Millie Bobby Brown Reflects on ‘Stranger Things’ Journey: “It’s Taught Me a Lot About Being a Professional and a Friend”
As Stranger Things nears its long-awaited conclusion, Millie Bobby Brown is taking a heartfelt look back at the decade that defined her career and shaped her life. At the Los Angeles premiere of the show’s fifth and final season on November 6, 2025, the 21-year-old star opened up about the lessons, friendships, and growth she’s gained from portraying the beloved character Eleven since the show’s 2016 debut.
A Decade of Lessons and Lifelong Bonds
Speaking with PEOPLE at the TCL Chinese Theatre, Brown reflected on what she’s learned during her time on the hit Netflix series. “It’s taught me a lot of lessons about being a professional person, about being an actor, about being a friend,” she said. “It’s given me the most amazing people in my life to call up when I need them most, and that’s my family.”
The actress emphasized that building meaningful connections with her castmates and crew has been one of the most rewarding parts of her journey. “Probably the most amazing part about all of this is the family I’ve built from it,” she added, acknowledging how much the series has shaped her personal and professional growth.
The Emotional Final Premiere
Brown arrived at the Season 5 premiere alongside David Harbour, who plays Jim Hopper, marking what will be their final promotional appearance together as part of the Stranger Things cast. For Brown, the moment was bittersweet but deeply meaningful.
“I’m so honored and blessed to have been a part of this show for so many years,” she shared. “For my childhood to have been recorded, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
As the red carpet buzzed with nostalgia and emotion, longtime fans and fellow cast members reflected on how the series evolved from a sci-fi sleeper hit into a pop culture phenomenon that defined a generation of streaming entertainment.
What to Expect from Season 5
The fifth and final season of Stranger Things picks up in the fall of 1987, following the chaos left behind by Vecna’s disappearance. According to Netflix’s official synopsis, “Vecna has vanished, his whereabouts and plans unknown.” But the looming threat over Hawkins, Indiana, remains stronger than ever.
“Complicating their mission, the government has placed the town under military quarantine and intensified its hunt for Eleven, forcing her back into hiding,” the synopsis continues. As the anniversary of Will’s disappearance approaches, “so does a heavy, familiar dread. The final battle is looming — and with it, a darkness more powerful and more deadly than anything they’ve faced before.”
The streaming giant teased that the final season will bring every major character back together “one last time,” promising an epic conclusion to the saga that began nearly a decade ago.
Millie Bobby Brown on the New Season
In a previous interview previewing the season, Brown hinted that fans can expect a more intense, action-packed storyline. “It’s more of an adventure and more of a mission, which I really like,” she said. “Everybody is really put into the thick of it. No one is sitting back on a walkie-talkie — everyone is full throttle, going for it.”
Her enthusiasm has only fueled excitement among fans who have been waiting for the series’ final chapter since Season 4 ended in July 2022.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Role
Since joining the cast as Eleven at just 12 years old, Brown’s portrayal has earned her critical acclaim, Emmy nominations, and a devoted fanbase around the world. Over time, she’s grown from a young breakout star into a multi-talented actor, producer, and author.
Her reflections at the premiere highlighted just how intertwined her personal growth has been with the show’s success. “It’s taught me so much about who I am and who I want to be,” she said, underscoring how much the role of Eleven shaped both her artistry and her perspective.
The Legacy of Stranger Things
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As one of Netflix’s most-watched and influential series, Stranger Things has redefined the modern era of television storytelling. It’s launched the careers of its young cast, revived 1980s nostalgia, and delivered some of the most memorable moments in pop culture history.
With its combination of supernatural mystery, emotional storytelling, and cinematic scale, the series has left a lasting imprint on audiences around the world. For Brown and her co-stars, saying goodbye is both an emotional farewell and a celebration of everything they’ve achieved together.
Premiere and Release Details
Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1 will premiere on November 26, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on Netflix, followed by Volume 2 on December 25, and the finale on December 31. The final three-part release promises to close the saga with the same intensity, heart, and nostalgia that made it a global hit.
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