David Harbour Reflects on the End of 'Stranger Things', Life Lessons and What Comes Next
Before saying farewell to the acclaimed Netflix series, actor David Harbour walked the streets of New York with Esquire Spain. A version of this interview appeared in the November 2025 issue of the magazine.
The Final Farewell
On November 26, Netflix’s Stranger Things will launch its long-awaited three-part conclusion. The first four episodes of season eight premiere on Thanksgiving Day, followed by three more on Christmas Day. The grand finale arrives on New Year’s Eve, marking the end of the streaming platform’s most successful original series.
This conclusion closes a decade-long journey for Harbour, who became a global name through his portrayal of Hawkins, Indiana’s police chief, Jim Hopper. With fans waiting years for this conclusion, the second half of 2025 has placed Harbour at the center of widespread media attention.
A Year of Unexpected Spotlight
That attention grew when a surprise music album release last week further amplified the public focus on him. Yet, before the pop culture frenzy began, in September, Harbour sat down with Esquire Spain writer Rafael Sánchez Casademont to look back on his career, the emotional wrap-up of Stranger Things, and what lies ahead.
Memories of New York
“When I was a kid it was this magical place. I grew up about an hour outside the city, in a suburban town in Westchester.”
Harbour recalls his childhood fascination with New York City, a place that has long embodied his inspirations and ambitions.
Author’s Summary
David Harbour contemplates the end of an era with Stranger Things, reflecting on fame, nostalgia, and the next chapter in his life and career.