I still remember the first time I binged Stranger Things back in 2016. It was a rainy weekend, and I couldn’t pull myself away from the screen. Now, nearly a decade later, the show that defined a generation is coming to an end—and Netflix is giving us one final gift before we say goodbye.
On January 12th, One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 drops on Netflix, and I’m already emotional just thinking about it. This isn’t just another promotional behind-the-scenes featurette. This is a full-length documentary that chronicles the entire final season, from the first day of filming to the last teary goodbye.
What Makes This Documentary Special
Director Martina Radwan spent an entire year embedded with the cast and crew during production. An entire year. That’s not someone popping in for a few days to grab some B-roll footage—that’s someone who became part of the Stranger Things family during its most bittersweet chapter.
The documentary features intimate interviews with creators Matt and Ross Duffer, along with the cast we’ve grown to love over nine years. I’m talking about Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp—all of them reflecting on what this show has meant to their lives. These aren’t just actors anymore; they literally grew up in Hawkins.
Why the Duffer Brothers Made This
Here’s something that really struck me: the Duffer Brothers grew up watching those epic Lord of the Rings behind-the-scenes documentaries. You know the ones—those sprawling, hours-long deep dives into every aspect of the filmmaking process. They said those films showed them “the real nuts and bolts of how a massive production actually gets made.”
In an era where physical media is fading away and bonus features are becoming extinct, the Duffers wanted to bring back that magic. They wanted to show us how the sausage gets made, in the best possible way. And honestly? I’m here for it.
The Timing Couldn’t Be More Perfect
The documentary premieres less than two weeks after Season 5’s finale aired on December 31, 2025. The emotions are still raw. We’re all still processing the end of this incredible journey. Getting to peek behind the curtain while everything’s still fresh feels like the perfect way to process our collective grief over the show ending.
And the best part? If you’ve got Netflix, it’s already included in your subscription. No extra cost, no premium tier needed. Just pure, emotional, behind-the-scenes goodness.
My Final Thoughts
I’ll admit, I’m nervous to watch this. Not because I think it’ll be bad—quite the opposite. I know I’m going to cry watching the cast say their goodbyes. I know I’m going to get emotional seeing the sets being dismantled for the last time. But that’s exactly why I need to watch it.
Stranger Things wasn’t just a show. It was a cultural phenomenon that brought friends together, sparked countless Halloween costumes, and reminded us all what great storytelling looks like. This documentary is our chance to honor that legacy and celebrate everyone who made it possible.
So mark your calendars for January 12th. Grab your tissues. Maybe rewatch your favorite Stranger Things episode beforehand. And get ready to say one last goodbye to Hawkins, Indiana.
We’ll miss you, Stranger Things. Thanks for the adventure.
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