After nearly a decade of monsters, friendships, heartbreak, and unforgettable moments, Stranger Things has officially come to an end. But before fans fully say goodbye to Hawkins, Netflix is offering one last emotional journey.
Netflix is releasing a behind-the-scenes documentary titled One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 on January 12, 2026, just days after the Stranger Things series finale premiered on New Year’s Eve 2025. The documentary promises an intimate, emotional, and honest look at how one of Netflix’s biggest shows was brought to its final chapter.
For fans who grew up with Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Max, this isn’t just a documentary, but it’s closure.
A Front-Row Seat to the Final Season
Unlike short featurettes or promotional clips, One Last Adventure goes deep. The film chronicles the years of creative pressure, emotional weight, and hard work that went into finishing Stranger Things Season 5.
From the earliest moments in the writers’ room to the final day on set, the documentary follows the cast and crew through every stage of production. Viewers will see how storylines were shaped, how major decisions were debated, and how the team handled the responsibility of ending a show that defined an era of streaming television.
Netflix describes the film as a “front-row seat” to the making of the final season, and based on what’s been revealed so far, that description feels very accurate.
Directed by Martina Radwan: A Year Inside Hawkins
The documentary is directed by Martina Radwan, an Emmy-winning cinematographer best known for her work on Girls State. Radwan spent an entire year embedded with the Stranger Things cast and crew, documenting the process as it unfolded in real time.
This long-term access allowed her to capture moments that are rarely seen: quiet conversations between takes, emotional breakdowns after intense scenes, and the unfiltered reactions of cast members realizing this chapter of their lives was ending.
Rather than feeling polished or staged, the documentary aims to feel raw, honest, and deeply personal, much like the show itself.
Produced by MakeMake Productions
One Last Adventure is produced by Angus Wall, Terry Leonard, and Kent Kubena under MakeMake Productions. The team is known for crafting documentaries that focus on storytelling rather than spectacle, which fits perfectly with the tone Netflix is going for here.
Their goal was not just to show how Stranger Things was made, but why it mattered — to the creators, the actors, and the fans.
The Duffer Brothers’ Vision: Back to the “Nuts and Bolts”
Creators Matt and Ross Duffer had a clear vision for the documentary. They wanted to return to the “nuts and bolts” style of behind-the-scenes storytelling similar to the iconic production documentaries made for The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Instead of flashy edits or surface-level commentary, the Duffers wanted something grounded: real conversations, real emotions, and real struggles. They wanted fans to see the messy, difficult, and sometimes overwhelming process of bringing such a massive story to an end.
And most importantly, they wanted to show how much heart went into every decision.
Inside the Emotional Core of Stranger Things 5
One of the most powerful parts of the documentary is its focus on emotional milestones throughout production.
The Final Table Read
The film features footage from the final table read on September 8, 2024, a moment that left many cast members visibly emotional. Actors like Millie Bobby Brown and Noah Schnapp are shown holding back tears as they read the final lines of the series.
For many of them, Stranger Things wasn’t just a job; it was their childhood, their growth, and their family.
The Debate Over Eleven’s Fate
Fans will also get insight into one of the biggest creative debates of the season: Eleven’s fate. The documentary reveals discussions and disagreements in the writers’ room as the team wrestled with how best to honor her journey.
These moments show just how seriously the creators took their responsibility to the characters and to the fans who have followed them for years.
The Final Day and Wrap Party
The cameras don’t stop rolling on the last day of filming. Viewers will see the final goodbyes, hugs, tears, and celebrations, including scenes from the wrap party where cast and crew reflect on what the show meant to them.
It’s emotional, bittersweet, and deeply human.
Looking Back on a Decade of Stranger Things
The documentary also serves as a reflection on the show’s 10-year journey, which began with its debut in 2016.
Through interviews with the Duffer Brothers and the main cast, One Last Adventure looks back at:
- How Stranger Things became a global phenomenon
- The pressure of living up to fan expectations
- Growing up in front of the camera
- And how the show changed everyone involved
What stands out most is how grateful the cast and creators feel — not just for the success, but for the community that formed around the show.
Trailer Teases Tears and High Stakes
Netflix released the official trailer on January 5, 2026, giving fans a preview of what to expect. The footage shows tearful goodbyes, intense production moments, and emotional reflections from the cast.
The trailer makes one thing clear: this documentary is not just about how Stranger Things was made, it’s about saying goodbye the right way.
When and Where to Watch
Here’s everything you need to know about watching One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5:
- Platform: Netflix (exclusive)
- Release Date: Monday, January 12, 2026
- Release Time:
- 3:00 a.m. ET
- 12:00 a.m. PT
- Availability: Global release
A Final Gift for Stranger Things Fans
One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 feels like a love letter — to the fans, to the characters, and to the journey that started in a small town called Hawkins.
For anyone who laughed, cried, screamed, or grew up alongside this show, the documentary offers something rare: a chance to say goodbye properly.
The Upside Down may be closed, but the memories are forever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 about?
One Last Adventure is a behind-the-scenes documentary that shows how Stranger Things Season 5 was made. It follows the cast and crew through the writing process, filming, emotional final moments, and the challenges of ending the series after nearly 10 years.
2. When does the Stranger Things 5 documentary release?
The documentary releases on January 12, 2026, just days after the Stranger Things series finale aired on New Year’s Eve 2025.
3. What time will the documentary be available on Netflix?
The documentary will be available globally on Netflix at:
- 3:00 a.m. ET
- 12:00 a.m. PT
on Monday, January 12.
4. Where can I watch One Last Adventure?
You can watch One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 exclusively on Netflix. It will not be available on any other streaming platform.
5. Who directed the Stranger Things documentary?
The documentary is directed by Martina Radwan, an Emmy-winning cinematographer known for Girls State. She spent a full year embedded with the Stranger Things cast and crew.
6. Does the documentary include emotional cast moments?
Yes. The film features emotional footage from the final table read, the last day of filming, and personal moments with cast members, including Millie Bobby Brown and Noah Schnapp, as they bid farewell to the show.
7. Will the documentary reveal spoilers about Stranger Things 5?
The documentary focuses mainly on the making of the final season, but it does discuss major creative decisions, including debates about character endings. Fans who haven’t watched the finale should proceed with caution.
8. Is there a trailer for One Last Adventure?
Yes. Netflix released the official trailer on January 5, 2026, featuring tearful goodbyes, intense behind-the-scenes moments, and reflections from the cast and creators.
9. Why did the Duffer Brothers want to make this documentary?
The Duffer Brothers aimed to capture the “nuts and bolts” of making Stranger Things, much like classic behind-the-scenes documentaries like The Lord of the Rings. Their goal was to give fans an honest and meaningful farewell.