Stranger Things Finale: How the Duffer Brothers Landed Prince's Songs (2026)

Get ready for a musical journey as we dive into the epic finale of Stranger Things 5! The Duffer Brothers pulled off a major feat by securing two iconic Prince songs for the series' grand conclusion.

But here's where it gets controversial... Mike Wheeler's initial vision for the Upside Down's destruction involved a punk rock soundtrack, but the Duffers had something grander in mind. They chose "When Doves Cry" and "Purple Rain," from Prince's legendary album Purple Rain, to accompany the wormhole's collapse. Ross Duffer explains, "We needed an epic needle drop, and Prince was the obvious choice."

The Duffer Brothers sought an album that began with a celebratory tune and ended with an emotionally powerful track. Fortunately, Prince's album fit the bill perfectly.

In Episode 8, as Hopper and Murray activate the bomb's remote trigger, the gang's escape is accompanied by the upbeat "When Doves Cry." Later, as the mood shifts to somberness, "Purple Rain" takes center stage, with Eleven's appearance at the MAC-Z gate adding to the emotional weight. The Duffers leave it up to viewers to interpret Eleven's fate.

Ross Duffer reveals, "We discussed this song choice more than any other. It's rarely licensed outside the Purple Rain movie, making it a unique choice."

And this is the part most people miss... The Duffers attribute their success in acquiring the rights to Kate Bush's resurgence in popularity. Her song "Running Up That Hill" saw a massive comeback after its use in Stranger Things Season 4.

When the Duffers expressed their desire to feature Prince's songs, they were met with skepticism. Matt Duffer recalls, "We were told it was a long shot, but thankfully, they agreed."

Experience the impact of these songs in the Stranger Things series finale, now streaming on Netflix. Don't miss the full rundown of every song featured in every season!