Four Stranger Things characters not returning to season five, plus one surprising comeback

After nearly a decade in the Upside Down, Stranger Things is finally coming to an end. Netflix’s hit sci-fi show will wrap up with a fifth and final season — reportedly split into three separate drops — but not everyone from Hawkins will be returning for one last ride.

Credit: Netflix

Since its 2016 debut, Stranger Things has turned its cast into global actors, who all went from small-town mystery solvers to Hollywood A-listers. Back in February 2022, creators Matt and Ross Duffer confirmed in an open letter that the show’s story was always meant to last “four to five seasons” — and that season five would mark the end.

“We are now hurtling toward our finale”, they teased.

So, who’s heading back to Hawkins for the final chapter — and who’s not making the trip?

Argyle (Eduardo Franco)

Credit: Netflix

Sadly, Jonathan’s pizza-loving best friend is officially out. Eduardo Franco confirmed on The Steve Varley Show in January 2024 that he “never got a phone call” about returning. “So I think, yeah, I think that’s it,” he said. RIP to Surfer Boy Pizza’s finest.

Suzie (Gabriella Pizzolo)

Credit: Netflix

Despite being a favourite character (and Dustin’s long-distance genius girlfriend), Suzie won’t appear in season five. People had hoped to see her outside of her brief phone-call cameos — but sadly, no more “NeverEnding Story” duets this time.

Terry Ives (Aimee Mullins)

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Eleven’s mum won’t be getting the closure fans hoped for either. It looks like Terry will remain in her catatonic state, meaning no final-season reunion for the Byers-Hopper-Hawkins gang.

Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn)

Credit: Netflix

Sorry, Eddie truthers — he’s still dead, and definitely not returning to Stranger Things. “No, sadly, RIP. [Eddie is] fully under that ground,” Matt Duffer confirmed to Empire in October 2025. We’ll miss him shredding “Master of Puppets”, but Joseph Quinn’s been busy becoming a movie star anyway.

Mr. Clarke (Randy Havens)

Credit: Netflix

He’s back, science nerds! Beloved Hawkins Middle School teacher Mr. Clarke, who last appeared in season three, will be returning to Stranger Things. The actor was spotted in a behind-the-scenes photo with Priah Ferguson (Erica Sinclair) in full costume. It’s a perfect nod to the show’s season-one roots.

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Featured image credit: Netflix