Netflix’s Stranger Things is closing the chapter on Hawkins with the highly anticipated series finale of Season 5, and fans are buzzing about the latest updates. From Millie Bobby Brown’s heartfelt fan moments with husband Jake Bongiovi, to David Harbour’s and Brown’s absence at the Paley Museum celebration, and the chilling finale trailer, here’s everything you need to know about the epic conclusion.
Jake Bongiovi Shows Support at Stranger Things Finale Screening
Millie Bobby Brown, 21, stepped out for a special theater screening of the Stranger Things Season 5 finale, and her husband, Jake Bongiovi, 23, was right there to cheer her on. On Instagram Stories, Bongiovi shared a photo of Brown standing in front of the screening sign with the caption:
“I believe!!”
This nod references a key emotional moment from the finale involving Eleven’s survival and escape, a phrase fans quickly recognized from the show.
The post also highlighted Brown’s recovery from a recent shoulder injury, as she was no longer wearing the black sling she had sported during previous public appearances. Fans celebrated the couple’s supportive moment as they enjoyed one last look at Hawkins on the big screen.
Understanding the Finale: Key Plot Points
Warning: Spoilers ahead for Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 3.
The finale jumps 18 months after Eleven’s disappearance, following the destruction of the Upside Down. Classic characters like Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Will (Noah Schnapp), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), and Max (Sadie Sink) reunite to play Dungeons & Dragons in Mike’s basement.
A major plot twist reveals that Eight (Kali, played by Linnea Berthelsen) saved Eleven, and they staged her death using an illusion to mislead their military pursuers. The final scenes show Eleven finding peace in a small village, with Mike narrating, “I chose to believe that it is.”
This moment directly ties to Jake Bongiovi’s Instagram caption and has resonated strongly with fans worldwide.
Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour’s Absences at Paley Museum Event
Earlier in December, Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour were slated to attend the Stranger Things: The Final Season Celebration at New York City’s Paley Museum on December 18, 2025. Both actors pulled out, prompting questions from fans.
- Millie Bobby Brown: Missed the event due to a recent injury, which also kept her from appearing on Good Morning America. A spokesperson confirmed she could not attend either the carpet or panel discussion.
- David Harbour: Missed the event due to a scheduling conflict, though media reports speculated on other reasons.
The panel, moderated by Collider’s Perri Nemiroff, acknowledged the missing stars, stating:
“For all the ones who are not with us on stage, they send their regards and thanks for being here.”
Despite these absences, Harbour and Brown have maintained a strong onscreen relationship. At the Los Angeles premiere, Brown emphasized the special bond she shares with Harbour, saying:
“I’ve obviously had a really special bond with David because we have a father-daughter relationship, and we do every scene together. It’s been so special to have him along the journey for me.”
Netflix Releases Chilling Series Finale Trailer
On December 30, 2025, Netflix unveiled the trailer for the final installment of Season 5, set to premiere on December 31, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET.
The trailer opens with Jim Hopper (David Harbour) urging Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) to fight one last time:
“Life has been so unfair to you… But you never let it break you. Fight for the days on the other side of this. Fight for a world beyond Hawkins.”
Fans get a glimpse of classic faces — including Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, and Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna — while Hopper prepares for a final showdown. The finale will also receive theatrical screenings at over 500 locations across the U.S. and Canada, offering fans a shared viewing experience.
Matt Duffer, co-creator of the series, explained that Netflix suggested releasing the finale as a standalone day for theaters, allowing fans to experience the story collectively for the first time.
Streaming Schedule for Season 5
- Volume 1: Streaming now on Netflix
- Volume 2: Released December 25, 2025
- Finale (Volume 3): Premieres December 31, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET
This release pattern has ensured that fans can follow the story in a crescendo of suspense, culminating in the climactic finale.
Final Thoughts
As Stranger Things closes its iconic story, fans are celebrating both the cast’s personal milestones and the fictional journey of Eleven, Hopper, and the Hawkins crew. From Jake Bongiovi supporting Millie Bobby Brown at the screening, to the trailer promising a high-stakes finale, Season 5 is set to end on an unforgettable note.
Leave a Reply