Unbelievable 'Stranger Things' Facts You Likely Don't Know

Think you know Stranger Things? Think again. Over the years, the hit Netflix series has given us monsters, mystery and more ‘80s nostalgia than we can handle — but behind the Demogorgons and synth beats lies a treasure trove of fascinating behind-the-scenes facts. As fans gear up for the show’s final season, it’s the perfect time to look back at some surprising secrets, production tidbits, and cast confessions that even the biggest fans might’ve missed.

Created by the Duffer Brothers, Stranger Things became an instant cultural phenomenon after premiering in 2016, introducing us to the small town of Hawkins, Indiana — and a group of kids who accidentally uncover a terrifying alternate dimension known as the Upside Down. Now, nearly a decade later, the series is preparing to wrap up with Season 5 — but the journey getting here has been just as interesting as what’s happened on-screen.

The final season will roll out in three parts. Volume 1 drops November 26 on Netflix, featuring four episodes: “The Crawl” (1h 8m), episode 2 (54m), “The Turnbow Trap” (1h 6m), and “Sorcerer” (1h 23m). Volume 2 premieres Christmas Day, and the finale arrives December 31 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Set in the fall of 1987, Season 5 finds Hawkins scarred by the Rifts and under military control. Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) is in hiding, while she and her friends search for the missing Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) — setting the stage for one final showdown.

In a Variety interview, the Duffer Brothers and their creative team opened up about writing an ending worthy of the show’s legacy.

“We went back over and over and over and over, dozens of times,” said writer Kate Trefry. “They would start writing it, they’d come back. We’d blow it up, and we’d just rinse and repeat.”

The Duffers also studied iconic series finales like Six Feet Under, Friday Night Lights and The Sopranos to ensure the finale “felt true” to their story.

“The best ones were very true to themselves,” Ross explained. “The shows that are trying to be super clever—I think that’s where it can go wrong really quickly.”

Matt added, “We knew roughly what the end scene was for years … we’re really happy with the way it ended. It’s nerve-racking to put it out. I’m sure people will have opinions!”

Scroll through our gallery to uncover the Stranger Things secrets you may have missed.

7. Christmas Lights Weren’t the Original Idea

Joyce’s iconic wall of Christmas lights? Total last-minute inspiration. The writers originally planned for her to communicate with Will using refrigerator magnets, but one writer suggested lights instead — and the visual became one of the show’s most famous scenes.