Stranger Things- Season 5 (review)

Published by Mason Oldridge, 19 January 2026

All survivors are back to achieve a common goal: kill Vecna and destroy the Upside Down once and for all.

Like with the previous season, the series adopts a multi-strand storyline: Will, Mike, Lucas, Robin and Joyce in the Rightside Up, Hopper and El as well as Jonathan, Nancy, Steve and Dustin in the Upside Down and Holly and Max with Henry in Vecna’s mind.

Nell Fisher is the breakout star, taking on the new major starring role of Holly Wheeler. The character goes through the wringer to say the least and the draining emotions felt from that are conveyed excellently by this incredible young actress. Sadie Sink continues to be brilliant as Max, this time as a guiding light for Holly, and Noah Schnapp provides vulnerability during Will’s coming out scene, while Jamie Campbell Bower again delivers a chillingly compelling performance as Henry, particularly his manipulation of the children and fear of the cave. However, the best character is Dipshit Derek (or rather Delightful Derek as he becomes), bringing some much-needed comic relief.

Arguably, the best scene comes from the mid-season finale (same as the prior season) as Will discovers he inhabits telekinesis and saves his friends.

Additionally, the 80s-inspired soundtrack is still a nice touch and kudos to the production team on the special effects.

Despite a mixed reception from fans, a satisfactory ending is achieved. An epic final battle with Vecna culminates in his defeat, with the final blow fittingly coming from Joyce. El then sacrifices herself, a justified death as it ensures that the supernatural is well and truly over, yet is left open-ended with a theorised escape.

The only criticism could be the pacing as scenes in the Upside Down see an awful lot of searching and not much finding, therefore lacking progression. Unfortunately, there are less twists and reveals surrounding the background of Henry and El too, though this can be forgiven as last season handled that and this season is more about the conclusion of the story.

Otherwise, the Duffer brothers have devised a worthy finish to a decade-long adventure.

9/10