Stranger Things: David Harbour on killing off the Byers’ family dog

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Today marks 5 years since Stranger Things had its Netflix debut. While this is certainly a cause for celebration, I thought we'd take a moment to talk about the Byer's family dog, a cast member that infuriated many people on set.

Recently while guesting on the First We Feast interview show Hot Ones, Stranger Things actor David Harbour, who plays Jim Hopper on the series, revealed that the dog hired for the role was a real pain in the ass.

“I hated that fucking dog so bad,” said Harbour, who currently stars in Marvel's Black Widow.

When asked to elaborate, Harbour explained that the dog was not well trained and that members of the cast and crew were constantly adjusting to the animal's unruly behaviour. 

“Take after take it would wander off or do something,” Harbour said while eating hot wings with Hot Ones host Sean Evans. “And then I remember the trainer on the sidelines going, ‘Come on! We got to make our money!’ Yeah, I walked up to them and I was like, ‘You know, the Byers should probably have that dog put to sleep next season.'”

As it happens, the dog has not been seen since the first season of the show. That was two seasons ago, and it's not likely that he'll come bounding back anytime soon. “We never talk about it the whole rest of the show,” Harbour said. “We should find it in the Upside Down in one of these future seasons.”

As much as I am a dog lover, ain't nobody got time for that. Clocks move pretty fast in Hollywood, and I don't imagine that the set of Stranger Things has time to burn on insubordinate canine co-star. At some point, it might be better if the dog goes the way of the Mews if you know what I mean.

You can check out the full Hot Ones interview with David Harbour below: