The long-awaited finale of Netflix’s Stranger Things left many fans confused, frustrated, and emotionally cold—and now a newly released behind-the-scenes documentary is pouring gasoline on the backlash. Viewers are pointing to revelations in the film as proof that the show’s ending felt rushed, disjointed, and, in their words, “soulless.”
The documentary, One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5, reveals that production on the final season began before the script for the finale was even finished. In candid footage, creators Matt and Ross Duffer admit they entered filming without a completed final episode, calling it the most difficult writing situation they’ve faced throughout the series’ decade-long run.
That admission immediately set off alarm bells online. Fans who were already unhappy with the finale began connecting the dots, arguing that the lack of narrative payoff, unresolved character arcs, and abrupt emotional beats now make sense. For many, the documentary felt like confirmation that the ending wasn’t carefully crafted—but stitched together under pressure.
The outrage escalated further when viewers spotted what appeared to be ChatGPT tabs open on a computer during a behind-the-scenes moment. Screenshots quickly went viral on X and Reddit, with claims that artificial intelligence may have played a role in shaping the final season’s script. The idea that one of Netflix’s most iconic series could have relied on AI during its conclusion sent fans into a frenzy.
Critics flooded social media with accusations, suggesting that algorithmic assistance could explain why the finale lacked emotional depth. Memes and sarcastic posts mocked the situation as a “most 2026 plot twist,” while others declared that AI had stripped the show of its soul.
However, not everyone is convinced. Some fans and tech-savvy viewers argue the screenshots are misleading, pointing out that the icons resemble Google Docs tabs with memory-saving features rather than ChatGPT. Others note that writing while filming isn’t unheard of in television, even on major productions, and that controversial endings often spark stronger reactions regardless of how they’re made.
Still, for many longtime viewers, the damage is done. The documentary has reframed how the finale is being judged, shifting the conversation from creative choice to production chaos. Fans now see the ending less as a bold artistic decision and more as the byproduct of an unfinished script racing against the clock.
As debates rage on, Stranger Things’ legacy now carries an unexpected asterisk. Whether AI played any role or not, the documentary has exposed a frantic final chapter behind the scenes—one that, in the eyes of many fans, explains why saying goodbye to Hawkins felt so hollow.
