What Happened to Barb in Stranger Things?

Stranger Things is easily one of Netflix’s most successful series, and its fourth season has given us a look at a couple of minor characters that we haven’t seen since season 1, including the beloved Barb. With so many different things that have happened between season 1 till now, we wouldn’t blame you for forgetting some of the finer details either.

If you need a refresher on what happened to Barb in Stranger Things, here’s everything you need to know.

Barb’s Fate in Stranger Things Season 1

Played by Shannon Purser, Barbara Holland was Nancy’s best friend, and she met an unfortunate end in season 1, episodes 2 and 3, titled The Weirdo on Maple Street and Holly, Jolly.

Soon after Nancy starts dating Steve, they’re invited to Steve’s place for a pool party in his backyard. As the party starts to wind down, Nancy eventually follows Steve up to his bedroom, while Barb tries to stop her and says that she’s not acting like her usual self. Nancy doesn’t pay attention to Barb, however, and just tells her to go home.

Feeling dejected, Barb sits at the poolside alone, but she soon gets targeted by the Demogorgon and gets dragged into the Upside Down. In the opening of episode 3, Barb calls out to Nancy for help, but she’s quickly dragged into the depths of the pool by the Demogorgon and goes silent.

Barb’s Appearance in Season 4

In Stranger Things season 4, we do get a glimpse of Barb yet again, but make no mistake: she’s still dead. Towards the end of the mid-season finale, Vecna targets Nancy just as she’s about to make it out of the Upside Down, and preys on her guilt over shunning Barb back in season 1.

Once again, we see Barb get dragged off by the Demogorgon and the show reconfirms her death.

That’s all you need to know about what happened to Barb in Stranger Things. Be sure to search for Twinfinite for more news and information on the series, including our take on the show’s approach to trauma, and other spoiler-y bits, like if anyone dies in season 4.