‘Stranger Things’ Creators Face AI Writing Accusations Following Documentary Release
The release of the behind-the-scenes documentary ‘One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5’ was intended to be an emotional farewell to the beloved series. Instead of celebrating the end of an era, the special has ignited a firestorm of controversy surrounding the creative process of Matt and Ross Duffer. Viewers dissecting the footage believe they have spotted evidence that artificial intelligence played a role in scripting the final season. This discovery has validated the frustrations of fans who felt the series finale suffered from a significant drop in quality.
Social media platforms erupted after eagle-eyed viewers paused a specific scene around the forty-minute mark of the documentary. The frame in question appears to show a computer screen used by the production team with multiple browser tabs open. Fans argue that at least two of these tabs bear the distinct logo of ChatGPT, a popular generative AI tool. The screenshot quickly circulated online, with many users claiming this visual detail offers an explanation for what they described as “alien” dialogue and rushed plot resolutions in the final episodes.
The accusations have struck a nerve particularly because of the recent Hollywood strikes which focused heavily on protecting writers from AI encroachment. Critics on Reddit and X have been ruthless, suggesting that the Duffer Brothers may have relied on algorithmic assistance rather than human creativity to close out their massive franchise. Some comments sarcastically noted that the “ending finally makes sense” if it was indeed generated by a machine. This backlash highlights the growing distrust between audiences and creators regarding the use of technology in storytelling.
Defenders of the show have tried to offer alternative explanations for the blurry icons seen on the screen. Some suggest the tabs could be for administrative tools or that the blue hue does not perfectly match the standard OpenAI interface. Others argue that even if the software was present, it might have been used for scheduling or brainstorming rather than actual scriptwriting. Despite these defenses, the narrative that the creators “cut corners” has taken hold among a fanbase already divided by the creative choices made in Season 5.
The controversy has also reignited other theories regarding the writing credits of the show’s earlier success. A subset of the fandom has pivoted to a theory dubbed “Divorce Gate,” speculating that Ross Duffer’s ex-wife, filmmaker Leigh Janiak, was an uncredited force behind the higher quality of the first four seasons. These fans argue that her absence from the final season’s writing process, combined with the alleged use of AI, resulted in the decline viewers perceived. Netflix and the Duffer Brothers have yet to officially comment on the specific allegations regarding the computer screen.
If you spotted those tabs or have theories about the finale’s writing quality, tell us what you think in the comments.