David Harbour, known for playing Jim Hopper in the Netflix series Stranger Things, has expressed his relief that the show will end with its upcoming fifth season, highlighting his desire to seek fresh roles after almost a decade in the same part. With Stranger Things concluding later this year, Harbour is now looking forward to new opportunities and experiences beyond the familiar world of Hawkins, Indiana—a shift that encapsulates the focus keyword: David Harbour relieved Stranger Things ends with season 5.
Anticipating the Final Season’s Conclusion
Stranger Things, the widely popular sci-fi thriller, is set to wrap up its story in Season 5, which will air in two parts: Volume 1 on November 26 and Volume 2 on December 25, with the series finale arriving on December 31. The show, following the adventures of its primary characters as they confront the dangers of the Upside Down and face off against Vecna one last time, has made a significant cultural impact since its debut. The cast, including Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven and Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler, has grown along with their characters throughout the series’ run, cementing its legacy within Netflix’s lineup.
Harbour’s Reflections on a Decade as Jim Hopper
During a conversation with Scarlett Johansson in Interview Magazine, Harbour explained why the show’s ending brings a sense of relief despite his affection for the role. Still engaged and energetic, he described the complex emotions that have come with such a lengthy commitment:
“When I started I loved it so much. Buddies of mine who’d done TV shows for many years said, ‘By season three or four you’ll be running.’ And I was like, ‘Never! I love all these guys so much.’ And then you get to a certain point where you’re like, ‘How much more story is there?’ You’re having to play a lot of the same beat, and there’s a feeling where you’re like, ‘I want to take a risk. I want to do something that people haven’t seen me do before.’ So yeah, after 10 years, it’s like, ‘Okay.'” —David Harbour, Actor
Harbour’s comments reveal a mix of deep gratitude for the experience and an eagerness to leave his comfort zone. After portraying Hopper since the first season’s launch in July 2016, the actor acknowledges both his enjoyment and the repetitiveness that can come from playing the same character for years on end. The opportunity to take risks and surprise audiences now motivates his outlook for post-Stranger Things projects.
Expanding Beyond Hawkins: Harbour’s Career Evolution
While David Harbour’s commitment to Stranger Things has been substantial, he has still found ways to take on diverse projects between seasons. Notably, he appeared as Red Guardian in multiple Marvel Cinematic Universe films, took on the role of Santa Claus in Violent Night, and played Jack Salter in the 2023 film Gran Turismo. These ventures showcase Harbour’s ability to step into new genres and roles amid his obligations on the Stranger Things set.
The impending series finale grants Harbour the scheduling freedom to embrace a broader range of parts. He is already set to star in Violent Night 2 and will voice Eric Frankenstein in DC Universe’s Creature Commandos animated series. His other upcoming appearances include reprising Red Guardian for Marvel Zombies and Avengers: Doomsday. Moving forward, Harbour is positioned to further expand his filmography with roles that may challenge him and allow audiences to see new facets of his talent.
Stranger Things season 5 began filming on January 8, 2024, and concluded in December 2024, marking the end of an era for the show’s cast and crew.
The Impact of Stranger Things’ Conclusion for Harbour and Viewers
Given the long stretch since the show’s inception, it is understandable that Harbour would feel ready to move into other ventures. Nine years as Hopper demanded a sustained focus on one character and story, even as he managed to bring other memorable personas to audiences. The end of Stranger Things marks a turning point not only for the cast—Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, and others—but also for viewers who have followed each twist and battle from Hawkins to the Upside Down.
The upcoming episodes of season 5 will revisit a character from the original season, hinting at old mysteries finally being resolved, including those connected to Harbour’s character. These new developments, paired with the culmination of the beloved series, create a mix of nostalgia and anticipation for both fans and the actors.
Key Dates for Stranger Things Season 5 Release
Netflix has confirmed three major release dates for the final season of Stranger Things:
1. Season 5, Volume 1: November 26, 2025
2. Season 5, Volume 2: December 25, 2025
3. Series Finale: December 31, 2025
With these dates on the horizon, fans are preparing to say goodbye to Hawkins, to Jim Hopper, and to the fictional world that launched David Harbour and his castmates into global recognition. The anticipation for these final episodes balances the excitement of more story with the awareness of the series’ closure. As Harbour ventures into new projects—whether as Eric Frankenstein, Red Guardian, or other future roles—his candid reflections offer insight into the evolving nature of a career in television and film. Stranger Things will leave a lasting impression, but, as Harbour’s remarks suggest, the adventure beyond Hawkins may be just as compelling.
