Stranger Things Mentions “Mormons” Again in Season 5

In Stranger Things Season 5, a character reportedly jokes, “Be polite. Unless it’s Mormons. Or a democrat,” marking another reference to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the hit series. The show has a history of including Latter-day Saints in its storylines, often using humor or stereotypes. While these moments are meant to be lighthearted, they continue to draw attention to a term with a complicated history.

The word “Mormon” was originally coined by critics of the Church during the early years of the Restoration as a derogatory label. It was meant to discredit Church members, falsely implying that they were not Christians but followers of the prophet “Mormon.” Because of this, the Church has worked for decades to clarify its proper name and identity, emphasizing that Jesus Christ is central to its teachings. President Russell M. Nelson has especially stressed the importance of using the full name of the Church to focus attention on Jesus Christ rather than a nickname.

Over the years, pop culture has often used “Mormon” in TV shows, movies, and jokes, sometimes portraying Church members in simplified or stereotypical ways. Stranger Things is no exception, having referenced Latter-day Saints in previous seasons, from humorous misunderstandings about Utah to characters joking about conservative lifestyles. These portrayals reflect broader cultural familiarity with the Church but also show how quickly humor can blur the line between stereotype and reality.

For many Latter-day Saints, seeing “Mormon” used casually can be a reminder of the word’s history as a label imposed by outsiders. At the same time, the Church’s efforts to emphasize Jesus Christ and the correct name are shaping how members and the public understand its faith today. Even in jokes or pop culture references, the conversation about identity, belief, and respect continues.