After a nail-biting, what felt like forever, three-year wait, the moment “Stranger Things” fans have been desperately anticipating is finally near! Netflix has officially announced the release schedule for season five, accompanied by a new teaser trailer.
The Final Battle Looms
Season five of “Stranger Things” will pick up right where season four left off, with the town of Hawkins in ruins and many of our favorite characters in truly perilous positions.
The official description for the final season paints a dire picture: “The fall of 1987. Hawkins is scarred by the opening of the Rifts, and a single goal unites our heroes: find and kill Vecna. But he has vanished — his whereabouts and plans unknown. Complicating their mission, the government has placed the town under military quarantine and intensified its hunt for Eleven, forcing her back into hiding. As the anniversary of Will’s disappearance approaches, so does a heavy, familiar dread. The final battle is looming — and with it, a darkness more powerful and more deadly than anything they’ll need everyone — the full party — standing together, one last time.”
Filming for this monumental final season reportedly wrapped late last year. In December, co-creator Ross Duffer shared a touching tribute to the immense effort involved:
“It’s not just the cast we consider family. Our crew—many of whom have been with us from the very beginning—holds a special place in our hearts. Their dedication and passion have been the backbone of this journey,” he wrote. “Everyone involved was determined to bring this story to a satisfying conclusion. They poured their hearts and souls into it, and we couldn’t be more proud of what they’ve accomplished.”
Returning Favorites and New Faces
Netflix has already confirmed through set photos that the main cast will indeed be returning for their final adventure. That includes Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair), Noah Schnapp (Will Byers),
Plus, fans can look forward to new additions like Linda Hamilton (Terminator), Nell Fisher, Jake Connelly, and Alex Breaux (American Primeval) joining the Hawkins gang.
Co-creators Matt and Ross Duffer told Deadline in 2023 that a primary goal for this final season is to “stick the landing.”
Matt Duffer commented at the time, “Characters are already going to be in action, they’re already going to have a goal and a drive, and I think that’s going to carve out at least a couple hours and make this season feel really different.” He humorously added, “I’m sure the wrap-up will be a lot longer. It’s going to be ‘Return of the King’-ish with, like, eight endings.”
Get ready for an emotional, action-packed, and undoubtedly terrifying farewell to the Upside Down! The final battle for Hawkins begins this November! According to the video announcement, new episodes will be dropping in three batches:
Volume 1: November 26, 2025, at 5 PM PT (four episodes)
Volume 2: Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, at 5 PM PT (three episodes)
The Finale: New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025, at 5 PM PT (singular event episode)
