Joe Keery, known for his role as Steve Harrington in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, has recently shared his thoughts on the show's conclusion, urging fans to accept that "it’s truly over". The final episode of the fifth season, titled "Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up," premiered on December 31, 2025, bringing an end to the supernatural saga that began in 2016.

Keery's journey with Stranger Things has been a significant part of his life, spanning nearly a decade. Reflecting on the experience, the actor expressed "bittersweet" emotions, acknowledging the show's profound impact on his career. "Stranger Things was the project that truly launched Keery's career, so Keery considers the ending bittersweet". He admitted feeling a sense of relief alongside the sadness, noting that "it does feel like it's time" for the story to conclude.

In an interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in January 2025, Keery reflected on the emotional weight of filming the final season. "But to wrap it all up and the anticipation of working on something for so long — I mean it's been one-third of my life, really,” he said. "It was emotional,” Keery added. “We sort of got to that last day and it was like everything really hit on that last day of shooting". He also expressed his gratitude for his castmates, referring to them as "family for life".

The series finale, written and directed by the Duffer Brothers, saw the characters confronting Vecna in a final, desperate attempt to save Hawkins and the world. The production team reportedly structured the filming schedule so that each actor's last day on set coincided with their character's final scene, adding to the emotional impact. Keery described the material as "incredible," despite the fatigue everyone felt after a year of filming.

While some viewers have expressed disappointment or debated plot points, Keery seems content with the ending that Steve Harrington received. The finale included a time jump, showing the characters rebuilding their lives and pursuing individual paths. Despite the changes, a promise to stay in touch underscored the enduring bonds formed during their shared experiences.

Looking ahead, fans can anticipate an animated series titled Tales from '85, which will explore the period between seasons 2 and 3. The Duffer brothers are also developing a Stranger Things spin-off set in the same universe but featuring new characters and a different time period. While the Duffer brothers will not be showrunners, they have indicated that the Mind Flayer rock will play an important role in the new series.

As for Joe Keery, he is ready to embrace new opportunities. While acknowledging that Stranger Things has been instrumental in his career, he aims to "move forward and try to just hold on to the joy that we had when we were making it". He asks that fans accept the ending and allow the cast and crew to move on to new projects.