Here’s what we know about ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5

The wait is almost over but not quite. At its annual Tudum event held over the weekend, Netflix treated Stranger Things fans to a long-awaited update: the fifth and final season of the blockbuster sci-fi series is set to release in three parts. The rollout begins on November 26 this year, followed by Part 2 on December 25, and the grand finale on December 31, ending the saga just as 2026 begins.

Set in the fall of 1987, the story picks up after the explosive events of Season 4, where (spoiler alert) the town of Hawkins was ripped open by the Rifts. The synopsis reveals that Vecna has vanished, his whereabouts unknown, as the town reels under military quarantine. Meanwhile, the government intensifies its pursuit of Eleven, forcing her back into hiding. With the anniversary of Will’s disappearance approaching, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The final mission? Find and destroy Vecna—a task that will require every member of the party to reunite.

The newly released teaser offers a glimpse into the chaos that awaits—haunted streets, teary reunions, Eleven on the run, and a Hawkins that’s no longer just a battleground, but ground zero for the ultimate showdown. With darkness spreading and old threats evolving, this season promises to raise the bar with every episode.

And speaking of episodes, Netflix had previously revealed the titles for the eight-episode season: The Crawl, The Vanishing of (censored for now), The Turnbow Trap, Sorcerer, Shock Jock, Escape From Camazotz, The Bridge, and finally, The Rightside Up.

So, why the three-part release? It’s a strategy Netflix has been perfecting over recent years. First seen with season 4 of Stranger Things 4 and later repeated with other popular shows like Cobra Kai and Squid Game, the staggered rollout helps build momentum, sustain fan engagement, and keep social media buzzing over a longer period. By splitting the upcoming final season across key holiday dates—Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve—Netflix has ensured that the series will carry audiences through the festive season.

Long-time fans will be thrilled to see the return of series regulars including Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, David Harbour, Winona Ryder, Sadie Sink, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, and Noah Schnapp. They’ll be joined by Terminator legend Linda Hamilton, along with new faces Nell Fisher, Jake Connelly, and Alex Breaux—though their roles remain top secret for now.

With the Upside Down threatening to consume everything, and the final battle on the horizon, one thing’s clear: Stranger Things is going out with a bang—and everyone’s invited to the endgame.

All images: Netflix

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Also read: “Stranger Things“ season 5 release date and episode titles