When Stranger Things first debuted in 2016, it was an odd new supernatural series featuring . Yet within that same year, it seemed like everyone was referencing Demogorgons and Eggo waffles. Now, nine years later, Stranger Things has become a cultural giant, with its once-unknown young actors now parents, directors, and leading stars.
Acknowledging its pop-culture influence, Netflix has arranged an unprecedented three-part release schedule for Season 5, with the grand finale itself set for the final hours of 2025. The Stranger Things finale is also doing something no other Netflix original has done before: it’s . Here’s all you need to know about the finale, from the earliest ways to watch it to what might unfold in the episode.
What Is The Stranger Things Season 5 Finale Release Date?
Earlier this year, Netflix announced that Stranger Things would conclude in 2025. That’s technically accurate, as Stranger Things Season 5 Episode 8, “The Rightside Up,” premieres on December 31, 2025. The episode will also be available in theaters on the same day.
What Is The Stranger Things Season 5 Finale Release Time?
Similar to the first two volumes of Season 5, the Stranger Things finale will be available at 5:00 p.m. PT/8:00 p.m. ET. Running just over two hours, the finale means U.S. viewers can watch it in full and still have time left to ring in the new year. For most of the rest of the world, however, you’ll be watching in the opening hours of 2026.
If you want to watch the finale as soon as possible, viewing at home is likely your best bet. Theatrical showings only start once the episode is available on Netflix, meaning commercials and trailers would delay the screening past when home viewers begin watching. Plus, snacks at home are more affordable.
Is There A Trailer For The Stranger Things Season 5 Finale?
Yes! As of Tuesday, December 30, Netflix released a final trailer for the movie-length series finale. You can watch it above.
What Is The Plot Of The Stranger Things Season 5?
This marks the final showdown between Vecna and the ever-growing Hawkins group. In Volume 2, we learned that Vecna has been hiding in the Abyss, where he’s holding Holly Wheeler and the rest of the kidnapped “vessels.” Our heroes have one last reckless plan to stop him, but given how these schemes typically go, it’s unlikely everything will unfold as they hope.
Even if Vecna is destroyed, unanswered questions remain. What will become of these characters after the story ends? Will Kali and Eleven truly sacrifice themselves to permanently seal off the Upside Down? And will Vickie and Robin finally go on that dinner date?
Will Stranger Things Continue After Season 5?
In a way! Even after Vecna is (hopefully) vanquished, fans can still see Henry Creel in person via Stranger Things: The First Shadow, currently playing on Broadway. If traveling to New York isn’t an option, you’ll need to wait for Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85, an upcoming animated spin-off that will feature new adventures.