Billy Hargrove won’t be returning in Stranger Things‘ series finale, confirmed actor Dacre Montgomery. The two-hour finale episode airs tonight on Netflix at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT as the show comes to an extraordinary end on New Year’s Eve. Even with the character absent, Montgomery recently shared what has him excited as the beloved series concludes.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Stranger Things finale drops tonight, December 31, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on Netflix
- Billy Hargrove actor Dacre Montgomery confirmed he does not appear in the final season
- The finale episode called “The Rightside Up” is two hours and five minutes long
- Montgomery is most excited about future projects from co-creators the Duffer Brothers
Billy’s Absence in the Season 5 Finale
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Dacre Montgomery officially confirmed earlier this year that Billy Hargrove will not return in Stranger Things season 5. The character died in season 3 after redeeming himself by protecting Max Mayfield from the Mind Flayer. Montgomery had a brief appearance in season 4 as a Vecna illusion that tormented Max, but he won’t have any role in the series finale.
The 31-year-old actor has been open about stepping back from entertainment. He took a six-year hiatus after Stranger Things fame to focus on his personal life and career direction. His return to film comes with projects like Dead Man’s Wire, arriving in theaters January 9.
What Dacre Montgomery Revealed About the Finale
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE on December 10, Montgomery shared his emotions about the Stranger Things series ending on New Year’s Eve. Despite not appearing in the finale, he expressed genuine excitement for fans and the show’s legacy. “The thing I’m most excited for is now that the Duffer Brothers are done with the show, they have so many other amazing ideas that I’m excited about,” Montgomery told PEOPLE.
He emphasized how much the Netflix show transformed his life. “It’s been everything to me in my career and has made me who I am,” Montgomery explained. His gratitude toward fans remains unwavering despite his absence from the finale, showing the deep connection he maintains with the Stranger Things universe.
The Duffer Brothers’ Next Projects
Montgomery looks forward to what’s next for co-creators Ross Duffer and Matt Duffer after Stranger Things concludes. The duo has two new Netflix series in development that have Montgomery particularly enthusiastic. The Boroughs will be a supernatural mystery set in a retirement community and stars Geena Davis. Additionally, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen centers on a doomed wedding event and features Camila Morrone and Adam DiMarco.
These upcoming projects showcase the creative range of the Duffer Brothers beyond the supernatural horror that defined Stranger Things. Montgomery‘s enthusiasm reflects the trust he has in their storytelling abilities and suggests exciting television lies ahead for fans.
Tonight’s Two-Hour Finale Event
The Stranger Things series finale “The Rightside Up” premieres tonight at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on Netflix. This special two-hour and five-minute conclusion wraps up the story set in fall 1987 in Hawkins. The show will also receive theatrical screenings in select locations, offering fans a cinematic experience for this historic television moment.
The timing of the finale on New Year’s Eve creates a unique cultural moment as millions of viewers will count down to 2026 while witnessing the end of a show that captured audiences for nine years. Netflix released a final chilling trailer on December 30, building anticipation for what the Duffer Brothers have planned as their conclusion.
Will Fans See Billy Return in Any Form Tonight?
Despite speculation from dedicated fans, Billy Hargrove will definitively not return in tonight’s finale. Montgomery was clear about his absence when he stated “I’m not in the last season, unfortunately.” While some fans theorized the character might appear as a memory or nightmare sequence like in season 4, Montgomery‘s confirmation eliminates those possibilities.
The actor’s absence doesn’t diminish his impact on the series. Billy became a fan-favorite character despite his villainous role, and his redemptive arc in season 3 remains one of the show’s most emotionally powerful moments. Fans can revisit those memorable Kate Bush sequences one final time as they say goodbye to Hawkins and its inhabitants tonight.
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.