Honestly, it’s wild how one pool party changed everything. Shannon Purser was working at a movie theater in Roswell, Georgia, just a regular teen, when she landed a tiny role in a new Netflix show called Stranger Things. She played Barbara "Barb" Holland. She had maybe twelve minutes of screen time. She wore high-waisted jeans and ruffles.
Then she died in the Upside Down.
And the internet absolutely lost its mind. "Justice for Barb" became a global rallying cry, catapulting Purser from a theater employee to an Emmy nominee overnight. It’s one of those rare Hollywood lightning-strikes-twice moments. But if you think her career ended in that swimming pool, you haven't been paying attention. Shannon Purser movies and tv shows have actually carved out a really specific, relatable niche in the years since 2016.
The Riverdale Era and Beyond
After the Hawkins chaos, Purser didn't just sit around. She hopped over to The CW to play Ethel Muggs in Riverdale. If you watched the early seasons, you remember Ethel. She started as this somewhat timid, bullied girl and eventually became a central figure in the show's increasingly bizarre "Gryphons and Gargoyles" plotline. She stuck with that show on and off for years, finally wrapping up her journey as Ethel in 2023.
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But TV wasn't the only thing on her plate.
In 2018, she took the lead in the Netflix original film Sierra Burgess Is a Loser. Look, that movie was divisive. People had thoughts about the catfishing plot. But what most critics agreed on was that Purser’s performance was grounded. She played the "uncool" girl without making her a caricature. She’s got this way of looking at a camera that makes you feel like she’s actually sharing a secret with you. It's why she works so well in the "coming of age" genre.
A Quick Look at the Credits
- Stranger Things (2016) – The iconic Barb Holland.
- Wish Upon (2017) – Her jump into horror films.
- Riverdale (2017–2023) – The long-running role of Ethel Muggs.
- Rise (2018) – A short-lived but beloved drama about a high school theater department.
- Sierra Burgess Is a Loser (2018) – Her first major leading film role.
- Final Space (2018–2019) – Providing the voice for Shannon Thunder.
- Equal (2020) – Playing real-life activist Del Martin.
- The First Lady (2022) – A guest spot as Peg.
What's Happening in 2026?
It’s currently 2026, and Purser is doing something most people didn't see coming. She’s moving behind the camera. She recently announced her directorial debut with a short horror film titled Sisters. It makes sense if you follow her—she’s been a vocal horror nerd for years. The film is reportedly a "creature feature" about the bond between two sisters on the run.
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She's also branched out into music under the name Sister Seer. It’s sort of ethereal, personal stuff. It feels like she’s finally shedding the "Barb" skin and showing people who Shannon actually is.
The Return of Barb?
There has been a ton of chatter about Stranger Things 5. Since the final season is finally hitting screens, everyone wants to know: Is Barb back? The short answer: Kinda. Reports from the set suggest that while Barb is definitely still dead (sorry, theorists), her presence—and perhaps a very gruesome physical reminder of her—plays a role in the final emotional arc of the series. Seeing her name pop up in the 2025/2026 production notes felt like a massive full-circle moment for fans who never stopped posting that hashtag.
Why She Actually Matters
Most "viral" stars fizzle out in six months. Purser didn't. She’s been open about her struggles with OCD and the reality of being a plus-size actress in an industry that still isn't great at handling that. She doesn't play the "best friend" who just exists to give the lead advice. In shows like Rise or movies like Wish Upon, she brings a specific gravity.
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She basically proved that you don't need a ten-season contract to become a cultural icon. You just need one pair of oversized glasses and a very relatable sense of loyalty.
If you’re looking to catch up on her work, start with Stranger Things for the nostalgia, then hit Equal on Max to see her handle some heavier, historical material. She’s much more than a meme.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Watch the "Justice for Barb" episodes: Revisit Stranger Things Season 1, Episodes 1-3 to see the performance that started it all.
- Stream "Equal": Check out her portrayal of Del Martin for a look at her range beyond teen dramas.
- Follow "Sister Seer": Look up her music on streaming platforms if you want to hear the creative direction she's taking in 2026.
- Keep an eye on "Sisters": Watch for her directorial debut on the festival circuit this year to see how she handles the horror genre from the director's chair.