Does Barb die in Stranger Things​?

Last Modified Mar 7, 2025 07:57 EST
Does Barb die in Stranger Things​?
Barb in Stranger Things (Source: Screengrab from the series)


Yes, Barbara Holland dies during the Stranger Things season 1.

Stranger Things is known to be one of the most trending OTT series across America. The series, exclusive to the streaming platform Netflix, has a total of 4 seasons aired from 2016 to 2024. The series has shown various characters from main to recurring cast members that have impacted the storylines in their ways.

One of these characters is Barbara Holland who was introduced as Nancy Wheeler’s best friend. Mostly recognized by the name of Barb, the character has been by Nancy’s side in the first season, always trying to counsel her through all her activities in college. Barb’s character is shown to be a kind, cautious, and sensible girl. In season one, it was Barb who was completely against Nancy spending the night at Steve’s party but still accompanied her making sure that she was safe. After being ignored throughout the party, Barb decided to sit by the pool which was the last appearance made by the character.


How does Barb die in Stranger Things?


Leaving Steve’s party after being completely ignored, Barbara was seen sitting beside the pool where she had cut her fingers by accident. As she was looking down at the pool seeing her reflection, blood from her wound fell inside, attracting a Demogorgon towards her, pulling her into the Upside Down.

Being completely hurt and disoriented, Barb was seen waking up in the Upside Down where she came in contact with the Demogorgon and screamed after seeing it. While she tried to escape the area, the creature pulled her and mauled her to death. It is later by the end of season 1 when Eleven, and later Joyce and Hopper search for Will Byers in the Upside Down, we see the victims of the Demogorgon including the body of Barbara Holland.


Does Barb die in Stranger Things​?
Shannon Purser (source: Shannon's Instagram account)


Who plays the role of Barb in Stranger Things?


In Stranger Things, the character of Barb is played by actress Shannon Purser. Born on June 27, 1997, the actress made her debut as an actress with the series Stranger Things for which she received the Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series category. She has made an appearance in various other series like Riverdale, Final Space, Equal, and The First Lady. Apart from this, the actress has also been credited for working in movies like Wish Upon (2017), Life of the Party (2018), and Sierra Burgess Is a Loser (2018).

Talking about her personal life, it is known that Shannon Purser also had a career as an amateur visual artist and musician. Talking about her sexuality, the actress has revealed that she is bisexual on Twitter.


Read More: does dustin die in stranger things


FAQs about Barb in Stranger Things

A. Barb was known to be best friends with Nancy Wheeler in Stranger Things.

A. No, the character of Barb will not be returning to Stranger Things in Season 5.

A. No, Barbara Holland does not have a boyfriend in Stranger Things.

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