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The actor behind Stranger Things' new character Tina Turnbow was turned down for two other roles previously, and had the best reaction to finally getting on the show

Caroline Elle Abrams may be the most vindicated actor on the Stranger Things season 5 set, having gone through two other rounds of try-outs before nabbing the role of Erica Sinclair's best friend, Tina Turnbow

News by Grant DeArmitt, Staff Writer

Published on Wed Dec 17 2025

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Of the standout characters populating Stranger Things season 5, Tina Turnbow seems to be one of the most beloved by fans. The subject of numerous memes, Turnbow is played by Caroline Elle Abrams, and the character's moment in the spotlight has to be something of a giant win for the actor. Why? Well, according to Abrams, it's the part she got after three separate Stranger Things auditions.

"I actually auditioned for Stranger Things," Abrams tells Netflix's own Tudum, "Funnily enough, a number of times. I think this was my third audition for Stranger Things, and obviously I was super excited."

"Super excited" is very likely an understatement, but Abrams had to contain her feeling of vindication for a very good reason. She was on the road and, as 16-year-olds very often are, still very new to driving.

"I received the phone call that I got the part when I was driving home from school," Abrams joyfully explained, "And I’d just gotten my permit. I was driving with my dad, and I was not the best driver yet. He said to me, “Eyes on the road. Don’t get too excited!” But I was so excited that I couldn’t focus. We had to hang up, and I called back when I got home."

Well, congratulations, Caroline, we supposethe third time's the charm. But for moments like that one, the most important numbers really are 10 and 2.

Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 is on Netflix now, followed by volume 2 on December 25, and the ultimate finale of the series on December 31.

As we all collectively wait for Stranger Things season 5, here's the keys to getting ready:

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Grant DeArmitt: Grant DeArmitt (he/him) likes horror, comics, and the unholy union of the two. In the past, and despite their better judgment, he has written for Nightmare on Film Street and Newsarama. He lives in Brooklyn with his partner, Kingsley, and corgi, Legs.