The much-anticipated fifth season of Stranger Things has finally arrived on Netflix, bringing back beloved characters like Eleven (played by Millie Bobby Brown), Hopper (portrayed by David Harbour), and the rest of the gang. Together, they continue their battle against Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) and the terrifying creatures of the Upside Down.

For now, Netflix has released only the first four episodes of this climactic and final season. This strategic drop may have left viewers on the edge of their seats, as the Thanksgiving marathon concluded with a thrilling cliffhanger.

So, what’s next for the series? When can fans expect the remainder of Stranger Things Season 5 to hit the streaming platform?

**Caution: Spoilers Ahead for Stranger Things Season 5 Part 1, now available on Netflix**

The fourth episode of Season 5, titled “Sorcerer,” concludes with significant revelations that could dramatically shift the tide in the ongoing struggle against Vecna.

First, Max (Sadie Sink) is not only alive, but trapped in Vecna’s mind in the Upside Down. When she sees Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher) also trapped there, Max is able to reach the girl and recruit her in a larger plot to bust free of Vecna’s psychic prison.

Then, Eleven and Hopper are able to infiltrate Dr. Kay’s (Linda Hamilton) secret base in the Upside Down. When they finally manage to get through security to open that mysterious door, it’s not Vecna held captive on the other side, but El’s long-lost sister 008 (Linnea Berthelsen).

Finally, Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) finally discovers that he has the power to hack into Vecna’s hive mind to control the Demogorgons himself. He manages this in the nick of time, saving Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), and Robin (Maya Hawke) from certain death.

Stranger Things fans have already had to wait over three years for their favorite show to return, but now they have to wait a little longer to learn what happens next. How many episodes are in Stranger Things Season 5? When does Stranger Things Season 5 Part 2 come out?

When Does Stranger Things Season 5 Part 2 Come Out?

Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 will come out on Christmas Day — December 25, 2025 — at 8 PM EST/5 PM PST.

When Does the Stranger Things 5 Finale Come Out?

The final episode of Stranger Things will drop on New Year’s Eve, aka Wednesday, December 31, 2025, only on Netflix.

How Many Episodes are in Stranger Things Season 5? Stranger Things Episode Guide:

There are a total of 8 episodes in the fifth and final season of Stranger Things and they will premiere in three waves between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. Confused by all that? Here’s exactly when each and every episode of Stranger Things Season 5 comes out on Netflix:

• Season 5 Episode 1 “The Crawl”: Wednesday, November 26
• Season 5 Episode 2 “The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler”: Wednesday, November 26
• Season 5 Episode 3 “The Turnbow Trap”: Wednesday, November 26
• Season 5 Episode 4 “Sorcerer”: Wednesday, November 26
• Season 5 Episode 5 “Shock Jock”: Thursday, December 25
• Season 5 Episode 6 “Escape From Camazotz”: Thursday, December 25
• Season 5 Episode 7 “The Bridge”: Thursday, December 25
• Season 5 Episode 8 “The Rightside Up”: Wednesday, December 31

Will There Be a Stranger Things Season 6?

Nope! Stranger Things Season 5 is the final season of the hit Netflix show.

How To Watch Stranger Things:

Stranger Things is a Netflix exclusive, which means the only way to watch it is with a Netflix account.

Netflix offers three subscription plans to fit your streaming needs. The plans start at $7.99/month for standard with ads and go up to $24.99/month for unlimited ad-free streaming in up to 4K UHD quality.

That said, if you are willing to shill out extra money to watch the final episode on the big screen, Netflix is planning to show the super-sized Stranger Things finale in select theaters. According to Tudum, “Limited screenings of the final episode will take place in more than 350 theaters in the US and Canada beginning Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. PT — timed to the finale’s global premiere on Netflix at the same time — and runs through Jan. 1, 2026.” More information to come.