10 Best Supporting Characters In Stranger Things

As one of the most popular TV shows on Netflix, Stranger Thingscaptivates viewers with its otherworldly storyline and 1980s nostalgia, but what truly brings the original series to life is its characters. Since its debut in 2016, the Netflix showhas upped the stakes, with each season becoming more impressive. As a result, Stranger Things has seen a growing cast of characters joining the original main group in the lead-up to the conclusive Stranger Things season 5.

While there are plenty of fan favorites to be found among the main characters, it is often the supporting roles in Stranger Things that steal the show. There is quite a range of secondary characters to choose from in the story, due to Stranger Things’ expansive timeline and plot. Yet the best supporting characters in Stranger Things are the ones that play a key role in the story, resonate with fans, and make a lasting impression on audiences.

10 Eddie Munson

First Appearance: Season 4, Episode 1, "Chapter One: The Hellfire Club"

Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn) is first introduced in a supporting capacity to the usual cast, although his larger presence makes him feel like a main character. Eddie fits in perfectly among the Stranger Things group and became an extremely memorable character due to his design and personality – so much so that the "Master of Puppets" guitar solo went viral, and Eddie Munson became a bit of a pop culture icon. Yet beyond his projected devil-may-care attitude and metalhead stereotype, Eddie is actually a rather sensitive person.

Wrestling with guilt for running away from Chrissy's (Grace Van Dien) death, his brotherly relationship with Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), and his proficiency in adapting to the strange world of the Upside Down made Eddie a standout character in season 4. His significance to the plot and character development also made him a well-loved addition to the cast, only resulting in his death being even more heartbreaking. Interestingly, fans have theorized the highly liked character could come back, only this time as Vecna's (Jamie Campbell Bower) right-hand man, in a bold prediction for Stranger Things season 5.

9 Murray Bauman

First Appearance: Season 2, Episode 1, "Chapter One: MADMAX"

As one of the more eccentric personalities in Stranger Things, Murray Bauman (Brett Gelman) brings a refreshing energy to the show as a supporting character. Making his first appearance in the Stranger Things season 2 premiere, Murray plays a large part in Nancy (Natalia Dyer) and Jonathan's (Charlie Heaton) mission to expose Hawkins Lab and get it shut down, as well as helping them come to terms with their feelings for each other.

Despite first being introduced as a conspiracy theorist and reporter, Murray quickly evolved into a well-loved personality who has become a part of the regular group. Murray's changing friendship with Joyce (Winona Ryder) in season 4 demonstrates how important he has become, not only as comedic relief but as a genuinely supportive presence. In fact, his position as one of the main adult figures in Stranger Things who often gets involved in things that he shouldn't sets Murray up as a character that is likely to die in Stranger Things season 5.

8 Billy Hargrove

First Appearance: Season 2, Episode 1, "Chapter One: MADMAX"

Billy Hargrove (Dacre Montgomery) made a strong impression on fans in Stranger Things season 2 when he became a secondary antagonist. Billy shows open resentment towards Hawkins, its residents, and his stepsister Max (Sadie Sink), from the beginning, having been forced to leave his home in California. However, although Billy was a bully who often attacked people like Steve and Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), audiences became captivated by the Stranger Things character due to his complicated nature.

Originally, Steve Harrington was meant to be the long-term bully character, but Joe Keery's casting changed the Duffer brothers' minds. Billy Hargrove was introduced as a replacement (via The Tab).

Billy's character develops further in season 3 when he comes under the possession of the Mind Flayer, and he sacrifices himself to save Eleven's (Millie Bobby Brown) life. Billy's sacrifice demonstrates a drastic change from the mean personality seen throughout the previous season, and many fans have wondered what the future may have been like if Billy had lived until Stranger Things season 4. Billy'sa death also has a huge impact on Max and is why she is targeted by Vecna in season 4, making Billy a pretty important character even after his demise.

7 Bob Newby

First Appearance: Season 2, Episode 1, "Chapter One: MADMAX"

Although Hopper (David Harbour) and Joyce's relationship had been somewhat teased in season 1, Stranger Things introduced a surprising love interest for Joyce: Bob Newby. Played by Sean Astin, Bob is dating Joyce throughout season 2, and it is obvious from the start that he cares about her a lot. His efforts to bond with Jonathan and Will (Noah Schnapp) did not go unnoticed and the naïve and nerdy character was a hit with audiences.

"It's gonna be okay. Remember, Bob Newby, superhero."

Bob, unfortunately, dies while trying to escape the Demodogs at Hawkins Lab in season 2, in a devastating moment for Joyce. His death is one of the most memorable in the show due to its brutal nature and Bob’s approachable personality. Interestingly, Sean Astin originally auditioned to play Murray in Stranger Things, not Bob. However, he was the perfect fit for the friendly demeanor and kind heart of this beloved character.

6 Chrissy Cunningham

First Appearance: Season 4, Episode 1, "Chapter One: The Hellfire Club"

The death of Grace Van Dien's Chrissy Cunningham was the Duffers' biggest mistake by far, as the character held an impressive popularity among audiences. Despite only appearing as a supporting character in the first episode of season 4, Dien's performance quickly led to Chrissy becoming a fan favorite. Chrissy's natural innocence and playful interactions with Eddie won audiences over, which makes it truly unfortunate that she was reduced to a plot device.

