Charlie Heaton recalls emotional last day on set of Stranger Things

Charlie Heaton has opened up about the emotional experience of filming his final scenes for Stranger Things season 5, reflecting on what it was like to say goodbye to the hit Netflix series after nearly a decade.

The actor, who has played Jonathan Byers since the show premiered in 2016, described his last day on set as one he will never forget.

“It was incredibly emotional,” Heaton said while recalling the final moments of filming. “That last day was really special. It’s something that will stay with me forever.” He explained that the weight of ending such a long chapter in his life hit him fully once filming wrapped, as the cast realized they would no longer be returning to the same set or characters that shaped their careers.

Heaton also spoke about the strong bond shared among the cast, noting how rare it is to experience that level of closeness in the industry. “You don’t often get to work with the same people for that long,” he said. “There’s a lot of love there. We grew up together in many ways, so saying goodbye was tough, but also very beautiful.”

Reflecting on the atmosphere on set, Heaton shared that the emotions felt during the final scenes were completely genuine. “There was no pretending,” he said. “Everyone was feeling it. We all knew this was the end, and that honesty made the day even more meaningful.” According to the actor, the final moments were filled with gratitude as much as sadness.

As Stranger Things comes to an end with season 5, Heaton acknowledged the impact the series has had on his life. “This show changed everything for me,” he said. “It gave me a career, friendships for life, and experiences I’ll always be thankful for.”