Caroline Elle Abrams is injecting fresh energy into the fifth season of “Stranger Things” with her portrayal of Tina Turnbow, the longtime friend turned adversary of Erica Sinclair. Although her screen time is limited, the South Florida native has already captivated audiences with one of the season’s most unforgettable and humorous moments. Her inclusion in the cast follows the show’s tradition of introducing emerging talents in memorable roles.
Abrams, who takes on the role of the 13-year-old Tina Turnbow, has made her mark with a career that began at the tender age of five in local theater and commercials in South Florida. This upcoming season features her first major television role, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning acting career. Prior to this, she appeared in the short film “Just Deal With It” and lent her voice to the character Kylie in the 2023 series “R.A.D.A.R.: The Adventures of the Bionic Dog.” While she is still establishing herself in the industry, her casting in a major series like “Stranger Things” showcases the ability of streaming platforms to spot and nurture new talent.
Her character, Tina, holds a unique position within the “Stranger Things” universe, having been mentioned in the earlier seasons when Erica Sinclair referenced spending time at Tina’s house. However, the dynamics have shifted by season five, as the two characters now find themselves at odds over typical teenage drama involving a boy at school. This disagreement escalates into a perilous situation where Erica must outsmart her former best friend to protect Tina’s younger brother from a looming threat.
One standout moment from her debut episode, titled “The Turnbow Trap,” has become a highlight of the season. In this amusing scene, Erica concocts a plan involving a pie laced with sedatives to incapacitate the Turnbow family, but the plan takes a comedic turn when Tina refuses to eat the pie due to calorie concerns. This leads to a darkly funny moment where Erica is forced to use a syringe to administer the sedative while delivering the memorable line, “I told you to eat your pie.” The scene skillfully combines comedy with character development, showcasing Abrams’ ability to deliver a strong performance despite her limited appearances.
Through her portrayal, Abrams embodies the “cool girl” image typical in the 1980s high school setting of the show, bringing authenticity to her role. Her on-screen chemistry with Priah Ferguson, who plays Erica, hints at a genuine friendship formed during filming, further enhancing their dynamic in the series.
As the season rolls out in installments—volume 1 premiered on November 26, 2025, with volume 2 set to release on December 25 and the finale on December 31—fans are eager to see what lies ahead for both Tina and Caroline Elle Abrams. The character’s potential return in upcoming episodes remains a topic of speculation, but her connection to the broader storyline keeps audiences engaged.
Abrams’ role in “Stranger Things” could serve as a launching pad for a promising career in Hollywood, thanks to her stage experience and talent for both comedy and drama. Social media buzz suggests viewers are already invested in her character’s fate, hoping for a successful narrative arc as the series draws to a close.