Does Steve die in Stranger Things? (Is Joe Keery leaving?)

Stranger Things is one of the biggest shows in the world and Steve Harrington is one of its most popular characters. Does the character die on the show (or will he before its over)?

Stranger Things is one of the few TV shows in the world today that can literally get the whole world talking. Debuting on Netflix back in 2016, its short eight-episode first season took the world by storm, and it has continued to do so every time it unveils a new season.

Over the course of the show’s run, one character has become arguably Stranger Things‘ most popular (and if you’ve only seen the first season you might be surprised by who it is). We are, of course, referring to Steve Harrington.

Originally something of a bully, Steve underwent one of TV’s best redemption arcs to become one of its best characters. From his ever-evolving relationship with Nancy Wheeler to his endearing friendships with Dustin Henderson and Robin Buckley, Steve caught us all by surprise.

Speaking of surprises, if you have just started watching Stranger Things and need to know if Steve survives, here is everything you should know.

* This article contains spoilers from Stranger Things seasons 1 – 4*

Does Steve Harrington die in Stranger Things?

If you desperately need to know if Steve survives Stranger Things, you can rest easy as he not only survives the show’s four seasons, he avoided instant death in season 1. Yes, it turns out that Steve was originally supposed to die in the show’s first season and that it was initially supposed to be Jonathan’s dad who helps Jonathan and Nancy battle the Demogorgon in the season 1 finale.

As for why Steve survived season 1, it turns out that a lot of it was down to actor Joe Keery and his remarkable performance. As Matt Duffer revealed:

"“When he comes back and fights the Demogorgon, that was supposed to be Jonathan’s dad… You’re learning what works and what doesn’t work. The cast is impacting where you take the narrative, the other writers and directors … it’s this living thing.”"

Thank you Joe Keery for giving us an incredible performance and making everyone fall in love with Steve.

Did Steve almost die in Stranger Things season 4?

Steve’s fate was up in the air at the end of Stranger Things season 4, volume 1 as he was attacked by bat creatures in the Upside Down, with fans wondering if he was going to be killed off in the second installment after succumbing to his wounds.

However, the Duffer Brothers confirmed that, if Steve were to die in season 4, volume 2, it wouldn’t have anything to do with the demobat bites. Thankfully, he did not, as he survived his trip into the Upside Down and helped Nancy and Robin take down Vecna.

Is Joe Keery leaving Stranger Things?

Every time that a character’s fate hangs in the balance, fans often wonder whether the actor portraying them is about to leave the show. Thankfully, as Steve survived Stranger Things season 4 volume 2, it’s highly likely that Joe Keery will return to reprise the role in season 5.

After all, the threat in Hawkins is more imminent than ever and the town is going to need their bat-wielding, bat-slaying Steve – not to mention the fact that he still appears to have unresolved feelings for Nancy. With that in mind, there is no reason to believe that Keery won’t be back next season.

Do you think Steve Harrington will die in Stranger Things season 4? Let us know in the comments below!