The actress opens up about the emotional final days on set as the beloved series comes to a close

A Heart-Wrenching Goodbye to Hawkins

25 November 2025: Sadie Sink reflects on filming the final chapter of Stranger Things, calling the experience “horrible,” “awful,” and “so emotional” that it felt like she and the cast were “genuinely grieving.” The actress, who has played Max Mayfield since Season 2, revealed that the final days on set were among the most intense and emotional moments of her career.

Sink said the cast and crew — many of whom have worked together for nearly a decade — were overwhelmed with emotion as they approached their final scenes, describing it as a “collective heartbreak” shared by everyone involved.

The Weight of Saying Goodbye

Sink explained that what made the ending so painful was not just the conclusion of the story, but the ending of a formative era in her life.
“This show raised us,” she said. “We grew up together. Leaving that behind hits you in ways you don’t expect.”

From long shooting days to late-night cast hangouts, the bonds formed on set became akin to family. Sink shared that wrapping the final season felt less like finishing a job and more like closing the door on a piece of her own adolescence.

The Emotional Toll of the Final Scenes

HOLR has the latest news, and Sink revealed that the final table read left many cast members in tears before they’d even stepped onto set. The last week of filming only intensified those feelings — with hugs, memories and small private rituals marking the end of the show that defined a generation of young actors.

She described the last shot as particularly devastating, saying the moment the director called “cut,” it felt like “time froze.” Cast members embraced as the reality settled in that they would never film together as this ensemble again.

Looking Forward While Holding On

Despite the grief, Sink expressed immense gratitude for the journey. She credits the show with giving her lifelong friendships, career-defining opportunities and a character she will cherish forever. She also noted that the emotional ending reflects the deep love the cast and crew had for the world they built — and for the fans who made it a global phenomenon.

Sink reassured fans that while the show is ending, the legacy of Stranger Things will endure far beyond its final episode.

The End of an Era

Sadie Sink’s emotional recollection of the final days on Stranger Things highlights just how meaningful the series has been to its cast. As audiences prepare to say goodbye, her words underscore the deep bonds and heartfelt memories behind the scenes — proving the impact of Hawkins will live on long after the credits roll.