If you aren’t emotionally prepared to say goodbye to Hawkins, Netflix is about to make it even harder. Just as we’re saying goodbye after the final season, the streaming giant has pulled a “hidden quest” move by announcing a surprise behind-the-scenes documentary that has been filming in secret for an entire year.
Titled One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5, the special is meant to show us exactly how much sweat, tears, and hairspray went into the final season.
The All-Access Pass
Directed by Emmy-winner Martina Radwan, this isn’t just a 5-minute promo clip. Radwan spent a literal year embedded with the Duffer Brothers, the cast, and the crew. The trailer alone is a total emotional wrecking ball, set to the iconic sounds of David Bowie’s “Heroes”—a song that has haunted the series since the very beginning.
The Highlights from the Trailer:
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The Final Words: We see snippets of the final table read, in which Ross Duffer admits, “Writing the last lines these characters would ever say… it was really hard to do.”
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The “End Series” Moment: Matt Duffer recalls the gut-punch of typing those two final words, while we see Millie Bobby Brown and Noah Schnapp sobbing on a couch. At one point, Noah even nuzzles into Cara Buono (Mama Wheeler) for comfort.
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The Writers’ Room: For the first time, we go inside the inner sanctum where the Duffers debated the ultimate fate of Eleven.
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The Denial: The trailer ends with a voiceover from Millie Bobby Brown simply saying, “I’m not ready to let go.” (Neither are we, Millie.)
A Note from the Director
Radwan is clearly a fan-girl at heart. In her official statement, she gushed about the experience:
“Spending a full year on set with them was a true privilege—and an absolute thrill. Everyone welcomed me with remarkable generosity… The Duffers inspire everyone to be better, including myself.”
She even joked that she wishes she could go back in time to document Seasons 1 through 4.
Why You Need to Watch
While we are still recovering from Season 5, this documentary is the perfect farewell. It promises to show the “years of effort and craft” that went into making this the biggest season of television ever produced. If the trailer is any indication, expect high-stakes practical effects, massive sets, and a lot of hugs.
One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 is the ultimate love letter to the fans before the world officially says goodbye to “Stranger Things” one last time.
Watch the final season and tune in on January 12, 2026, to witness One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5.