Struggling with visions caused by Vecna, Chrissy approaches Eddie, the local drug dealer, to give her something to help. While Eddie looks for the drugs in his trailer, Chrissy falls into a trance and Vecna ends up killing her. Chrissy’s death is a standout moment in season 4 because it shows the brutality of Vecna's attacks for the first time, and also spawned the viral "Chrissy, wake up" meme due to Joseph Quinn's line delivery.

5 Dr. Alexei

First Appearance: Season 3, Episode 1, "Chapter One: Suzie, Do You Copy?"

Doctor Alexei (Alec Utgoff) first appears in season 3 as a background character who happens to get caught up in the main action. As one of the Russians secretly working in Hawkins, Hopper realizes that he may be useful and kidnaps the timid doctor, delivering him to Murray so that he can translate for him. However, despite working for the other team, Alexei's childlike fascination with Americanisms quickly changes the audience's opinion of the character.

Alexei surprisingly stole the show in Stranger Things season 3 but was killed too soon, as the Russians realized that he was a threat. After helping Hopper, Joyce, and Murray understand the device located underneath Starcourt Mall, Alexei finds himself dragged along to a fun fair, allowing him to feel the joy of the experience with Murray. Yet this lighthearted moment comes to an abrupt end when he is shot by a Russian soldier called Grigori (Andrey Ivchenko), and Murray is forced to leave Alexei to die alone.

4 Kali Prasad a.k.a. Eight

First Appearance: Season 2, Episode 1, "Chapter One: MADMAX"

Appearing in one of the most divisive episodes in the show, the audience's opinion of Kali Prasad/Eight (Linnea Berthelsen) is very conflicted. "Chapter Seven: The Lost Sister" is one of the least liked episodes due to its disruptive placement in the season's plot and its seemingly irrelevant arc, as Kali has not appeared again in Stranger Things since her debut. However, while she is a divisive topic, Kali is actually a very important supporting character for Eleven's storyline — who could still return in season 5.

Supporting characters are there to help the main characters on their journey, and that is exactly what Kali does. When Eleven meets Kali in Stranger Things, she is dealing with the aftermath of learning about her mother and what happened to her, as well as reconciling with running away from Hopper. Kali shows Eleven how to use her powers in a controlled manner, drawing on her own experiences with Hawkins Lab, which makes her an invaluable supporting character.

3 Barbara Holland

First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1, "Chapter One: The Vanishing Of Will Byers"

Barbara Holland is without a doubt one of Stranger Things' most wasted characters as audiences felt that her arc could have been something more, had she not been killed off so quickly. After being introduced in the pilot episode, Barb is killed off in season 1, episode 3, "Chapter Three: Holly, Jolly." Yet, in those three episodes, Barb cements herself in Stranger Things lore as a solid supporting character as the best friend of Nancy Wheeler.

When she is abandoned by Nancy during a private party at Steve's house, Barb is attacked and taken to the Upside Down by a Demogorgon. Unaware of what happened to her friend, Nancy spends a long time looking for answers, especially for Barb's parents, which forms part of her motivation to expose Hawkins Lab in season 2. Nancy's dismissal of her friend leading to her death was disappointing, as was the show's decision to kill her off so quickly as she could have offered more to the story.

2 Dr. Owens

First Appearance: Season 2, Episode 1, "Chapter One: MADMAX"

Although Dr. Owens (Paul Reiser) is initially portrayed as a soft antagonist in Stranger Things for his involvement in Hawkins Lab, he turns out to be a good guy. While Owens was in charge of the Lab following Brenner's (Matthew Modine) absence, the doctor seemingly had different motives to the former head scientist, but his shady demeanor made him untrustworthy. Surprisingly, Owens ends up helping Eleven by securing legal documents declaring her as Hopper's daughter.

"A war is coming to Hawkins."

Dr. Owens returns in Stranger Things season 4 when it is revealed that he is working with Brenner. This shocking discovery made his true motives uncertain. However, it is later confirmed that Owens only has the best intentions for Eleven, and he is willing to let her leave whenever, demonstrating a clear difference to Brenner. Dr. Owens' fate is left open-ended by season 4's conclusion, but it would be interesting to see this supporting character return as his ambiguous allegiances kept audiences guessing.

1 Dmitri "Enzo" Antonov

First Appearance: Season 4, Episode 2, "Chapter Two: Vecna's Curse"

Another ambiguous ally in Stranger Things season 4 who became an unlikely fan favorite is Enzo (Tom Wlaschiha). While held captive in a Russian prison, Hopper gains the trust of a guard called Dmitri Antonov, who is interested in earning a ransom for delivering Hopper back to the United States. Going by the name "Enzo," the name of a restaurant where Joyce and Hopper were scheduled to have a date after Starcourt Mall, Dmitri sends Joyce a message that Hopper os alive, and she needs to pay up to get him back.

However, Dmitri forms a small attachment to Hopper throughout his time at the prison, and they even fight a Demogorgon together. Becoming a reluctant ally once his schemes are found out by the Russians, Dmitri escapes the prison with Hopper, helping him to reunite with Joyce. Dmitri plays an important role in aiding Hopper while they are at the prison, making him also one of the better supporting characters in Stranger Things.