Stranger Things season 5 confirms Barb’s body will return

Barb returns in Stranger Things season 5 — but only as a haunting body in the Upside Down, wrapped in black vines

Stranger Things season 5 is bringing back one of its most unexpected icons, Barb.

After years of fan campaigns demanding “Justice for Barb,” the Duffer Brothers have confirmed that Shannon Purser’s character will make one final appearance in the Netflix show’s last season, though not in the way fans might hope.

According to TIME Magazine’s exclusive set visit, Barb’s body will be seen in the Upside Down, “covered in inky-black vines” and “half buried in the ground.” While she won’t return to life, this haunting moment serves as a full-circle tribute to the fan-favorite character whose death sparked one of the show’s first viral movements.

Barb was last seen in season 1 after being taken by the Demogorgon. Her off-screen death frustrated viewers who felt she was forgotten, leading to countless memes, think pieces, and a passionate online campaign for justice. The uproar eventually inspired a season 2 storyline that acknowledged her fate, giving her a proper funeral and confirming her role in exposing Hawkins Lab’s dark experiments.

The Duffer Brothers revealed that Netflix urged them to address Barb’s story. “The one note we consistently got was, ‘What about Barb?’” Ross Duffer told TIME. His brother Matt added, “Netflix kept harassing us about it — and it turns out they were right.”

As Stranger Things nears its conclusion, Barb’s return serves as a haunting reminder of the show’s origins and its devoted fandom. The final season premieres on Netflix November 26, with additional episodes arriving December 25 and December 31.