As the beloved series Stranger Things approaches its climactic conclusion, fans can expect an exciting expansion in its fifth season, complete with intriguing new characters and some fresh faces in the cast.

Since its debut in 2016, Stranger Things has captivated audiences with its gripping storyline and nostalgic nods to the ’80s. Now, as it gears up for its grand finale, the stakes have been raised to unprecedented heights. The show’s core group is preparing for one last showdown with the menacing Vecna, portrayed by the talented Jamie Campbell Bower. Amidst this intense build-up, the series also revisits familiar faces, including Mike, played by Finn Wolfhard, and Nancy, brought to life by Natalia Dyer. In addition, there are appearances by Eleven, portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown, and her surrogate siblings, adding layers to the narrative.

In a recent interview with Deadline on November 26, Bower shared his thoughts on the anticipation surrounding the series finale. He expressed a desire for fans to be on the edge of their seats, saying, “Fans should feel like what they’re doing is holding onto their chairs going, ‘No, no, no.’ That’s how I want them to feel, particularly with what I’m up to.” Describing the first part of the final season, he noted it as an “explosive setup” that will lead to the dramatic unfolding in Volume 2 and eventually the finale.

Executive producer Shawn Levy also commented on the pivotal roles each character will play as the series reaches its conclusion. The journey of the cast, including Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, and others, has been remarkable. These actors, who were relatively unknown at the start, have since become household names, largely due to the show’s phenomenal success. Reflecting on the show’s impact, Levy remarked, “I don’t think Netflix thought it was going to be as huge as it became.”

Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo and the rest of the Stranger Things cast have evolved tremendously since the show began in 2016. The once relatively unknown actors burst into the Hollywood industry full speed ahead after the drama’s massive success. “I don’t think Netflix thought it was going to be as huge as it became, […]

“Having watched the finale episode recently, it’s one of the best finale episodes of any show that I’ve ever seen,” Levy teased to Deadline. “And I am so knocked out by the mastery that the Duffers show in the finale episode. I can’t wait for the world to see it. I can’t wait for them to see it on the biggest, loudest screen possible, because that’s what it deserves.”

Keep scrolling to meet every newcomer from season 5 of Stranger Things:

Dr. Kay

Linda Hamilton‘s character works for the military and is determined to track down Eleven. It isn’t clear what Dr. Kay’s plan was — outside of researching the Upside Down — even when she finally caught Eleven. Dr. Kay seemed friendly to Eleven before turning the tables on her and Hopper (David Harbour).

“I’ve watched every season with relish. I just love it,” Hamilton exclusively told Us Weekly in February 2024. “So it’s kind of, like, imposter syndrome where I don’t [feel that I] fit in there. That’s a whole world set in the ’80s.”

Hamilton added: “When you really buy into something, you don’t see yourself in it. So I think in a way, it kind of ruined the show for me. I never watch [a project], once I’m in something. It would just completely take me out of the reality of it to see myself in there. So I won’t be watching [season 5].”

Derek Turnbow

Season 5 introduced Jake Connelly as Derek a.k.a “Dips*** Derek,” who started part 1 as a bully in Holly’s grade but ultimately turns into an unlikely hero. His belief in all things Vecna allowed him to play a huge role in rescuing other kids at risk of being kidnapped by the villain.

Tina Turnbow

Speaking of the Turnbow family, Tina has been mentioned in season 3 when Erica (Priah Ferguson) was determined to see her friend despite being stuck under the Starcourt Mall — which inspired Steve’s iconic line, “I don’t care about Tina!”

This time around, Erica also didn’t care about Tina since the pair were in a major fight over a guy. Caroline Elle Abrams brought the role to life of a high school girl who just wouldn’t eat Erica’s drug-laced pie — and paid the price for that.

Vickie Dunne

Amybeth McNulty was briefly introduced in season 4, but season 5 expands on her story as Robin’s secret girlfriend, Vickie.

The Stranger Things cast has been showing fans how much fun they are having while filming the show’s final season. Viewers were introduced to the residents of Hawkins, Indiana, when Stranger Things debuted in 2016. The series focuses on a fictional town where a series of supernatural events cause mystery and mayhem. After appearing on […]

Kali a.k.a Eight

Same as McNulty, season 5 of Stranger Things reintroduces Linnea Berthelsen as Kali after a failed backdoor pilot from season 2 originally introduced Eleven’s “sister” Eight. The duo were both altered to have powers that were then manipulated by Papa (Matthew Modine).

Eleven briefly teamed up with Eight and her friends but ultimately left them behind to return to Hawkins and save her friends. The attempt at a spinoff didn’t land, with fans and critics alike having a negative response to the episode.

Holly Wheeler

Twin sisters Anniston and Tinsley Price played Mike and Nancy’s younger sister before Nell Fisher was cast due to Holly getting a more prominent role once Vecna kidnapped her.

Stranger Things returns with Volume 2 on December 25, and the finale drops December 31 on Netflix.