The Bittersweet Farewell to Stranger Things: Behind the Final Season Documentary

Netflix recently released “One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5,” a two-hour documentary capturing the emotional journey of filming the hit show’s fifth and final season. The special, which premiered on January 12, gives fans unprecedented access to creators Matt and Ross Duffer as they navigate the closing chapter of the cultural phenomenon that began nearly a decade ago. The documentary follows the 41-year-old twin brothers through the writers’ room, on set, and during the poignant final days of production, offering glimpses into the creative process behind one of Netflix’s most successful series. While many cast members shared their reflections and experiences through intimate one-on-one interviews, observant fans quickly noticed the absence of two major stars: David Harbour (Jim Hopper) and Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers), who were only seen briefly during table read footage but did not participate in the confessional-style interviews conducted with their colleagues.

When questioned about these conspicuous absences, documentary director Martina Radwan explained to Variety that the focus was deliberately kept within the “Stranger Things bubble,” featuring only the creators, cast, and department heads directly involved in the production. However, she admitted that scheduling conflicts were the primary reason Harbour and Ryder couldn’t participate, stating, “Unfortunately, with David and Winona, we couldn’t find the time. We tried.” This contrasted with the availability of other cast members, including Millie Bobby Brown, who even suggested conducting her interview in character during her final day on set – a touching testament to her connection with the role that launched her career. The documentary ultimately captures the bittersweet atmosphere surrounding the conclusion of a show that transformed from an unexpected hit into a global phenomenon, dramatically altering the careers of everyone involved.

Since its debut, Stranger Things has captivated audiences with its compelling blend of supernatural mystery, 1980s nostalgia, and heartfelt character development set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. The series became known not only for its storytelling but also for its production challenges, including lengthy gaps between seasons and increasingly longer episodes as the narrative expanded. As the fifth season wrapped production, it marked the end of a journey that began in 2016, bringing closure to characters and storylines that viewers had followed for nearly ten years. The documentary serves as both a celebration of this achievement and a farewell letter to fans who have remained dedicated despite the sometimes years-long waits between seasons, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how the Duffer brothers and their team crafted the conclusion to their ambitious story.

However, behind the scenes, reports of tension emerged in November 2025 when British tabloid the Daily Mail claimed that Millie Bobby Brown had filed a harassment and bullying complaint against David Harbour before production on the final season began. While the report specified that the allegations did not involve sexual misconduct, it suggested there were concerns about Harbour’s on-set behavior. The timing of these reports coincided with Harbour’s personal struggles, including a highly publicized divorce from musician Lily Allen and reports of erratic public behavior that allegedly led to him withdrawing from scheduled appearances and even dropping out of a film project called “Behemoth!” These circumstances added a layer of complexity to the documentary’s release and the show’s final season promotion.

Despite these reported tensions, Brown and Harbour presented a united front at the Stranger Things season 5 premiere. When directly questioned about the alleged complaint, Brown firmly stated, “Of course I felt safe, I mean, we’ve worked together for 10 years. I feel safe with everyone on that set.” She elaborated on her professional relationship with Harbour, emphasizing their natural bond developed through portraying father and daughter over multiple seasons: “David and I have a great relationship, we work really closely together in the scenes and preparing for the scenes, and I really am excited for everyone to see the labor of love and hard work we’ve put into the closure of our relationship.” For his part, Harbour has not directly addressed the specific allegations, though he previously told GQ Hype in April 2025 that he preferred not to engage with rumors, describing them as “hysterical hyperbole” and stating he did not want to encourage what he characterized as a “salacious show of humiliation.”

As Stranger Things concludes its remarkable run, “One Last Adventure” provides a fitting tribute to a series that defined a generation of streaming television. The documentary captures the emotional weight of saying goodbye to characters and relationships that evolved over nearly a decade, both on screen and behind the camera. While the absence of Harbour and Ryder from the documentary interviews leaves some questions unanswered, it doesn’t diminish the special’s value in documenting this significant cultural moment. As viewers prepare to say goodbye to Hawkins and its beloved characters, the documentary serves as a reminder of the extraordinary collaborative effort that brought this universe to life – from the visionary Duffer brothers to the talented cast who grew up before our eyes to the dedicated crew members who helped create the show’s distinctive aesthetic. With the entire series currently streaming on Netflix, fans can revisit the journey before experiencing how the story ultimately concludes in the highly anticipated final season.