Season 5 of the beloved Netflix series “Stranger Things” will be released in three separate volumes in the remainder of 2025. While fans across the world anxiously await the full release, theories and media coverage continue to grow. To prepare for this, here is what you need to know:
Volume 1—Thanksgiving Special
On Nov. 26, the day before Thanksgiving, the first four episodes of Season 5 were released at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Each episode will be around an hour in length, totaling close to 4.5 hours to watch the entirety of Volume 1. The season is expected to pick up after the events at the end of Season 4, taking place in the fictional small town of Hawkins, Indiana.
Volume 2—Christmas Day
Following Volume 1 of “Stranger Things” Season 5, Volume 2 will be released on Dec. 25, 2025, or Christmas Day. At 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, the next three episodes will air on Netflix, leaving audiences awaiting the eighth and final episode, which will be released on the last day of this year. Run times for episodes 5-7 are still unconfirmed, leaving viewers wondering how much time to allot for the series. While some are frustrated by the interference that the drop of these episodes will have on holiday plans, other viewers rejoice as they can gather with their families to invest in their favorite show.
Series Finale—End the Year with Stranger Things
The series finale of the fifth and final season of “Stranger Things” will drop on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Expected to run for approximately 2 hours, viewers will be able to start 2026 with the excitement and emotion that the grand finale will engender. The show’s finale has been described as a satisfactory one by several cast members, so whether you plan to host a watch party with loved ones or decide to wait until Jan. 1 to discover the ending of “Stranger Things,” it will most likely not disappoint.
For a final look at the scheduling and release dates:
Volume 1:
- Nov. 26, 2025 (Episodes 1-4)
- 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
- Approximately 4.5 hours
Volume 2:
- Dec. 25, 2025 (Episodes 5-7)
- 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
- Run time unconfirmed
Series Finale:
- Dec. 31, 2025 (Episode 8)
- 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
- Approximately 2 hours
