A Long-Standing Couple Break Up in STRANGER THINGS 5, Volume 2

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With Stranger Things 5, Volume 2 nearing the end of the series, many plotlines are coming to a close – including the characters’ love lives. If you want to avoid spoilers about relationship changes in the final episodes, we recommend checking out our spoiler-free review instead.

Jonathan and Nancy, a.k.a. Jancy, Break Up in Stranger Things 5, Volume 2

We have sad news for fans of Jonathan and Nancy (known as ‘Jancy’): they break up in the second volume of Stranger Things 5. Their relationship had been struggling for a while, with poor communication throughout seasons 4 and 5. We know this is disappointing for those who hoped they’d stay together, and we share your sadness here at TopMob. It’s unfortunate that this breakup was the biggest loss in the final volume. However, even though it’s sad, Jonathan and Nancy’s split was handled with honesty, love, and maturity, making it a surprisingly beautiful moment.

Why Did Jonathan and Nancy Break Up in Stranger Things 5, Volume 2?

So, why did Jonathan and Nancy break up in Volume 2 of Stranger Things 5? Like many TV couples, a life-or-death situation made them realize they weren’t meant to be. They found themselves trapped in a collapsing, alternate version of Hawkins Lab after destroying a massive energy ball. It turns out this ball was a key component keeping the Upside Down alive. And, predictably, when disturbed, this substance caused everything around it to rapidly melt.

In the final episode of Stranger Things 5, Jonathan and Nancy regain consciousness to find themselves trapped in a room rapidly filling with water. As the room melts around them, they climb onto a table, realizing there’s no way out and accepting their fate. This dire situation finally leads to a truly honest conversation – the first in years. They playfully share what annoys them about each other: Nancy dislikes Jonathan’s favorite band, The Clash, and Jonathan admits he’s bothered by Nancy seeming to seek validation in her writing. As they face their potential breakup, Jonathan and Nancy have a surprisingly sweet and open discussion about the things they’ve been holding back.

Throughout Stranger Things, Jonathan and Nancy realize their connection has been built on something difficult: shared trauma. From the very beginning, Nancy struggled with Steve’s desire to move past Barb’s death, and found understanding with Jonathan, who was also dealing with loss. While comforting initially, Nancy now feels this shared pain has become stifling, hindering their individual healing and growth. Jonathan agrees, recognizing that while shared trauma can bring people together, it’s ultimately not a healthy foundation for a lasting relationship.

Okay, I’m still reeling, but it looks like Jonathan and Nancy actually broke up in the second part of Stranger Things 5! I mean, they clearly loved each other, but it’s over. So long, Jancy – I’m heartbroken!

Jonthan and Nancy Have an “Un-Proposal”

The upcoming season of Stranger Things will address the fate of the engagement ring featured in a near-proposal storyline. After Jonathan and Nancy break up, Jonathan reveals he’d been carrying a ring, hoping to propose and repair their relationship, though he suspected it wouldn’t work. Instead, he jokingly offers her an “un-proposal,” asking, “Nancy Wheeler, will you…not…marry me?” It’s a bittersweet moment that’s sure to evoke strong emotions from viewers.

Nancy tosses the ring into the strange substance, and it seems the universe is okay with her and Jonathan splitting up on Stranger Things. The bubbling of the goo actually stopped while they were talking, and now the floor has solidified – they realize this when the ring bounces instead of sinking in.

Does Jonathan and Nancy Breaking Up Mean Nancy Will End Up with Steve on Stranger Things?

Given everything that’s happened in Stranger Things so far, many fans are wondering: will Nancy and Steve become a couple now that Nancy and Jonathan have broken up in the fifth season?

Currently, Nancy and Steve are not a couple, and it doesn’t look like they will be. Nancy has clarified that her split from Jonathan and desire for independence aren’t related to Steve. As of the end of Stranger Things Season 5, they’re not together, and many viewers (including us!) don’t think they’re a good match, though everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

Nancy Realizes She Doesn’t Know What She Wants Yet and That’s BEAUTIFUL

We believe Nancy is making the right decision for herself, and that’s what we want for her. We don’t think she needs to end up in a romantic relationship with either Steve or Jonathan as Stranger Things concludes. Just like we argued Steve’s story doesn’t need a romance to be fulfilling, the same is true for Nancy.

Nancy always dreamed of going to college to become a journalist, and she was about to start that journey after getting accepted to Emerson College in Boston. However, the events at the end of Stranger Things 4 changed everything when Hawkins was quarantined, trapping her in town. Despite this setback, she’s still determined to leave and experience all that life has to offer.

Nancy shared a lot of experiences with Jonathan and Steve on Stranger Things, but they’re just two people she’ll meet in her lifetime. It’s too early for her to commit to either of them long-term. Steve’s vision of a big family and traditional vacations also doesn’t really align with what Nancy wants. She’s always prioritized being independent, having adventures, and isn’t naturally inclined towards a traditional maternal role.

In the final volume of Stranger Things season 5, Nancy explains to Jonathan that she needs time to figure things out. She’s still trying to discover what she wants from life, and ideally, defeating Vecna will give her the opportunity to do so. We really hope Nancy Wheeler gets that chance – she deserves to build a life focused on her own happiness, independent of the people she’s felt responsible for in the past, like Barb, Jonathan, and Steve.

The final season of Stranger Things is now available on Netflix. Volumes 1 and 2 are streaming now, and the concluding volume, titled either Volume 3 or The Finale, will be released on December 31st at 5 PM Pacific Time / 8 PM Eastern Time.

Rotem Rusak, the editor-in-chief of TopMob, believes Nancy and Steve don’t need romantic storylines in the fifth season of Stranger Things. However, she’d happily make an exception if Eddie Munson were to return – then Steve should definitely be allowed to fall in love.

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2025-12-26 10:07