Who’s Who
Get to know the actors returning to the show for its second run.
By Olivia Harrison
April 22
Stranger Things Season 5 Finale Release Date and Schedule - Netflix Tudum
Dec. 27, 2025
Do you hear that? That’s the sound of the Stranger Things finale on the horizon. The release dates for the fifth and final season have been revealed, and it won’t be much longer now before your favorite nerds take on Vecna in what promises to be one last epic ride through Hawkins, Indiana.
Stranger Things 5 premiered this fall: four episodes premiered on Nov. 26, three episodes premiered on Christmas, and The Finale episode will premiere on New Year’s Eve. Each volume releases at 5:00 p.m. PST. For global release times, keep scrolling to find out when the final season will debut around the world. And you can watch the new video announcement below for a look at what’s in store.
Watch the Stranger Things 5 Date Announcement
And there’s plenty more to look forward to, including intel about the mysterious Upside Down. Back in Season 1, series creators Matt and Ross Duffer wrote a 25-page document for Netflix that delves into the mythology of the cryptic alternate dimension. While some of that lore has already been unveiled, expect even more details to emerge in the final season. “The last remaining questions that are answered in that document, we’ve punted a couple of those to have some big reveals in Season 5,” Ross Duffer previously said. “And that’s really going to affect what Season 5 is about.”
Here’s a look at the full synopsis for Stranger Things 5: “The fall of 1987. Hawkins is scarred by the opening of the Rifts, and our heroes are united by a single goal: 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’ve faced before. To end this nightmare, they’ll need everyone — the full party — standing together, one last time.”
The cast of Stranger Things 5 includes: Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers), David Harbour (Jim Hopper), Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven), Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair), Noah Schnapp (Will Byers), Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield), Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers), Joe Keery (Steve Harrington), Maya Hawke (Robin Buckley), Priah Ferguson (Erica Sinclair), Brett Gelman (Murray), Jamie Campbell Bower (Vecna), Cara Buono (Karen Wheeler), Amybeth McNulty (Vickie), Nell Fisher (Holly Wheeler), Jake Connelly (Derek Turnbow), Alex Breaux (Lt. Akers), and Linda Hamilton (Dr. Kay).
With many questions still looming — like what’s the deal with that portal Vecna opened at the end of Season 4? — one mystery you don’t have to wait to unravel is when exactly those highly anticipated Stranger Things 5 episodes will arrive.
Take a look below to find out when the final season of the global phenomenon will release in your region. (And if you need a refresher on what happened last season, head here.)
Volume 1
Nov. 26, 2025
Volume 2
Dec. 25, 2025
The Finale
Dec. 31, 2025
Volume 1
Nov. 27, 2025
Volume 2
Dec. 26, 2025
The Finale
Jan. 1, 2026
Volume 1
Nov. 27, 2025
Volume 2
Dec. 26, 2025
The Finale
Jan.1, 2026
Volume1
Nov. 27, 2025
Volume 2
Dec. 26, 2025
The Finale
Jan. 1, 2026
Volume1
Nov. 27, 2025
Volume 2
Dec. 26, 2025
The Finale
Jan. 1, 2026
All About Stranger Things
GuideFrom the familiar to new horrors, here’s what’s next from the Duffer brothers.By Christian ZamoraMarch 18
What To WatchThe Stranger Things actor also stars in these other series and movies.By Caitlin BuschFeb. 16
What To WatchSince moving to Hawkins isn’t an option.By Jean BentleyJan. 29
Who’s WhoNew cast members include Ayana Cymone, Dora Dolphin, Ted Koch, and more.By Tara BitranJan. 26
Behind the ScenesFrom how Vecna evolved to why Will finally got a new haircut.By James ReedJan. 16
What To WatchAccording to the internet. Did your favorite make the list?By Ananda DillonJan. 6
NewsPlus: Stranger Things 5 and The Great Flood debut on the Most Popular list.By Ananda Dillon and Ashley LeeJan. 6
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Deep DiveA family is split between two worlds in this three-season series.By Krutika MallikarjunaMay 7
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Press Play“Nothing gives me more anxiety than watching 12-year-old me speak words.”Jan. 72:49
Behind the Scenes“It’s Vecna or us. And we’re not gonna stop until we have saved the world.”Jan. 618:56
Behind the ScenesEvery party member plays a part.Jan. 118:54
Press Play“Wow, I forgot about that outfit.”Dec. 311:20
Press Play“It wasn’t that bad. I thought it’d be worse. I thought I'd be cringing more.”Dec. 312:22
Press Play“I’m definitely proud of that version of me.”Dec. 314:36
Press Play“I feel it's like you're in the eye of the storm … It'll take years to process and reflect on it.”Dec. 312:15
Press Play“Yeah, that’s crazy. By the way, I have no memory of that.”Dec. 312:37
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