Stranger Things ends its run without a defining Emmy win after latest snub

There's no denying that the final season of Stranger Things was one of the biggest events that have occurred on Netflix in, well, its entire history of existence. The fifth and final season aired in three parts across three holidays in the last stretch of 2025, and with all of the hype, excitement, and conversation surrounding season 5, fans were wondering whether the Emmys would take note.

Unfortunately, our Hawkins heroes' final battle against Vecna didn't translate to much more recognition from the Television Academy than in the past. While Stranger Things earned four nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series and multiple nods for various performances in the show, the fifth and final season was completely shut out in the top Emmy categories.

Stranger Things season 5 snubbed in major Emmy Award categories

For the a grand finale season that felt, well, grand and worthy of Emmy recognition, Stranger Things season 5 was shut out of the Outstanding Drama Series category and none of the actors received nominations in the lead or supporting acting categories. The show might have gone out with a bang on Netflix, but when it comes to award season, the show's going out with a fizzle.

Despite being snubbed in the major categories at the 2026 Emmy Awards, Stranger Things season 5 still managed to earn seven nominations in technical categories. It's a bummer that the series as a whole and the cast won't be able to receive recognition for their excellent work in the final season, but those behind the scenes who made the finale episode look incredible could still be.

These are the seven Emmy Award nominations for Stranger Things season 5:

• Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour)
• Outstanding Special VIsual Effects in a Season or a Movie
• Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More)
• Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup
• Outstanding Music Supervision
• Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour)
• Outstanding Stunt Coordination for Drama Programming

Looking over that list, the recognition for special effects, prosthetic makeup, and other aspects of the show's movie magic makes so much sense. These talented artists, craftsman, and designers are just as integral to Stranger Things' legacy as the cast and even the Duffer Brothers. There's no Upside Down with a production designer or special effects artist to give the spooky realm reality.

David Harbour and Millie Bobby Brown each earned Emmy Award nominations for their performances in 2017 and 2018, but no other cast members have been nominated or been nominated since. There's no doubt that both Harbour, who was nominated this year for his work in HBO's limited series DTF: St. Louis, and Brown warranted recognition for their performances in season 5.

It's a shame that Stranger Things ends an unbelievable nearly decade-long run without a defining win at the Emmy Awards, but a legacy and longevity isn't completely written by award wins or nominations. No one will forget about Stranger Things because it wasn't nominated for an Emmy. We'll be talking about this show and it's impact for decades and decades to come.

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