June 2, 2025
In 2025, we are going back to Hawkins, Indiana. After years of anticipation, Stranger Things season 5 is officially on the horizon, bringing fans one step closer to the epic conclusion of one of Netflix’s most beloved series.
With monsters, mysteries, and a core group of characters we've grown to love, the final season promises to tie all the supernatural threads that have unraveled since Season 1. Here’s everything you need to know about the Stranger Things season 5 release date, plot, cast, and more.
One of the most-asked questions right now is: when is Stranger Things 5 coming out? Netflix only recently confirmed the Stranger Things season 5 release date at the TUDUM fan event in Los Angeles last week.
Similar to season 4, the final season of Stranger Things will be released in parts. Volume 1 will include the first four episodes and will premiere on Netflix at 5 PM PST on November 26, 2025. Three more episodes will be released on Christmas Day. The series finale episode will drop on New Year’s Eve.
Anticipation for Stranger Things season 5 has been building since 2022. That’s right, it’s been a whole three years since the release of season 4. The 2024 SAG-AFTRA strikes put a pause on production, further delaying the premiere of the final season.
Despite the anticipation surrounding the Stranger Things season 5 release date, one thing is clear: it will be worth the wait. Fans can expect a return to the classic horror, emotional storytelling, and epic battles that have defined the show since it first premiered in 2016.
Without giving away too many spoilers, Stranger Things 5 will pick up where last season’s dramatic finale left off. The Duffer Brothers have hinted that season 5 will be a love letter to the show’s origins, returning to a more grounded, Hawkins-centric story—though still with massive, cinematic set pieces.
The season will also delve deeper into the origins of the Upside Down and how it connects to Eleven’s powers. Expect emotional goodbyes, thrilling twists, and plenty of 80s music and nostalgia.
The entire core cast is expected to return for Stranger Things season 5. Here’s who you can expect to see on the screen come November:
Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Winona Ryder, and David Harbour are also set to reprise their roles. The only new character that’s been announced will be played by Linda Hamilton, star of the popular Terminator film series.
With character arcs that have spanned years, the final season should give each character a meaningful conclusion. Fans are especially eager to see how Max recovers after the events of Season 4 and what role Will has now that the Upside Down has seemingly chosen him again.
With so many streaming TV shows vying for our attention, it’s easy to lose track of what's coming out, when it’s released, and where to watch it. Instead, use the Streamline app to track everything you love to watch.
Streamline is your watchlist’s personal assistant. Just choose what you like to watch and Streamline will alert you when it’s live and where to stream it. It’s the perfect app for fans trying to keep tabs on Stranger Things season 5 – because the only thing scarier than the Upside Down is forgetting a release date.
With Streamline, you can also share your favorites with friends, post your thoughts, and get personalized TV show and movie recommendations. Download the Streamline app today via the App Store or Google Play.
Naturally, fan theories about the final season are flying. One popular theory suggests that time travel might play a key role in defeating Vecna, especially given the clocks highlighted in season 4. Others believe that Will Byers is the key to finally closing the Upside Down forever, due to his deep, lingering connection to it.
Another widely discussed theory is that not all characters will survive the finale. The Duffer Brothers have hinted that the ending will be “emotional and satisfying,” but they’ve also said the story will not pull punches. Prepare for heartbreak—this is, after all, the final battle for Hawkins.
As we await the Stranger Things Season 5 release date, fans are holding their breath for a finale that delivers closure, thrills, and heart. Whether you're a day-one fan or a newcomer to the series, there's never been a better time to jump into the world of Hawkins.
So mark your calendar (and your Streamline app), because Hawkins is calling. And this time, it’s the endgame.
