This "Stranger Things" Costume Detail Proves Joyce and Hopper Have Always Been Endgame

Published on 7/11/2022 at 2:05 PM

Nothing gets past "Stranger Things" fans. From peculiar plot holes to subtle foreshadowing of a character's fate, no small detail goes unnoticed by devoted viewers of the Netflix series. One particularly wholesome observation about Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) and Jim Hopper's (David Harbour) costumes has sparked discussion on social media, following the show's season four, volume two premiere.

A Reddit user by the name of sistersiren recently posted in the "Stranger Things" subreddit, "Fun detail: Joyce and Hopper are always wearing matching outfits in finale episodes." In season one, it was hazmat suits; in season two, it was scrubs; in season three, it was Russian uniforms; and in season four, it was yellow t-shirts and puffer jackets. Technically speaking, Joyce and Hopper's coordinating scrubs moment actually happens during season two's second to last episode, rather than the finale, but close enough, right?

It's unclear if "Stranger Things" costume designer Amy Parris planned for the characters to sport matching outfits from the get go or whether it's a mere coincidence. Either way, it's making fans believe Joyce and Hopper have been endgame from the start, despite the many twists and turns of their slow-burning romance. What will the lovebirds wear in the final episode of "Stranger Things" season five? Perhaps coordinating wedding outfits as they tie the knot? While we wait to find out, look back on Joyce and Hopper's matching costume moments from the first four seasons.

Joyce's Hazmat Suit in the Season 1 Finale

In the first season finale, Joyce and Hopper venture to the Upside Down to save Will Byers, who's been captured there for a week. They journey through the alternate dimension in matching hazmat suits that feature illuminated helmets and allow them to breathe easily.

Hopper's Hazmat Suit in the Season 1 Finale

Joyce's Scrubs in Season 2

In episode six of season two, Joyce and Hopper wear matching green scrubs while visiting Will at the hospital. In the penultimate episode, they also wear the same outfits at the Hawkins National Laboratory.

Hopper's Scrubs in Season 2

Joyce and Hopper's Russian Uniforms in the Season 3 Finale

While working together to destroy the Russian laser and seal the portal to the Upside Down, Joyce and Hopper wear Russian uniforms they stole with help from Murray (played by Brett Gelman).

Joyce and Hopper's Puffer Jackets in the Season 4 Finale

In the season four finale, they both suit up in yellow Hulk Hogan graphic shirts and red, white, and blue puffer jackets before breaking back into the Russian prison to kill the Demogorgons. The two share a sweet kiss while wearing the identical outfits.