Hideo Kojima has shared a deeply personal reflection following the release of Stranger Things Season 5, marking the conclusion of the long-running Netflix series. The message was posted on social media shortly after the final episode aired, offering insight into how the show intersected with a significant period in Kojima’s own life and career.
In his statement, Kojima described Stranger Things as more than just a television series, framing it as a companion during a difficult transitional phase. He wrote, “STRANGER THINGS has reached its finale. For me, it was actually a very special drama series. It began in 2016, during my difficult time right after I went independent, a period filled with anxiety and loneliness.” He went on to explain that this period also coincided with his first exposure to streaming services as a new form of entertainment, giving the series additional personal meaning.
Kojima reflected on the passage of time between the show’s debut and its conclusion, noting how both the characters and he himself changed along the way. “Over the past ten years, I’ve spent time with Eleven, the others, and the people of Hawkins including the monsters from the Upside Down, receiving courage from them and being pushed forward again and again,” he stated. He further drew parallels between the fictional struggles of the characters and his own real-world experiences, describing life itself as a kind of Upside Down.
The message also addressed the emotional weight of the series ending, while emphasizing its lasting presence. Kojima remarked that although it is sad to no longer see the characters continue their story onscreen, the world of Stranger Things remains accessible through memory and imagination. He highlighted the symbolic use of Dungeons and Dragons within the series, framing storytelling as something that continues to live on within its audience.
Kojima concluded his post with a message of gratitude and reflection, stating that the story is not about saying goodbye, but about continuation through remembrance and creativity. He ended by thanking the series directly, writing, “Thank you, STRANGER THINGS”.
Stranger Things concluded with its fifth and final season, released exclusively on Netflix in a three-part rollout. Volume One premiered on November 26, 2025, followed by Volume Two on December 26, with the final two-hour episode released on January 1, 2026. Set in the fall of 1987, the concluding chapters followed the characters through a military-controlled Hawkins as they mounted a final confrontation against Vecna. While the central storyline has ended, the franchise is expected to continue in other forms, closing one chapter while leaving the broader world intact.
