Netflix's Stranger Things Documentary backlash explained: Fans accuse Duffer Brothers of AI use – Firstpost
The recently released Netflix documentary ‘Stranger Things: One Last Adventure — The Making of Stranger Things 5’ has reignited fan frustration over the much-debated finale of the hit series, as viewers have hit back at what they perceive as troubling behind-the-scenes revelations and creative choices.
The two-hour documentary, which debuted on January 12, 2026, was intended to offer fans a deeper look at the production process behind Season 5, the final chapter of Stranger Things. Instead, it has provoked a fresh backlash online, with some viewers interpreting moments from the film as evidence of a chaotic creative process and raising claims that the show’s creators used artificial intelligence tools during script development.
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Why fans are upset
Much of the controversy centres on a brief shot in the documentary showing multiple browser tabs open on a writer’s laptop that several users on social media have identified as resembling ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence platform. Fans quickly shared screenshots on platforms like X and Reddit, leading to widespread speculation that the Duffer Brothers relied on AI in crafting Stranger Things’ final season, a claim that has no verified confirmation and remains based on interpretation of blurry images.
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Alongside the AI rumours, viewers have also taken issue with the documentary’s candid admissions, including that key scripts were unfinished when filming began and that significant creative disagreements occurred in the writers’ room. Some fans say these insights confirm lingering doubts about pacing, plot decisions and the overall execution of the series’ ending.
“The documentary feels more like a justification of why the season ended the way it did,” one Reddit commenter wrote, summarising a common reaction that the behind-the-scenes footage exposed weaknesses rather than clarified them.
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The polarised finale
Stranger Things Season 5 itself was contentious among a segment of the audience when it concluded in late 2025, with many fans expressing disappointment and debate over certain plot arcs, including the fate of key characters and narrative resolutions. The documentary’s release was expected to offer closure but instead appears to have amplified fan dissatisfaction, with discussions spreading rapidly on social media.
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Other viewers, however, have urged caution in interpreting documentary footage as evidence of AI usage or creative negligence, noting that tools like ChatGPT are widely used for research or brainstorming and do not necessarily indicate automated scriptwriting.
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