Stranger Things 5: Release Schedule

Stranger Things, one of the biggest hits ever launched on Netflix, is back with its Season 5 Part 1 on November 26, 2025. The final season of Stranger Things is being released in three parts on Netflix:
• Volume 1: 4 episodes—released Nov 26, 2025
• Volume 2: 3 episodes — Dec 25, 2025 (Christmas) in the U.S. & Canada (internationally Dec 26 depending on time zones)
• Series Finale: Episode 8 — Dec 31, 2025 in the U.S. & Canada (elsewhere Jan 1, 2026)

Christmas Day brings three new episodes for series fans. The final episode airs on the last day of the year, New Year’s Eve in the Americas, and New Year’s Day in parts of the world.

Episode Runtimes (Final Volumes)

The series’ creators have revealed official runtimes for Volume 2 and the finale:
Volume 2 episodes (Dec 25/26):

1. Shock Jock – 1 hr 8 min
2. Escape From Camazotz – 1 hr 15 min
3. The Bridge – 1 hr 6 min

Series Finale
• The Rightside Up — 2 hrs 8 min, making it the longest episode of the series. These runtimes mean Volume 2 alone delivers over 3 hours of story before the series comes to an end.

Special Theatrical Release for the Finale

• The final episode, The Rightside Up, won’t just stream, but Netflix is also releasing it in theatres in North America during Dec 31 – Jan 1, allowing fans to see the finale on the big screen, a whole new experience. This marks one of the few times Netflix has combined streaming with a theatrical rollout for a TV episode, aiming to give the finale a cinematic event feel.

What can we expect from the finale?

The story picks up in late 1987, with Hawkins facing a major threat from Vecna and the Upside Down. Volume 2 teasers hint at major revelations, including possible backstory questions and high stakes for key characters. The finale is expected to wrap up arcs that have developed since Season 1 (starting in 2016).

A major concern among fans is the possible death of Steve Harrington, one of the most beloved characters in the series, following his massive character development over the seasons. While some viewers believe that Will Byers or Eleven could sacrifice themselves to save the world, there is no clear indication yet that the story will take that route.

However, my personal view on it is that the character Robin Buckley, portrayed by Maya Hawke, might be a deeper connection to Vecna. Some fans believe her arc could involve a major twist, potentially placing her closer to the central conflict than previously expected.

Quick Reference: Key Dates (Global)

Times vary slightly in different regions and Netflix scheduling.