Fans of Stranger Things are eagerly awaiting the show’s final season, and according to David Harbour, it’s going to be an emotional rollercoaster like no other. During a recent appearance at New York Comic Con for the 10th anniversary of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the actor offered some tantalizing details about the much-anticipated finale.
Harbour, who plays the fan-favorite character Jim Hopper, revealed that he’s often his own biggest critic when it comes to the series. Despite his love for the show, he admitted that there have been episodes in past seasons that didn’t sit right with him. “I am very close to the show, so I have very strong opinions and they may not match yours if you are a fan of the show,” he shared with the audience. However, when it comes to the series finale, Harbour was effusive in his praise. “They land the plane, and it is the best episode they’ve ever done.”
An Emotional Journey
Harbour went on to describe a table read for the final episode of Season 5, giving fans a glimpse into just how emotionally charged the finale will be. According to him, even during the read-through, the cast was deeply moved. “At the end of this episode, when we were reading it, just us reading it, about halfway through people started crying,” he recounted. As the episode progressed, the emotions only intensified. “The last 20 minutes, it was just uncontrollably crying waves of different people.”
Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers, was particularly affected, with Harbour humorously mimicking Schnapp’s tearful response. But the weight of the finale wasn’t limited to just one actor — it was a collective experience for the entire cast.
A Nod to the Cast’s Growth
The young stars of Stranger Things, including Schnapp, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin, and Gaten Matarazzo, were just kids when the show first premiered in 2016. Now, as the series draws to a close, they’re adults, and Harbour noted that the final season acknowledges this transformation. “We examine that idea, and it’s so well done and so beautiful,” he said.
For fans, Stranger Things has been much more than just a hit show — it’s a cultural phenomenon that has followed these young actors through their formative years. The show’s ability to explore their growth, both on-screen and off, is one of the reasons it has resonated so deeply with audiences. Harbour emphasized that the finale taps into these emotions in a way that feels authentic and satisfying.
A Bittersweet Farewell
As Stranger Things prepares to take its final bow, it leaves behind an incredible legacy as one of Netflix’s most successful shows. With two of its four seasons among the streamer’s most popular English-language series, it has captivated millions of viewers around the world. Season 4 alone has racked up an astounding 1.8 billion hours viewed to date.
For Harbour, the show’s finale marks the end of an era, but he’s confident that fans will be more than satisfied. “It is such a great episode, and it’s such a great season. You guys will love it.”
While saying goodbye to Stranger Things will undoubtedly be emotional for both the cast and fans, Harbour’s enthusiastic endorsement of the final episode promises that the series will go out on a high note — one that’s sure to leave a lasting impact.
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