The Final Chapter
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It’s official: Stranger Things Season 5 is coming in three installments this year. While fans have been eagerly awaiting updates, the release dates are quite exciting.
After the shocking conclusion of Season 4, it’s no wonder fans are anxious for the return of Stranger Things. The good news is that a new season is on the horizon, but the bad news is that this will be the final season of the beloved Netflix series — and the wait has been lengthy. Season 5 was confirmed back in 2022, with production kicking off in January 2024. Now, in mid-2025, we finally have the release schedule.
Ready for some juicy details about Eleven and her friends? Let’s dive into when we can expect them back and what else the creators and cast have revealed about Season 5.
When Will Stranger Things Season 5 Premiere?
Yes, the rumors are true — during the Netflix Tudum 2025 event, it was announced that four episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 will be released on November 26, followed by three episodes on Christmas Day, and the final episode will air on New Year’s Eve. Each part will be available on Netflix at 5 p.m. PST/8 p.m. EST. Season 4 was divided into two sections, premiering on May 27 and July 1, 2022, after a nearly three-year gap between Seasons 3 and 4. While fans hoped for a shorter wait this time, the final season’s arrival in late 2025 means it will have been over three years since we last visited Hawkins.
The extended break has prompted speculation about potential time jumps or narrative gaps, but in a 2022 interview with Collider, series creators Matt and Ross Duffer assured fans that the final season would dive straight into the action. “This season, for instance, it was two hours before our characters even realized the monster was killing people in Hawkins,” Ross noted. “They know what the threat is now, and so that will help speed it up.”
Undoubtedly, this means more heart-wrenching moments are ahead for Eleven, Hopper, Will, Steve, and the rest of the Hawkins crew before they confront Vecna and the other threats from the Upside Down. However, viewers can expect plenty of drama as they prepare to say goodbye to this iconic series.
Is There a Trailer for Stranger Things Season 5?
During the Netflix Tudum 2025 event on May 31, significant updates were revealed about Stranger Things, including a teaser trailer that unveiled the release dates. Some observations include that Max is still alive but currently in a hospital bed. It appears some time has passed since Season 4, as Hopper has a scruffy look and El sports longer hair. Will is set to have some pivotal moments, and intriguing visuals hint at the Upside Down’s involvement.
Who Will Star in Stranger Things Season 5?
The Duffer brothers have promised a return to the roots of Stranger Things, focusing on the characters that fans have loved from the beginning. Viewers can look forward to seeing Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven), David Harbour (Hopper), Winona Ryder (Joyce), Finn Wolfhard (Mike), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin), Noah Schnapp (Will), Priah Ferguson (Erica), Joe Keery (Steve), Natalia Dyer (Nancy), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan), and Maya Hawke (Robin) back in action.
In classic Duffer style, a new cast member will also join for the series’ finale — Linda Hamilton, known for her iconic roles in ‘80s films.
Max’s fate has been a hot topic since the end of Season 4, where she was left in a coma. Sadie Sink has kept quiet about her character’s future, merely hinting at her return. The Duffer brothers have indicated that Max will play a significant role in the final season, though specifics remain under wraps.
Fans shouldn’t expect old favorites who met their demise to return. The Duffer brothers confirmed that characters like Eddie (Joseph Quinn) and Brenner (Matthew Modine) are truly gone. However, expect Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) to return, even if he’s temporarily defeated.
Are There Any Spoilers for Stranger Things Season 5?
While the Duffers are largely tight-lipped about Season 5 plot points, they have hinted that the action will return to Hawkins after a season of characters being dispersed across various locations. “I think one of the things that’s exciting about Season 5 is [that] Season 4 was interesting because everyone was scattered to the winds,” Matt shared. “But this is about everyone finally coming back. Coming back together, coming back to Hawkins.”
Will is expected to be central to the storyline, with rumors suggesting he may play a crucial role in saving Hawkins, potentially at a great personal cost due to his connection to the Upside Down. Matt Duffer mentioned that Will’s character development will take center stage and set the stage for a return to the dynamics of Season 1.
What Else Do We Know About Stranger Things Season 5?
So far, details about Season 5 have been kept fairly under wraps, but we do have the episode titles from Netflix:
- Episode 1: “The Crawl”
- Episode 2: “The Vanishing of …”
- Episode 3: “The Turnbow Trap”
- Episode 4: “Sorcerer”
- Episode 5: “Shock Jock”
- Episode 6: “Escape from Camazotz”
- Episode 7: “The Bridge”
- Episode 8: “The Rightside Up”
The title of Episode 2 has sparked curiosity, as the second part remains blurred out, leaving fans speculating about its significance.
The Duffers have had a clear vision for the series’ conclusion for quite some time. “During the six-month pandemic hiatus, we outlined Season 5 and pitched it to Netflix,” they shared. “It’s been an extraordinary journey for all of us, and while it’s hard to believe that we’re approaching the end, we feel incredibly lucky to have such amazing partners.” So, stock up on tissues, because it’s going to be an emotional ride.