Stranger Things has always portrayed the Upside Down as a dangerous, monster-filled dimension, dominated early on by the terrifying Demogorgon. Over the years, fans came to associate the parallel world with relentless threats and violent creatures lurking at every turn.
Season five expanded the mythology further by revealing that the Upside Down functions as a wormhole connecting Earth to a deeper realm known as the Abyss—the true origin of its monsters. That revelation raised a natural question among viewers: if the heroes ventured directly into the monsters’ home territory during the finale, why were there no Demogorgons waiting for them?
The absence stood out, but it turns out it was a deliberate creative choice rather than a narrative oversight. In a recent interview with Variety, the director of Netflix’s upcoming behind-the-scenes documentary explained that the show’s creators intentionally pulled back on Demogorgon appearances to avoid repetition.
Why the Creators Chose Restraint—and Let Emotion Lead the Finale
The documentary captures a candid discussion in the writers’ room, where the creative team openly debates the decision. According to director Martina Radwan, those moments highlight how carefully the writers evaluate fan expectations while shaping the story’s emotional impact.
During the conversation, the idea of “Demogorgon fatigue” emerged, with members of the writing team—including the Duffer Brothers—acknowledging that restraint could make the finale feel fresher and more meaningful. Rather than flooding the climax with familiar monsters, the team chose to let the setting and emotional stakes carry the weight.
The documentary leaves this creative tension unresolved on screen, reflecting the real-time nature of the decision-making process. By the time viewers watch the documentary, they already know the outcome: the final journey into the Abyss unfolds without Demogorgons dominating the scene.
Netflix’s documentary, One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5, premieres on Netflix on January 12. It offers fans a rare look into the thoughtful, collaborative process behind the show’s final chapter—proving that sometimes, what creators choose to leave out matters just as much as what they put on screen.
