As fans eagerly await the final season of Stranger Things, actor David Harbour, who plays the beloved Jim Hopper in the series, has offered a glimpse into the emotional conclusion of the Netflix hit. During a recent interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Harbour shared how deeply moving the finale was, revealing that even during the table read, the cast was overwhelmed with emotion.
Cast in Tears During the Finale Table Read
David Harbour shared that the table read for the final episode left the cast in tears, particularly during the last 20 minutes. “The end of this episode when we were reading it — just us reading it — about halfway through, people started crying. Then about the last 20 minutes, it was just uncontrollably crying, waves of different people. Noah Schnapp being my favourite!” he said, referring to the actor who plays Will Byers in the series.
For Harbour, who has been part of the show since its debut in 2016, the finale holds special meaning. He expressed his belief that the Stranger Things creators, the Duffer Brothers, have delivered the best episode of the entire series. “They land the plane, and it is the best episode they’ve ever done,” Harbour emphasized, confidently adding that fans will not be disappointed with how the series concludes.
The Weight of Nostalgia and a Decade of Memories
Part of the emotional weight of the final season comes from the fact that the young cast, who started the show as children, are now wrapping up a series that has defined their teenage years. Reflecting on this, Harbour noted, “I think part of that also is the fact that these kids, it was their childhood. It's 10 years later, and we examine that idea, and it's so well done and so beautiful.”
Harbour admitted that even though he was prepared for an emotional end, the power of the story took him by surprise. “It’s such a great episode, and it’s such a great season. You guys will love it,” he promised.
The Anticipation for Season 5
The final season of Stranger Things has been one of Netflix’s most highly anticipated projects, with millions of fans eager to see how the supernatural saga will conclude. The show has captivated audiences with its blend of 1980s nostalgia, horror, and heartfelt storytelling since it first premiered.
While Netflix has yet to announce the release date for season 5, Harbour’s comments only add to the anticipation. The actor has been a crucial part of the show’s success, with his portrayal of Jim Hopper providing both emotional depth and heroism to the narrative.
A Star-Studded Cast Set for an Epic Conclusion
In addition to Harbour, Stranger Things boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven), Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler), Noah Schnapp (Will Byers), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair), and Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield). Other stars like Matthew Modine, Brett Gelman, and Joseph Quinn have also played pivotal roles throughout the series.
As fans prepare to say goodbye to the show, Harbour’s comments offer reassurance that the final chapter of Stranger Things will be a memorable, emotional, and satisfying conclusion to one of the most beloved shows of the last decade. The four previous seasons are currently available to stream on Netflix, while the release of the fifth and final season remains highly anticipated.