I was in elementary school when Stranger Things first premiered in 2016, and now, as its fifth and final season approaches, I’m a high school senior preparing to say goodbye. Few shows have stretched across such a long period of my life, which is why the wait for season five feels more significant than just another delayed release.
One of the most noticeable things about Stranger Things is how long it has taken to complete its story. Between each season, fans waited years, with the longest gap—2.5 years—coming after season four. While the delays were caused by production challenges and industry strikes, the anticipation grew, but so did expectations.
For me, the long wait made the show feel more meaningful. I’ve had time to rewatch episodes and grow attached to the characters. Each season felt like an event rather than just something to binge and forget. At the same time, waiting so long made me nervous about whether the ending could live up to the wait.
Other Gabrielino seniors feel the same mix of excitement and pressure. “I feel like I’ve been waiting forever,” said senior Tran Tran Nguyen. “It’s the last season, so people expect everything to be answered.”
Another senior, Michelle Cazares, agreed, saying the delays made her more emotionally invested. “Because it took so long, it feels more personal. I grew up with the characters, so I don’t want it to end badly.”
The long timeline also changed how fans interact with the show. Instead of moving on quickly, viewers spent years creating theories, rewatching scenes and discussing possible endings online. This constant conversation kept Stranger Things relevant.
Expectations can lead to disappointment if the final product doesn’t match what fans imagined. “I’m excited, but I’m scared it won’t meet everyone’s expectations,” said Cazares. “People have built it up so much in their heads.”
Despite these worries, I think the long wait has ultimately made the final season more important. It reminds us that good stories take time and that patience can deepen appreciation. Instead of rushing through the ending, fans are treating it like a moment they want to remember.
As Stranger Things comes to an end, it’s not just closing a story—it’s closing a chapter of our lives. The years spent waiting, wondering and rewatching are what make this final season feel satisfying. All that’s left now is to see if the ending is worth the wait when the last four episodes come out.
