Stranger Things viewers are just realizing who really plays Miss Harris in the new series.

Fans have been waiting with baited breath for the release of Stranger Things season five for some time.

And following its release just last week (November 26), there has been a lot of conversation from avid viewers online.

Co-creators Matt and Ross Duffer first released the hit series in 2016, and despite the most recent series getting a lot of attention, all four previous seasons are currently in Netflix‘s global top 10.

And it’s the first time a single show has ever taken over the entire charts.

Stranger Things
Stranger Things season five was released just last week (November 26). Credit: Netflix
The Duffer brothers speak about season five
Speaking about the moment the brothers realized they needed to create more, they said: “The success of season one freaked us out and then we knew we needed to build up this bigger world, that this was going to be ongoing.

“For season five, we’re pulling from a lot of those big season two ideas.

“A lot of our big ending stuff has pulled from stuff that we thought was going to be in season two.”

How the Duffers feel heading into season five
The Duffer brothers spoke to the Hollywood Reporter prior to the release of season five.

Ross said: “We’re good. We’re excited.

“I mean, nervous to show it to the world, but we’re excited to finally be near the end, but also sad… very confused emotions over here!

“We’ll see how we feel when it’s all done. Right now, we still have some work to do, but we’re getting near to the end.”

Matt added: “We’re still working on it, which allows us to remain in denial.

“But it’s very weird. When I was in school, I was always the last person working on a test, so I hate that someone has to force me to put pencils down, which is inevitably going to happen.”

Stranger Things
The new season has received mixed reviews. Credit: Netflix
Stranger Things season five reviews
Since it’s release, viewers online have both criticized and applauded the creators after watching season five.

One user on Reddit said: “People are really dogging on this season, for good reasons too.

“I by no means think it was perfect, but I think for the size and scale this show is operating on both in universe and as a cultural sensation, they are doing a pretty good job.

“There really isn’t a modern show that has this level of science fiction insanity to it.

“I’m not saying this is an excuse for this seasons shortcomings, but honestly I still had a good time.”

Another added: “This season was one of the best!”

A third wrote: “I was surprised with how much I enjoyed this season.”

Somebody else commented: “It is hard to know where to begin with the new Stranger Things season. There is so much happening that even the chaos seems exhausted.

“In the end the season feels like too many characters, too little direction, and performances that have not grown at the same pace as the nostalgia the show is trying so hard to revive.”

Introduction of Miss Harris
The fifth season introduced several new characters, among them being Miss Harris.

However, what viewers might not know is just how influential the actress playing the teacher was in the Duffer brothers’ formative years.

After being introduced to viewers as a Hawkins Elementary School teacher, she quickly becomes a pivotal character.

Miss Harris
Miss Harris is a new character for season five. Credit: Netflix
Her classroom – where a young girl named Holly Wheeler (played by Nell Fisher) is a student – comes under threat from the season’s villain, Vecna.

One day, she spots Holly quietly talking on the playground to someone she refers to as her ‘imaginary friend’ named Mr. Whatsit.

But soon after, she disappears.

It’s later made known that Mr. Whatsit isn’t imaginary at all but is actually Henry –better known as villain Vecna.

Miss Harris fan conspiracy
Despite Miss Harris being a totally new character, fans are convinced that the creators have teed her up for a much bigger storyline in episodes to come.

The theory suggests that Miss Harris, though a seemingly small character, is unknowingly used by Vecna to influence and control the kids of Hawkins, highlighting the villain’s pervasive mental control.

Fans have used the book ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ as a reference point for his ‘Mr. Whatsit’ persona.

Who plays Miss Harris?
It seems there was nobody else in mind for the casting of Miss Harris.

Ross shared last week that they cast Hope Hynes Love, as she was a formative part of their childhood.

After finding out who plays Miss Harris, one fan wrote: “Love that they acknowledge those who helped them along the way to get to where they are. Love this all.”

Another added: “That’s full circle beautiful.”

“Okay, this is actually really cool,” commented a third.

Miss Harris
Hope Hynes Love holds a special place for the creators. Credit: Netflix
Writing on Instagram, he said: “She was our high school drama teacher.

“High school was rough for me and my brother.

“But Hope saw something in us we didn’t see in ourselves – and she helped give us the confidence to not only survive those four years, but to move to LA and chase our dreams.”

Concluding the wholesome caption, he added: “Shoutout to all the teachers out there making a difference. And please… let’s prioritize the arts in schools.”