When it comes to TV, what we see on screen is only a fraction of what actually happens behind the cameras. Shows film dozens, even hundreds of scenes, but not every one of them makes it into the final cut.
There are many reasons for why this happens. Sometimes a scene slows down the pacing, sometimes it gives away too much of the plot, and other times it just doesn’t fit the story the creators want to tell. Even moments filled with emotion, humor, or action can end up on the cutting room floor. Stranger Things is no stranger to this.
With the fifth and final season now out and available to watch and enjoy, the hit sci-fi series has been generating plenty of buzz. While there's been much chatter from fans, the cast has been just as vocal. One such cast member is Jennifer Marshall. For seasons 2 and 4, she played the role of Susan Hargrove, aka Max's mom. Following the release of the Stranger Things series finale, Marshall took to Instagram and shared her thoughts on her character not being in the final season at all. Additionally, she shared a tidbit with fans about a scene she shot that didn't actually make it into the show.
So, what was the scene that never made it to the screen? According to Marshall, it took place in the hospital and featured her character, Susan, by Max’s bedside. In a comment under her Instagram post, Marshall explained that it wasn’t a “full-fledged” scene and that it had originally been filmed for the fourth installment. However, it was ultimately cut and never appeared in the season.
Marshall also told fans via Instagram that she was battling cancer at the time and believes the Duffer Brothers may have thought she might pass away. This is why she thinks the scene was removed. A Stranger Things fan shared screenshots on X of Marshall’s Instagram comments, and we’ve included them below for you to read in her own words.
So update the shot they filmed was for season 4 but I wanna say now that it’s still WEIRD AS FUCK! They just made her look like a shitty mom either way. Also it shows they do in fact cut scenes (wow no one’s shocked) and it’s so weird they’re adamant they don’t still pic.twitter.com/UXJuirsfcC
— Chuckalicious Milo- ST sucks (@MiwiTheClerWise) January 7, 2026
If you recall from Stranger Things 4, the season ends with Max in a comatose state in the hospital after the Hawkins gang's battle with Vecna. This is most likely where the scene would've fit into the season. Honestly, it sucks that the creators decided not to include it. Sure, we got to see some of Max's friends by her bedside. But a moment with her mom was truly needed.
A scene with Susan at Max’s bedside could have added so much emotional depth, showing the love, worry, and connection between mother and daughter at one of the darkest points in Max’s life. While her friends’ presence was meaningful, it didn’t carry the same personal weight that a parent’s support would have.
I could have accepted the scene not making it into the fourth season, but then to have Susan absent from the fifth and final season as well? That makes the loss of the hospital scene even more painful. Susan didn’t even need a major role in Stranger Things 5, but at least a small moment showing that Max’s mom was still present in her life could have gone a long way.