After nearly a decade of thrilling audiences, Netflix's flagship sci-fi series Stranger Things has officially concluded. The grand finale of the 1980s-set epic dropped in the early hours of 1 January 2026, bringing the saga of Eleven, Vecna, and the Upside Down to a close.
The Final Episode's Structure
The last season was released in parts, with the concluding episodes arriving just in time for New Year's celebrations. The final instalment itself is a cinematic marathon, running for over two hours. It wraps up the central conflict approximately halfway through, dedicating the remainder to an extended epilogue that fast-forwards 18 months into the future.
This allows viewers to catch up with the entire Hawkins gang, including Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max, as they return to school after the military's departure. We also see the fates of fan favourites like Steve, Robin, Nancy, and Jonathan, alongside the developing relationship between Joyce and Hopper. The episode fittingly ends with the group completing their long-running Dungeons & Dragons campaign.
Is There a Post-Credits Scene?
Many fans, drawing parallels to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, wondered if the finale would include a post-credits teaser, especially with rumoured spin-offs in development. The answer is definitive: the Stranger Things season five finale does not feature a traditional post-credits scene.
Instead of a teaser for future projects, the show's creators, the Duffer Brothers, opted for a poignant and nostalgic tribute. After the final story moment—showing Will watching his sister become the new Dungeon Master—a special credits sequence begins.
A Hand-Drawn Tribute Set to Bowie
This unique sequence presents a series of memorable images from across the entire series reimagined as hand-drawn illustrations, akin to those found in a Dungeons & Dragons manual. Key moments, like the boys' first hug and Joyce communicating with Will through the Christmas lights, are featured alongside maps and character profiles.
The sequence is soundtracked by David Bowie's original version of "Heroes." This choice is deeply symbolic, as a cover of the song was used in season one. Actor Joe Keery (Steve Harrington) reportedly convinced the creators to use Bowie's iconic track. Co-creator Ross Duffer stated it felt like "an anthem for Stranger Things" and was the perfect note to end the show on.
While the door to Hawkins may be closed with no extra scene after the credits, this heartfelt montage provides a satisfying and emotional full-stop to a beloved series. All episodes of Stranger Things, including the two-hour finale, are available to stream globally on Netflix.
