Did the Duffer brothers use ChatGPT? Stranger Things Season 5 doc sparks debate

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The discussion about artificial intelligence is back in the spotlight after a new Netflix documentary, ‘One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5’, revealed the show’s creators, the Duffer brothers, were using ChatGPT while writing the script.

Many fans were disappointed when Stranger Things ended, and a rumor called “Conformity Gate” spread online. This theory falsely suggested that a hidden fifth season finale actually existed, but that’s not true.

The new documentary offers a fascinating look at how the fifth and final season was made, revealing details like why the Demogorgons weren’t in the last episode and how the creators, the Duffer brothers, disagreed about what should happen to the character Eleven.

However, a different situation has come to light this week, raising questions and discussion about whether OpenAI’s ChatGPT helped create the writing.

Did the Duffer brothers use ChatGPT?

Despite appearances, it hasn’t been confirmed whether the creators of Stranger Things, Matt and Ross Duffer, actually used AI to help write the show. Although footage from a behind-the-scenes documentary shows ChatGPT open on their laptops, it’s unclear if they used the tool at all during writing.

The screenshots simply show that ChatGPT was used while writing. This could have been for many reasons – quickly finding information, getting ideas, or asking simple questions – and doesn’t necessarily mean it was used to create the actual text or plot.

The issue came up when discussing how massive Season 5 would be. Matt Duffer explained that due to the sheer volume of footage needed, he and Ross couldn’t direct every episode themselves.

The Duffer brothers were actively revising the script, shown on one laptop, before the camera focused on another screen displaying the OpenAI logo. The documentary later reveals that Matt Duffer felt intense pressure from both the production team and Netflix regarding the eighth episode of the series.

Ross Duffer explains that writing this season was the most challenging they’ve ever faced. It wasn’t just the pressure to deliver a good script, but also the unprecedented amount of outside distractions and attention they were dealing with at the same time.

We spent more time working with the writers on this episode than on any other, carefully crafting each scene and detail to make it the best it could be.

Throughout this part of the show, a laptop screen belonging to one of the brothers displays what looks like ChatGPT. However, without confirmation from the creators (the Duffers) or Netflix, it’s impossible to know if artificial intelligence was actually used in writing or creating the fifth season of Stranger Things.

Duffer Brothers had a Reddit tab open while writing the Stranger Things 5 ending.

— Stranger Things Memes (@SThingsMeme) January 12, 2026

Despite this, fans have been buzzing with theories. The speculation gained traction this week when the Stranger Things Memes account shared a screenshot on X showing a laptop with a Reddit tab open.

The image sparked a lot of conversation online, but people quickly focused on the ChatGPT logo visible in the screenshot. One user pointed out the logo’s presence, and another expressed disbelief that the creators of the show, the Duffer Brothers, might have used ChatGPT to help write the script.

A third added, “I’m not sure I’d say Reddit is the thing to worry about here.” 

Stranger Things Season 5 viewers debate AI 

The screenshot also appeared on Reddit, and one user pointed out that the creators of the show, the Duffer Brothers, were shown opening ChatGPT tabs while writing the script, as seen in a documentary.

Someone else commented that they just don’t get why everyone is so quick to add AI to everything they do, both at work and in their personal lives.

I’m not sure I’d say Reddit is the thing to worry about here

— Chuckalicious Milo- ST sucks (@MiwiTheClerWise) January 12, 2026

If you’re a writer, shouldn’t you be proud of your work? It doesn’t make sense to let a simple chatbot do something you’re good at and get paid for.

One person commented that the final result of Season 5 felt so artificial it changed their opinion on the matter.

However, some people are willing to assume the Duffer brothers didn’t use AI, emphasizing that there’s no concrete evidence to support that claim.

One person pointed out that while they haven’t proven the script was written by ChatGPT, it still creates a negative impression. It’s just a reminder that it’s not definitive proof, but it doesn’t look good.

Someone else added that AI is required at their workplace, and losing your job is a real possibility if you don’t use it. They admitted it’s helpful for repetitive tasks, and jokingly suggested that if they were the creators of Stranger Things, they’d run their finished scripts through AI to catch simple errors, like forgetting about a character or creature.

Look, just because something looks like it was written by ChatGPT doesn’t mean it actually was. I get that, because I use it for all sorts of things at work – mostly just messing around, honestly – and it definitely doesn’t mean I’m slacking off on my actual job!

This online community is quick to criticize the Duffer brothers, so I wouldn’t be surprised if people immediately jump to the conclusion that they used ChatGPT to help write the script.

You can now watch “One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5” on Netflix. Plus, find out what happened in the Season 5 finale, what the cast is up to next, and details on the upcoming spin-off shows.

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2026-01-13 14:50