The Stranger Things Season 5 Release Schedule Breaks Netflix Tradition

Following the dramatic conclusion of Stranger Things Season 4 in 2022, fans were left with an open-ended finale that spelled impending doom for the people of Hawkins. The curtain separating the Upside Down and Hawkins had fallen, and after her near-fatal confrontation with Vecna, Max’s fate hung in the balance.

Fortunately, answers are on the way in the show’s fifth and final season, which arrives this year. Need a refresher? Here’s everything to know about the Stranger Things Season 5 release date schedule, cast, and new details as Netflix dishes them out.

So... What Happens In Stranger Things Season 5?

In 2023, the Stranger Things writers offered some indication of what fans can expect from the new season, teasing on Twitter: “Season 5 is like if Season 1 and 4 had a baby. And then that baby was injected with steroids.”

Indeed, there does seem to be a full-circle ending ahead. Speaking to Forbes in December 2022, Noah Schnapp said he is “very, very excited for what’s to come” for his character Will Byers. “I think they did a great job with Will’s character this season, and beautifully addressed everything they needed to,” Schnapp told the outlet. “The way they closed the show is just perfect — the story started with Will, and it’ll end with Will.”

As part of Tudum (Netflix’s annual fan event) on May 31, Stranger Things revealed specific plot details from its final season. According to the streamer, the next chapter picks up in the fall of 1987. After the opening of the “Rifts” — as seen at the end of Season 4 — Hawkins is under military quarantine, and Eleven is hiding from the government.

Meanwhile, her friends are trying to hunt down Vecna. “The final battle is looming — and with it, a darkness more powerful and more deadly than anything they’ve faced before,” the streamer revealed. “To end this nightmare, they’ll need everyone — the full party — standing together, one last time.”

Is There A Trailer Yet?

Yes! A new teaser pairs footage of past seasons with a look at what the Hawkins crew is up to today — and there’s a lot going on. At one point, Lucas can be seen at Max’s bedside. And at the end of the teaser, Will screams “Run!” as he appears to come face to face with an off-camera threat.

The Season 5 Release Date Breaks Tradition

Netflix also shared the release date — er, dates — for Stranger Things Season 5. For the first time, the season will premiere in three parts across the holiday season. The first volume drops on Nov. 26, the second on Dec. 25, and the finale on Dec. 31.

Additionally, these drops will happen at 8 p.m. ET — a break from Netflix’s usual overnight rollout.

Here’s The New & Returning Stranger Things Cast

Netflix also shared the full Stranger Things Season 5 cast, including returning stars and newcomers alike. Winona Ryder and David Harbour are back as Joyce Byers and Jim Hopper — the parental figures seeing the Hawkins posse through some truly terrifying ordeals.

Millie Bobby Brown returns as Eleven, Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson, Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair, Noah Schnapp as Will Byers, Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield, Natalie Dyer as Nancy Wheeler, Charlie Heaton as Jonathan Byers, Joe Keery as Steve Harrington, Maya Hawke as Robin Buckley, and Priah Ferguson as Erica Sinclair.

Rounding out the returning cast lineup is Brett Gelman as Murray, Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna, Cara Buono as Karen Wheeler, and Amybeth McNulty as Vickie.

Joining the world of Stranger Things Season 5 are Nell Fisher as Holly Wheeler, Jake Connelly as Derek Turnbow, Alex Breaux as Lt. Akers, and Linda Hamilton as Dr. Kay.