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  1. Entertainment
  2. TV
  3. Sci-Fi Shows
  4. Stranger Things

Netflix shares emotional goodbye to Stranger Things after the season 5 finale, and now we're crying all over again

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By Megan Garside published 5 January 2026

We're not crying, you're crying

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Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler and Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven in Stranger Things season 5
(Image credit: Netflix)
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With Stranger Things season 5 coming to a close, marking the end of the entire sci-fi series, Netflix has paid tribute to one of its best TV shows ever, and we're feeling pretty emotional.

The streaming giant took to Twitter, posting a gut-wrenching clip of Eleven saying her goodbyes to Mike at the end of season 5, asking him to tell the others thank you "for being so kind to me and teaching me what it means to be a friend" (you can read more on that final moment in our Stranger Things season 5 ending explained).

The video, which you can see below, then shows clips from throughout the series of Mike, Will, Lucas, and Dustin taking in Eleven and accepting her as one of their own, followed by snippets of the rest of the characters embracing and supporting one another. This just proves that the most important part of the whole show was friendship, and that against it, Vecna never stood a chance.

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thank you for being our friend ❤️ pic.twitter.com/wOdDycxM5mJanuary 4, 2026

It is no surprise that the streamer is feeling the loss, as Stranger Things is not only one of the best Netflix shows, but season 4 marks the third most popular English-language series installment on the platform ever, as per Tudum. The video has other Stranger Things fans caught in their feelings, too, as one replied, "We're not crying, you are. Thanks for the adventures," and another said, "Thank you for giving us the best of friends."

Some of the Stranger Things cast have bid farewell to the show, too. Gaten Matarazzo, wo plays Dustin Henderson, took to Instagram to speak to viewers, writing, "Thanks for being a part of this journey with us. Couldn’t think of better people to do it with. This cast and crew are lightning in a bottle. I’m just glad I got to be along for the ride," and Lucas Sinclair star Caleb McLaughlin wrote, "Thank you for the immense love and support throughout the years. We love you all."

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  • Lucas, Dustin, Will, and Mike in Stranger Things: Tales From '85 Stranger Things: Tales From '85 gives us the epic final showdown we deserved in season 5 – and there's not even a Demogorgon in sight
  • Antony Starr as Homelander in The Boys season 5 Ahead of The Boys series finale, Homelander star seeimignly shades Stranger Things' low-stakes final episode
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The complete Stranger Things series is available to watch on Netflix now. For more, check out our Stranger Things season 5 finale review, and keep up with new TV shows coming your way soon.

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Megan Garside
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Junior Social Media Editor, GamesRadar+

I'm the Junior Social Media Editor here at GamesRadar+, handling all of Total Film's social platforms. However, I also write, covering all things film and TV for the site's entertainment section. I joined GamesRadar+ in 2023 and have been here ever since. I previously worked in communications after graduating with an MA in journalism. In my spare time, you can find me binging horror movies or getting lost in a cosy little game on my Switch.

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