Even after concluding its nine-year run, Stranger Things continues to spark debate online. The release of the behind-the-scenes documentary Stranger Things: One Last Adventure, which premiered on January 12, has reignited criticism surrounding the show’s divisive finale, with some fans now accusing the creators, the Duffer Brothers, of relying on AI tools like ChatGPT while writing the final season.
The popular Netflix series, which first premiered in 2016, officially wrapped up in 2025, but reactions to its ending remain sharply divided.
Fans Spot ChatGPT Tabs in Documentary
The renewed controversy began after viewers claimed to have noticed multiple ChatGPT tabs open on a computer screen shown briefly in the documentary. Screenshots and clips circulated widely on social media, prompting speculation that artificial intelligence may have played a role in developing the final script.
Several fans expressed disappointment online, questioning the creative process behind the show’s conclusion.
“The Duffer Brothers used ChatGPT to write Stranger Things Season 5. Now we know why the finale felt off,” one user wrote. Another commented, “They were using ChatGPT and Reddit while working on the ending. No wonder it felt incomplete.”
While the creators have not officially responded to these claims, the speculation has fueled ongoing discussions about AI’s role in creative storytelling.
Finale Draws Harsh Comparisons
The final episode of Stranger Things received strong backlash from a section of viewers, with some comparing it unfavourably to the much-criticised finale of Game of Thrones. The episode has attracted a noticeable number of one-star reviews on IMDb, particularly from parts of South Asia and the Middle East, according to fan observations.
Many viewers felt the ending lacked originality and emotional payoff, despite years of buildup and promises of an unpredictable conclusion.
About Stranger Things
Set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, Stranger Things blends science fiction, horror, and 1980s nostalgia. The story follows a group of friends whose lives change dramatically after the mysterious disappearance of Will Byers. With the help of Eleven, a girl with powerful telekinetic abilities, they uncover the dark secrets of the Upside Down, a dangerous parallel world linked to their town.
The series stars Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Linda Hamilton, among others.
The series finale aired on December 31, officially closing the chapter on one of Netflix’s most iconic shows.
