The Stranger Things Podcast

The Stranger Things era is officially over, but "One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5" documentary gives us one final glimpse into the magic behind the final season. Join hosts Darrell and Addi as we dive deep into this intimate Netflix special that pulls back the curtain on the production. We break down the emotional interviews with the Duffer Brothers, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, and the rest of the cast and crew, exploring the challenges of wrapping up a nine-year saga, the heartfelt farewells on set, and the creative decisions that shaped "The Rightside Up." From never-before-seen footage of table reads and the final filming days to insights from costume designer Amy Parris and production designer Chris Trujillo on recreating 1980s Hawkins one last time, this doc is a love letter to the "joy of the adventure" that made the show iconic. But beyond the production stories, we share our thoughts on the themes of growth and closure that resonate so strongly—the cast reflecting on how they've matured alongside their characters, just like the kids from Hawkins, and the Duffer Brothers discussing the bittersweet end to their vision. We also analyze standout moments like the unseen set construction for the Mind Flayer battle and the emotional weight of saying goodbye to characters like Eleven and Vecna. Whether you're still processing the finale's twists or craving more behind-the-scenes magic, this breakdown celebrates what made Stranger Things a cultural phenomenon. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

The conversation continues! Welcome to Part 2 of our listener feedback extravaganza for "The Rightside Up," the Stranger Things series finale that gave us so many emotions we're still processing. Hosts Darrell and Addi are back with even MORE of your incredible contributions because you weren't done sharing your thoughts, theories, and feelings about how this epic saga concluded. In this episode, we're diving into your reactions to the 1989 epilogue, Dustin's unforgettable valedictorian speech and Eddie Munson tribute, each character's future, Hopper's romantic proposal to Joyce, and that beautiful final scene of Holly and her friends starting their own D&D campaign in the Wheeler basement.  We're also sharing your personal stories about what Stranger Things has meant to you over the past nine years, how the show impacted your life, and what you'll miss most about this journey. Whether you're finding hope in Mike's belief that El survived, cherishing the chosen family bonds that carried the group through, or simply grateful for the community we built together, this final listener episode celebrates everything Stranger Things gave us. Thank you for being part of this incredible adventure. Always. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

The series finale dropped and you had SO MUCH to say that we couldn't fit it all into one episode! "The Rightside Up" brought the Stranger Things saga to its emotional conclusion, and our inbox was STUFFED with your reactions and heartfelt messages about how this show impacted your lives. Hosts Darrell and Addi are dedicating this first of TWO listener feedback episodes to YOUR voices because the response was overwhelming. We're sharing your passionate commentary on the epic final battle in the Abyss, Holly's heroic leadership saving the kidnapped children, Vecna's tragic origin story and the revelation that he was corrupted by the Mind Flayer, Joyce's cathartic revenge with her axe, and that heart-shattering goodbye between El and Mike at the gate. Your insights on these moments were too powerful not to share. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

After four years of fighting monsters from another dimension, the the Hawkins heroes face their final battle—one that will determine not just the fate of Hawkins, but whether Eleven can ever escape the cycle of being hunted. Join hosts Darrell and Addi as we break down "The Rightside Up," the epic series finale that brings the Stranger Things saga to its emotional conclusion. We dissect the climactic showdown in the Abyss as El, Kali, and Max infiltrate Vecna's mind while the Party battles the Mind Flayer's physical form, analyze Holly's heroic leadership as she guides the kidnapped children to safety, and explore Vecna's tragic origin story revealed through Will's connection to the hive mind—discovering that Henry Creel was an innocent boy corrupted by the Mind Flayer. From Joyce's cathartic revenge with her axe to Hopper's devastating vision of Sara, from the explosive exotic matter collapse to that gut-wrenching final goodbye between El and Mike at the gate, we're covering every moment of this finale. But the story doesn't end with Vecna's death—we jump forward to 1989 for the kid's high school graduation, where Dustin delivers an unforgettable valedictorian speech honoring Eddie Munson's legacy, and we witness each character's future unfold. We break down the emotional epilogue showing where everyone ends up: Robin at Smith College, Steve coaching baseball and teaching sex ed, Nancy at the Herald, Jonathan making films at NYU, and Will finding a fresh start embracing his identity. We also explore the biggest question the finale leaves us with—did Eleven really sacrifice herself, or did she and Kali pull off one final illusion to escape the government's hunt forever? Mike's D&D theory gives us hope, and we're sharing our take on this bittersweet ending. From Hopper's proposal to Joyce to that final shot of Holly and her friends starting their own D&D campaign, this series finale honored the journey while saying goodbye to the characters we love. Whether you're celebrating the victories, mourning the losses, or debating El's true fate, this breakdown covers it all. Thank you for being part of this adventure with us—always. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

Will Byers came out to his friends and family, Max woke up from her coma, and the Party discovered "The Abyss"—and YOU had ALL the feelings about every moment! "The Bridge" delivered the most emotionally powerful episode of the season, and our inbox was flooded with your heartfelt reactions, theories, and incredible insights. Hosts Darrell and Addi are dedicating this entire episode to listener contributions because you brought such thoughtful commentary on every major moment: Will's coming out scene and what it means for his character arc, Max's triumphant awakening and tearful reunion with Lucas, Dustin's revelation that the Upside Down is actually a bridge to "The Abyss," and the Party's plan to use the exotic matter collapse as their final weapon against Vecna. Your analysis of these pivotal moments was powerful and enlightening.   Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback