7 characters that deserve more screen time in Stranger Things season 5
Stranger Things is a popular Netflix show developed by the Duffer Brothers. Combining science fiction, horror, and 1980s nostalgia, the first season premiered in 2016. Over the four seasons, the show has gained popularity and a fan following.
Based in the small Indiana town of Hawkins, the series starts off as an underground lab inadvertently opens a doorway to a dark alternate universe named the Upside Down.
When the lives of these people are disrupted by inexplicable occurrences, a group of children and adults discover the lab's experiments and the increasing threat from the alternate universe.
Season after season, the characters in Stranger Things battle horrors and government conspiracies while walking through the challenges of adulthood, coming of age, loss, and friendship.
With season 5 marking the series finale, several fan-favorite characters have been underutilized lately. Here is a preview of seven important characters, including Mike Wheeler, who deserve more screen time to complete their storylines and contribute to the show’s grand finale.
Disclaimer: The following list is ranked in no particular order, and the opinions expressed belong solely to the author.
Mike Wheeler and 6 other characters that deserve more screen time in Stranger Things season 5
1) Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard)
For most of Stranger Things season 4, Mike was off on the California-Nevada road trip, taking him out of Hawkins and the show's main story. After having been a main character and one of the primary leaders of the initial seasons, Mike's hold on the show weakened.
Stranger Things season 5 is the last chance to reintroduce Mike and provide a conclusion to his emotionally invested relationship with both El and Will. As the emotional core of the group, Mike holds everything together while others bring their own strengths.
In season 5, his renewed bond with El can help her regain her power, and finally connecting with Will’s feelings would give their friendship closure. Ending the series in Mike’s basement would bring the story full circle.
2) Will Byers (Noah Schnapp)
Will's psychic connection to the Upside Down was hardly explored in Stranger Things season 4, presumably an intentional decision to establish a larger role for him in the final season. However, as a result of his decreased screen time relative to Eleven, his initial significance is slowly being forgotten.
Will’s link to the Upside Down and Vecna makes him crucial to the final fight, and a strong arc in season 5 would complete his story. His feelings for Mike added emotional depth and vulnerability.
The series finale has to see Will restore himself as the emotional center of the circle and come to closure on his arc, at last providing fans with the emotional resolution they have been anticipating.
3) Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton)
Jonathan was an interesting character in the initial seasons of Stranger Things—a brooding underdog who earned Nancy Wheeler's approval and assisted in protecting his brother Will through troubled times.
In season 4, Jonathan was mostly reduced to comic relief, which undercut his depth as a mature, responsible figure in his father’s absence. While he deserved a break from constant responsibility, he also needs a growth arc, especially with season 4 hinting at his struggle between following his own path and supporting his family.
The unresolved Steve-Nancy-Jonathan triangle returned in season 4 without closure. For a satisfying ending, Jonathan needs to be fully present, and giving him growth and resolution will do justice to this likable character.
4) Lucas Sinclair (Caleb McLaughlin)
In season 4, Lucas mostly appeared in his basketball subplot and as support for Max, but his emotional performance during Vecna’s attack proved he deserves a bigger role in the final battle.
As the only main character navigating both the Hellfire Club and the basketball team, Lucas brings a relatable, grounded perspective to the show's supernatural chaos. With his own distinct view and close connection to the group, Lucas is due additional screen time for the last season. His plot has the potential to bring the show back to core friendships, central to Stranger Things, with the original four taking center stage.
5) Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder)
As the heart of the Byers family, Joyce remains key to the story. Though she appeared in season 4, her screen time was limited because she was separated from her children. With the story rooted in her family, it makes sense for Stranger Things season 5 to show their reunion, as Joyce is still the emotional anchor for Will and Jonathan.
Joyce has shown unwavering intuition and determination since season 1 and deserves to remain a strong, independent presence beyond just being Hopper’s partner. She doesn’t need much screen time, but meaningful moments with or without Hopper would give her the fitting send-off she deserves.
6) Erica Sinclair (Priah Ferguson)
Erica Sinclair stood out in Stranger Things season 3 for her quick wit and bravery, and though her screen time dropped in season 4, she still made an impact with her sharp thinking in key moments.
Erica acts as the bridge between the younger and older characters, bringing back the original heroes’ youthful energy and keeping the show’s spirit alive. While she is only 12, her bravery and quick thinking could make her a standout in the final season, possibly even as a leader for the next generation.
7) Dr. Sam Owens (Paul Reiser)
Dr. Sam Owens (Paul Reiser) played a key role in Stranger Things, especially in season 4, yet had limited screen time. As the only clearly well-meaning government figure helping Eleven, he operates in a morally gray area but with genuine care.
Co-founding Project NINA to restore Eleven’s powers, his expertise could be vital in the final season, and he remains one of the few adult allies the kids can truly trust.
With Hopper's return, there is no need to phase Owens out. His humanity and skills remain story-relevant. With so much left to learn, we would love to see Owens return with a greater presence in season 5.
Stranger Things season 5 will stream on Netflix, with the final season split into three parts, releasing on November 26, December 25, and December 31, 2025.
