been. As ComicBook.com noted, this subtle reference also aligns with the creators’ penchant for layering meaning and rewarding attentive fans without alienating those less familiar with the show’s backstory.
But the finale’s nod to Montauk might be more than just a creative wink. In a recent interview with The National, Ross Duffer revealed, “There’s one small scene in the finale that gives a hint as to what the spin-off will be. We’ll see if people pick up on it.” His brother Matt elaborated in a conversation with Screen Rant, saying, “It really is a completely different story and a completely different location with completely different actors and characters. So it’s its own. It’s really its own entity.” While nothing is confirmed, many fans believe the Montauk mention could signal the next chapter in the Stranger Things universe—one that explores new stories and characters in a setting that almost was.
Despite these thoughtful creative choices, the series finale sparked intense debate and backlash across the internet. As reported by Screen Rant, reactions to the final episode were deeply divided. While some viewers praised the emotional resolutions and the symbolic epilogue, others took issue with the pacing, unresolved plotlines, and certain storytelling decisions. The controversy reached a fever pitch on viewer rating platforms: Episode 7 of Season 5, titled “The Bridge,” became the lowest-rated episode in the show’s history on IMDb, earning a 5.6 out of 10. The audience score for the season on Rotten Tomatoes dropped to 57%, a stark contrast to the critics’ 84% Tomatometer rating. Some fans called the final season “artificial” and “joyless,” while others started a petition—amassing over 300,000 signatures—demanding the release of alleged “unseen footage.” Cast members, however, have confirmed that no secret cuts exist.
In the aftermath, co-creator Matt Duffer admitted to making a misstep by engaging in post-finale interviews so soon after the show’s end. Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Duffer said, “I really shouldn’t have done any of these postmortem interviews. I am not in a good place. Like, why the hell did we do any of them yesterday is beyond me. I’m, like, fried. I was getting over the flu. So, anyone mad at any answers we gave you yesterday, just cut me some slack.” His candor highlights the pressures creators face when delivering a conclusion to a beloved series—especially one with such a passionate fan base.
One of the most persistent questions among fans following the finale concerned the absence of the demogorgons, demodogs, and bats in the climactic battle against Vecna and the Mind Flayer. As IGN reported, the Duffer Brothers addressed this head-on. Vecna, they explained, was caught off guard by a sneak attack in The Abyss and did not anticipate needing additional monster support. “Mainly it’s just that Vecna was not expecting this sneak attack on his home turf,” Matt Duffer said. “Never in a million years could he even imagine that. They’re there somewhere. We obviously discussed having a demo battle on top of the Mind Flayer battle, but it felt more right to us that why does he need the demos when the Mind Flayer is this giant thing and can attack them? He doesn’t need his little ant army to attack, he’s going to take care of this himself.”
The Duffers also cited “demo fatigue” as a factor. Having staged a dramatic demogorgon fight earlier in the season, they felt that adding another monster melee would dilute the impact of the final confrontation. “I felt like we did everything we wanted to do with them in Sorcerer, and wanting to keep the focus on Vecna and the Mind Flayer, who’s been absent this season,” Matt Duffer explained. There was even discussion of a scene featuring a field of demo eggs in The Abyss, reminiscent of Aliens, but, as Matt put it, “you can’t get all your ideas in there.”
With the destruction of the Upside Down, the demogorgons are now stranded in The Abyss, presumably for good. While some fans lamented missed opportunities for even more epic battles, the creative team’s decisions were rooted in narrative focus and a desire to avoid repetition.
Through it all, Stranger Things has remained a defining show of its era, launching acting careers, inspiring endless fan theories, and sparking cross-generational conversations. Its conclusion, while imperfect in the eyes of some, demonstrates a willingness to reflect on its own origins, take creative risks, and leave the door open for future stories—possibly in Montauk, the place where it all began in the creators’ imaginations. Whether or not the hinted spin-off materializes, the show’s legacy is secure: a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, nostalgia, and the passionate communities that form around them.
