Stranger Things Season 5 has seen the cast of characters face dire circumstances and dangerous situations as they prepare for the final fight against Vecna. During Episode 6, Escape From Camazotz, Jonathan and Nancy’s relationship was pushed to the limit, which resulted in them finally coming clean about their true feelings towards one another. If you’re wondering about the fate of their relationship following the events of Escape From Camazotz, all relevant information has been explained in the guide below.
SPOILER WARNING: This guide covers content that may be considered spoilers for Stranger Things Season 5. Proceed with caution.
Did Nancy & Jonathan Break Up in Stranger Things Season 5?
Yes, as of Stranger Things Season 5 Part 2, Jonathan and Nancy, known by the fan ship name of ‘Jancy,’ have officially broken up.
This occurred in Episode 6,‘Escape From Camazotz’, as Jonathan, Nancy, Steve, and Dustin all find themselves exploring the Upside Down version of the Hawkins Lab in search of an energy shield/generator believed to power Vecna’s Magic. The team splits into groups of two to cover more ground in their search, pairing Jonathan and Nancy together, and Steve with Dustin, despite the two butting heads.
However, upon stumbling upon a collection of journals and documents in the search, Dustin soon realizes he was catastrophically wrong in his assumption. Unfortunately, it is too late, as Jonathan and Nancy have discovered the supposed ‘shield’ and shot at it, disturbing what is actually exotic matter that helps to sustain the Upside Down. After being disturbed, the exotic matter sets off and begins melting everything around it.
Jonathan and Nancy are knocked unconscious in the initial blast and awake together inside a melting room. Unfortunately, they are trapped with no way out and no way for Dustin and Steve to reach them. In a grim moment, it certainly seems like both of them are about to meet their fate. This hits both of the characters hard, too, and as they truly believe they are about to die, they speak openly for the first time in a long, long time.
It was ultimately a very much-needed moment for the two characters, with them being the most genuine and real towards one another that we’ve seen yet. Finally, Jonathan and Nancy acknowledge that they have been trauma-bonded together through all they’ve endured, and being with one another was simply what made them feel safe and familiar through it all. However, while safe, they admit that the bond has also been suffocating them both significantly.
The two speak straight from the heart about what they ‘hate’ about one another. Nancy hates The Clash. Jonathan hates reading her articles. Nancy hates his use of marijuana. Jonathan hates it when she drinks. Jonathan admits he never applied to Emerson College. Nancy admits she purposely avoided visiting him when he moved away because she needed space. It was ultimately a very heartfelt, bittersweet moment, but very freeing for both characters.
As they approach what they think is their end, Jonathan even confronts Nancy with an ‘un-proposal’, explaining that he had originally thought that marriage would make their relationship work. He understands now that marriage would never fix what was broken between them. Moments after Nancy tearfully accepts this un-proposal, they are shocked to discover the melting room had hardened. Against all odds, they survived.
However, there’s no going back for the ‘Jancy’ relationship. They’ve gotten everything off their chests, acknowledged and heard one another, and even the Duffer brothers have confirmed the couple has split from one another, insisting that Jonathan’s un-proposal was indeed a breakup scene, not a true proposal. Sorry to all the Nancy and Jonathan lovers out there. But hey, at least they both managed to survive the whole ordeal…for now!
Will Nancy End Up With Steve in Stranger Things Season 5?
No, it is very unlikely that Nancy will end up in a relationship with Steve by the end of Stranger Things. This was touched on during her open conversation with Jonathan, where the latter questioned if she was interested in him. Nancy replied, stating that they were friends, but they were way too different as people to ever work for a relationship, even quoting how Steve wants ‘six little nuggets’ (kids).
Nancy simply states that she doesn’t know what she wants in life yet. While she still thinks she and Jonathan are dead for certain, she even makes a grim remark about ‘thinking she would have more time to figure it all out’. Honestly? There’s no reason for Nancy to dive into another relationship. Instead, a fitting ending for her would be getting to chase her dreams of journalism, leaving Hawkins, and exploring the world. We can only hope the best situation plays out during the finale, and she is able to see these dreams through. Until December 31, when the final episode drops, fans will simply have to wait and see.