Stranger Things celebrates 8th anniversary with touching season 5 behind the scenes video

Happy birthday, Stranger Things! On July 15, 2016, a pop culture phenomenon began as Netflix premiered the first season of what would become one of its most popular original series — and one of the most popular television series of all time, period.

In celebration of the eighth anniversary of the series, Netflix released a new behind the scenes video from the filming of the final season.

Production on Stranger Things season 5 recently hit the halfway point, and while there's much more filming and waiting to go before the swan song hits our Netflix watch lists at some point in 2025, the cast and crew continue to give us fans small glimpses of what they're working on to hold us over. After all, we don't want to be spoiled on any of the big season 5 moments.

In the behind the scenes video, the expansive soundstage and sets are teased, including Hawkins High School in a scene with Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will and other special (but quick!) moments of the cast on set. Joe Keery and Maya Hawke kick off the first day of filming, Sadie Sink wanders through the massive wardrobe warehouse, and Millie Bobby Brown reflects on her 10-year journey with the show.

Overall, the new clip is filled from top to bottom with Easter eggs for day-one fans and nostalgic sentiments from the cast that will hit you directly in the feels. It's one big "try not to cry challenge," and it's at level extremely difficult. But the video will also have you more excited than ever for Stranger Things season 5 and what's to come in the epic ending. Check it out below!

Stranger Things season 5 adds three mysterious characters

In addition to the behind the scenes teaser, the big anniversary of Stranger Things was marked by the addition of three new cast members to season 5. Nell Fisher, Jake Connelly, and Alex Breaux have joined the final season in currently undisclosed roles. But if you look closely in the BTS slip, you can spot each of the newcomers and piece together some clues about who they might play.

Some fans are predicting that Nell Fisher might be playing Nancy and Mike's little sister Holly, which would make sense. As for Connelly and Breaux, their characters are less clear based on the video clip, so we'll have to wait for more information. The video does, however, include some exciting words from season 5 newbie Linda Hamilton... but again, details on her character are scarce.

Obviously, all Stranger Things fans are antsy with all the build-up to the final season and the secrecy surrounding the upcoming storylines. Eight years of one of the most thrilling and innovative shows of all time all comes down to just one more larger-than-life season. Hopefully, by the ninth anniversary next year, we'll will have already watched or will be about to watch season 5.

Stay tuned for more Stranger Things news and updates from Netflix Life!