Easter eggs were hidden throughout the Stranger Things finale.
The series concluded its exceptional journey with an episode filled with nostalgia and emotion. But beyond the tears and triumph, the creators planted many clever references that fans and casual viewers may have missed.
These concealed details connect the finale to the show's origin and also pay tribute to the fans' beloved moments. From character tributes to conspiracy theories, these Easter eggs add additional layers of meaning for dedicated viewers. The finale of Stranger Things delivered a conclusion that honored the series's roots.
The Duffer Brothers ensured that old fans would spot connections to previous seasons and real-world inspirations behind the show.
The Montauk reference in the Stranger Things finale
One of the most crucial Stranger Things finale Easter eggs appears during a quiet restaurant sequence. Hopper tells Joyce about a job offer in Montauk, New York. This moment is more than an update on life. Montauk was the original title of the show before it became Stranger Things.
The series was supposed to take place in this Long Island city. The name comes from the Montauk Project, a conspiracy theory about secret government experiments involving mind control and time travel at Camp Hero military base.
The Montauk Project directly pushed the creation of Stranger Things. The Duffer Brothers became fascinated with this conspiracy theory during their high school years. It formed the foundation for Hawkins Lab and the experiments on kids with psychic abilities. By mentioning Montauk in the conclusion, the creators brought the story full circle.
The Philadelphia experiment connection as a Stranger Things finale Easter egg
Another hidden gem in the Stranger Things finale involves the Philadelphia talks. Jonathan, Nancy, Steve, and Robin discuss meeting up in Philadelphia. This references the Philadelphia Experiment, also known as Project Rainbow. This alleged 1943 naval test made a ship disappear and open several time portals.
The Philadelphia Experiment is closely linked to the Montauk Project conspiracy. The Broadway prequel, The First Shadow, reveals that Dr. Brenner's father was involved in the Philadelphia Experiment. This event set everything in motion. The ship was supposedly transported to Dimension X during the trial. This mirrors how Eleven later throws Henry Creel across dimensions using psychic powers.
Eddie's diploma moment at the graduation
Perhaps the most emotional of all Stranger Things finale moments honors the most beloved character, Eddie Munson. During his valedictorian speech, Dustin pulls off his robe after delivering bold statements to reveal a Hellfire Lives shirt. He later goes on to snatch his diploma from Principal Higgins and flips him off.
This moment validates a promise Eddie made in the fourth season. Eddie said he would do precisely this if he ever walked across the graduation stage. Eddie sacrificed himself to save Hawkins from the demobats. He never got a chance to fulfill his wish. But Dustin made sure that Eddie lived through his speech.
The sequence features Iron Maiden's "The Trooper" from the album "Piece of Mind." This was the same album Eddie held up while declaring, "This is music!" Fans were left emotional at this beautiful way to honor Eddie.
The First Shadow connections as Stranger Things
finale Easter egg
Several Stranger Things finale Easter eggs tie back to the Broadway prequel. The First Shadow reveals significant backstory about Dimension X and the Upside Down. The finale confirms that what the characters refer to as Upside Down is actually a wormhole connecting Hawkins to a realm called Dimension X or the Abyss.
The exotic matter at Hawkins Lab becomes crucial to the finale's plot. This substance forms and stabilizes the wormhole between dimensions. The heroes must destroy this exotic matter to close the gate. In the finale, Max and Holly uncover memories that connect to Henry Creel's original journey to Dimension X. These discoveries prove that the Broadway show was essential to understanding the finale.
The graduation scene details in Stranger Things
The last Stranger Things finale Easter egg appears in the epilogue graduation scene. Mike becomes a writer who goes on to narrate stories about his friend's adventures. This meta reference hints at how the series itself exists. Dustin heads to a university only a day's drive away from Hawkins so he can continue to meet Steve. Max and Lucas get their happy ending together.
The Stranger Things finale packed in references that honor the story and reward dedicated viewers while delivering an emotional conclusion.