The highly anticipated first part of Stranger Things season 5 has finally premiered on Netflix, leaving fans dissecting every moment of the new episodes. Released on 27 November 2025, this initial batch of four episodes finds Hawkins in a state of lockdown, with our favourite characters facing unprecedented dangers and uncovering dark secrets.
Will Byers' Emerging Power
The season opens with a crucial flashback from four years ago, where Vecna tells a young Will Byers that they will do "beautiful things" together. This connection proves to be more than just a memory. In a tense moment, a demogorgon attempts to abduct Derek, and Will realises he can see through the creature's eyes, a direct result of his lingering bond with Vecna. The midseason finale powerfully hints at his growing abilities, ending with Will wiping a bloody nose, a familiar sign of psychic exertion previously associated with Eleven.
The Fate of Max Mayfield
Since the climactic events of the season 4 finale, Max has been in a coma, her fate hanging in the balance. However, a breakthrough occurs when Holly Wheeler ventures into the Upside Down. It is revealed that Max is alive but trapped within Vecna's memories. She has found refuge behind a mysterious rock wall, a sight that provoked a strong reaction from Vecna. Intriguingly, the two are now reportedly working on a plan to escape together, suggesting a complex and unlikely alliance.
The Mystery of Mr Whatsit
A new subplot involves Holly Wheeler's 'imaginary friend', Mr Whatsit. The intrigue begins when Holly's teacher grows concerned upon seeing the child talking to seemingly no one in the playground, though the audience is shown she is conversing with a figure just out of sight. The mystery deepens when Mrs Wheeler later reveals that Mr Whatsit's real name is Henry—the same name as the villainous Vecna.
A Shocking Reunion at the Military Base
In a daring move, Hopper and Eleven infiltrate a military base. There, the sinister Dr Kay deploys a high-pitched radio signal that causes Eleven excruciating pain and completely nullifies her powers. Hopper manages to knock Dr Kay out and gains access to a secure vault. Expecting to find Vecna, he makes a stunning discovery: strapped to a machine inside is Eleven's long-lost 'sister,' Eight. Also known by her real name, Kali, she is a fellow survivor of the Hawkins Lab experiments whom Eleven first met in season two, marking a dramatic and emotional reunion.
