Caleb McLaughlin reflects on ending Stranger Things, sharing heartfelt thoughts as the milestone series wraps production. The actor, known for his portrayal of Lucas Sinclair, described his emotions while concluding a ten-year journey with the Netflix phenomenon. Reflecting during an interview to promote his new Audible Original drama series Sacrilege: Curse of the Mbirwi, McLaughlin addressed how it feels to say goodbye to his beloved character and the impact the show has had on both himself and its global audience.
Final filming day brings a rush of feelings
During discussions about Stranger Things concluding, McLaughlin recalled his reaction on the last day of filming, expressing gratitude and recognizing the significance of the moment after so many years spent with the cast and crew. He opened up about experiencing strong emotions as the final scenes were shot, demonstrating the deep personal connection he developed over the course of the decade.
“Man, I mean, I’ve kind of went through those emotions already. So now it’s for the fans to take that in and digest. I feel great. It’s been a blessing. Genuinely. It’s truly insane of how long it’s been. It’s like 10 years I’ve been on the show.”
—Caleb McLaughlin, Actor
McLaughlin admitted that he struggled to hold back tears during the last day of shooting, highlighting how meaningful the experience was not just for him, but for those around him as well.
“And last year, of course, the last day I was like, I’m not going to cry. I’m not going to cry.”
—Caleb McLaughlin, Actor
He ultimately found himself overwhelmed by the culmination of a decade’s worth of memories and friendships built throughout the show’s run.
“Ten years of just love, laughter and sadness and peace. So I was able to get all those feelings out. But honestly, I just feel blessed and just happy to have these guys and been a part of just something so amazing, and that has touched a lot of people.”
—Caleb McLaughlin, Actor
Growing up with Lucas and impacting viewers worldwide
McLaughlin further reflected on how portraying Lucas Sinclair shaped both his personal and professional life, as well as the experiences of millions of fans who grew up watching Stranger Things. He noted that, while the series represented a chance to fulfill his childhood dream of acting, it evolved into a cultural touchstone for others, resonating with viewers dealing with personal challenges and offering them an escape.
“I’ve done the show for so long, for, of course, myself and my love of art and TV, and this was my childhood dream, but this has been a lot of people’s childhood experience, and it’s gotten people past a lot of their trauma or things that they’ve experienced, and they watch the show and it’s helped them escape, you know what I mean?”
—Caleb McLaughlin, Actor
Anticipation builds for the final season’s structured rollout
Netflix has officially confirmed a three-part global release for Stranger Things Season Five. Fans can expect the conclusion to unfold with the first chapter launching November 27 at 1am GMT, the second installment arriving December 26, and the series finale making its debut on New Year’s Day in the UK. This approach underscores the event status of the closing episodes, as audiences around the world prepare for the show’s finale.
“The fight isn’t over yet. Get ready for the epic series finale of Stranger Things.
Volume 1: November 26, 5pm PT*Volume 2: Christmas, 5pm PT*The Finale: New Year’s Eve, 5pm PT*”
—Netflix (@netflix), June 1, 2025
The Duffers prepare fans for a fast-paced final chapter
Since February 2022, creators Matt and Ross Duffer have made it clear that the upcoming fifth season will serve as the series’ conclusion. Speaking to NME, Matt Duffer shared that viewers should expect a noticeable shift in pacing. Unlike previous seasons, where storylines gradually build and wrap up neatly, the final season will thrust the audience directly into the heart of the action, with no slow introduction.
“Typically in the previous seasons, everything wraps up in a nice bow,”
—Matt Duffer, Creator
The creators emphasized that seasons four and five were conceptualized as a cohesive narrative arc, promising that the finale will be more intense and its structure strikingly different from earlier years.
“Then it gets crazier and crazier and crazier – that’s typically the trajectory. Five, you’re just going to be right in the middle of it so it’s going to feel very, very different.”
—Matt Duffer, Creator
Looking ahead to the final Stranger Things chapters
As Stranger Things prepares for its global sendoff, Caleb McLaughlin’s personal reflections echo the feelings of many, signifying the end of an era for both cast and fans. With Matt and Ross Duffer promising a fresh and urgent pace, and Netflix confirming a coordinated worldwide release, anticipation continues to build for the final installments. The conclusion will not only mark an emotional farewell for those behind the scenes, but will also leave a lasting legacy among the audience who grew up with Hawkins and its cast of characters.
