Steve Harrington is a fan-favorite character who worked his way into the hearts of viewers with great character development and his dynamics with other cast members such as Dustin, Nancy, and Robin. However, plenty of fans have been nervous regarding Steve’s fate throughout Season 5. Now that the finale has aired, you may be desperate to find out if Steve managed to dodge death or if he was one of the many fallen along the way. If so, this guide covers everything you’ll need to know.
SPOILER WARNING: This guide covers content involving MAJOR spoilers for the Stranger Things Season 5 finale. Proceed with caution.
Does Steve Die in the Stranger Things Finale?
No, Steve Harrington does not die in the Stranger Things finale. He does manage to make it to the end of the series, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t come very close to death within this episode. Let’s take a look at what unfolded below.
Whilst the first phase of the plan is being put into play, Eleven, Max, and Kali are running with a slight delay on their end. This results in the planet starting to crash into Hawkins, which causes the radio tower to begin to collapse. In a desperate attempt to not go down alongside it, everyone on board clings to what they can, but poor Steve takes a tumble and slips off the edge.
He can be seen for a moment holding on by one hand and dangling from the top platform. After this brief moment, his hand starts to slip, and viewers are given the impression that the beloved Steve ‘the Hair’ Harrington, is about to fall to his death.
The screen then cuts out for a few more seconds, leaving viewers with that suspense. However, when the next scene begins, it is revealed that Steve is suspended in the air somehow. At first, it seems as if Will, Eleven, or someone capable may have tapped into powers to save him.
In fact, it was none other than Jonathan Byers, saving him with no powers – nothing but his own quick reflexes and strength. This was quite an important moment for the two, as they had been butting heads with one another (primarily over Nancy) for an extended time.
As soon as Jonathan grabbed Steve, all prior beef between them seemed to be dropped, and the two gained an understanding of one another within the moment. They don’t have to get along, heck, they don’t even have to like one another, to go out of their way to protect one another.
After Jonathan helps Steve back on board the platform, Robin and Dustin rush up to show their relief. They all share a quick moment with each other before progressing forward with the plan.
Once they have entered The Abyss, Jonathan and Steve have a heart-to-heart, where Steve thanks Jonathan for saving his life and the two find more common ground.This left their dynamic in a very nice place, especially following the toxic competitive nature they had shared in the past, and the more recent breakup of Jonathan and Nancy in Part 2.
In a way, they all took steps forward into acting less like messy teenagers and more like young adults in this finale, which was a nice touch, considering all the gang has been through together.
What Happens to Steve at the End of Stranger Things?
At the end of Stranger Things, there is a series of scenes that give viewers a look into the future of the main characters. When it comes to Steve Harrington, he’s the only one out of the older teens who sticks around at Hawkins following the events of the finale.
Steve is seen in the future hanging out with Nancy, Jonathan, and Robin at the Radio Tower. It’s within this conversation that it is revealed Steve has taken on jobs as both a Football Coach and a Sex Ed. Teacher, and that he’s getting close to being able to afford his own house. Out of everyone in the group, he’s the only one who still feels a strong attachment to Hawkins and chooses to continue residing there.
The group then makes loose plans to visit each other on a monthly basis, meeting in Philly at Robin’s creepy Uncle’s house. They share drinks and laughter with one another, finally concluding the story arc for Steve Harrington and his friends.