Inside ‘Stranger Things’ crew’s ‘emotional and cathartic experience’ before bidding farewell to the series

Stranger Things has officially ended following the premiere of its final episode on December 31.

However, the show’s cast and crew got to take in the experience before everyone else at a cinema screening days before the latest release.

Ross Duffer, co-creator of the series and one half of the Duffer Brothers, shared on his Instagram that his brother and many of the cast members watched the final episode at the Netflix-owned Paris Theatre in New York City.

Taking place on December 19, the series executive shared that the screening was “an emotional and cathartic experience” for everyone in attendance.

“Hanging out afterwards, I looked around at all these incredible artists — laughing, crying, supporting one another — and felt so lucky that we remain so close, bonded by these ten years,” his caption continued. “While we’re finished telling this story, we are family now, forever.”

Ross further shared hope that audiences would love the show’s conclusion as much as the rest of them do, while adding, “We are forever grateful for your support and love over the years, which allowed us to end this journey the way we always envisioned.”

Joining Ross and Matt Duffer at the screening were castmates Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Maya Hawke, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Cara Buono.

Titled The Rightside Up, the final episode of Stranger Things was the eighth among its fifth and final season, also screening in various sold out venues worldwide until January 1.