How David Bowie’s Iconic ‘Heroes’ Became the Final Song of ‘Stranger Things’

The legendary Bowie track ‘Heroes’ closed out the epic ‘Stranger Things’ finale, tying music history and pop culture in a perfect harmony.

An Anthem for Stranger Things: The Final Song Choice

There’s something magical about how a song can seal the emotional impact of a story, and the creators of Stranger Things knew this all too well when they chose David Bowie’s timeless classic, ‘Heroes’, as the final song of the entire series.

The fifth and final season of the beloved Netflix series premiered on New Year’s Day 2026, bringing together the brave band of friends one last time to face off against the sinister Venca, marking the anniversary of Will Byers’ mysterious disappearance. This season was cleverly split into three volumes, with the first four episodes launching in late November, and the concluding four episodes streaming during the festive days of Boxing Day and New Year’s.

Alongside an all-star cast featuring Finn Wolfhard, Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, and Millie Bobby Brown, the season came packed with a killer ’80s soundtrack. Fans were treated to jams from Kate Bush, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, ABBA, and more — but it was Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ that delivered the final, unforgettable moment during the ending credits.

David Bowie in 1977, the year ‘Heroes’ was released.

Here’s Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ playing as the curtain falls on the series:
https://www.inoreader.com/yt-embed/?v=GdQpg--0H8w

Joe Keery’s Perfect Pick

Show co-creator Ross Duffer revealed in a chat with Netflix Tudum that this iconic choice came from none other than Joe Keery, who plays the beloved Steve Harrington. Beyond acting, Joe’s musical talents shine under his stage name, Djo.

“Once Joe said that, we immediately knew that was the right song to end the show on because it is, in some ways, an anthem for Stranger Things,” Ross shared. “To use the original Bowie version just felt right and fitting for the conclusion.”

And honestly? It’s hard to argue with that. The song's spirit perfectly encapsulates the courage, hope, and bittersweet nostalgia that Stranger Things fans have come to cherish.

The Story and Legacy Behind ‘Heroes’

Originally released in 1977 on the album of the same name, ‘Heroes’ rapidly became one of Bowie’s signature tracks. The song’s inspiration is said to stem from a heartfelt embrace Bowie witnessed near the Berlin Wall, recorded at the legendary Hansa Studios just 150 meters away from the wall itself.

Co-written with the ever-genius Brian Eno, Bowie recorded the song in English, German, and French – a testament to its universal appeal. Over the decades, numerous artists have covered it, including Lady Gaga, Oasis, Depeche Mode, Yungblud, and David Byrne.

One of the song’s most powerful moments came in 1987 when Bowie performed ‘Heroes’ live near the Berlin Wall at the Reichstag. East Berlin residents on the other side chanted and sang along, their voices echoing hope and defiance. Bowie later described the experience as “like a double concert where the wall was the division.”

“We would hear them cheering and singing along from the other side. God, even now I get choked up. It was breaking my heart. I’d never done anything like that in my life, and I guess I never will again,” Bowie told Bill DeMain in 2003.

This historic performance cemented ‘Heroes’ not just as a song, but as a symbol of unity and resistance.

Bowie’s Passing and the Song’s Enduring Impact

When Bowie passed away in 2016 after his battle with cancer, the German Foreign Office honored him by posting a live version of ‘Heroes’, captioning it:
“Good-bye David Bowie. You are now among #Heroes. Thank you for helping bring down the #wall.”

Interestingly, in 2024, a documentary titled Bowie In Berlin brought new insights to the song’s origins. Clare Shenstone, Bowie’s partner in the mid-70s and a model-actor, claimed the lyrics were inspired by “an extraordinary day” they shared in Berlin. She also revealed that a dream she had about swimming with dolphins influenced the line, “I wish you could swim / Like dolphins can swim.”

Another upcoming documentary, The Final Act, set to air on Channel 4 on January 4, promises to explore Bowie’s last years—continuing to celebrate the legend’s remarkable life and legacy.

Stranger Things Finale Breaks Records

Back in Hawkins, Indiana, the Stranger Things finale shattered records with a staggering 59.6 million views, marking a Netflix milestone for an English-language title.

The show’s creators recently addressed fan theories about Eleven’s fate—whether she’s truly gone or cleverly hiding to protect her friends. Ross Duffer teased to The Hollywood Reporter:

“I don’t know if we want to say. Obviously, we’ve had these conversations with Millie too, and we all have our own interpretations. I worry if I say it, it might take away. We really want the audience to take from it what they want.”

Of course, not all fans were thrilled with the final season; some voiced disappointment with volume two’s wrap-up, rating it among the series’ weakest moments. But volume one garnered solid praise, with critics calling it “the big, bold beginning of the end” and commending the show’s knack for epic, emotional storytelling.

Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ and Stranger Things: A Perfect Ending

There’s something poetic about ending the sprawling tale of Hawkins and its supernatural adventures with ‘Heroes’. The song’s themes of bravery, love, and hope echo the very heart of Stranger Things—a story about ordinary kids facing extraordinary odds, banding together to overcome darkness.

It’s a fitting tribute to Bowie’s enduring influence on pop culture, and a reminder of music’s power to elevate storytelling to unforgettable heights.

FAQ

• What inspired David Bowie’s song ‘Heroes’?
  Bowie was inspired by an embrace he witnessed near the Berlin Wall. The song was recorded just meters from this historic site in West Berlin.
• Who suggested using ‘Heroes’ as the final song in Stranger Things?
  Joe Keery, who plays Steve Harrington and also performs as Djo, recommended the track to the show’s creators.
• How was ‘Heroes’ received during Bowie’s 1987 Berlin performance?
  Fans on the East Berlin side of the Wall sang along and cheered, making it a powerful moment symbolizing hope and resistance.
• Did the lyrics of ‘Heroes’ have any other inspiration?
  According to Bowie’s former partner Clare Shenstone, the lyrics were also inspired by a special day spent together in Berlin and a dream she had about swimming with dolphins.
• What was the viewership record for the Stranger Things finale?
  The final episode attracted 59.6 million views, a Netflix record for an English-language show.

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