The era of Hawkins, the Upside Down, and Eggo waffles is drawing to a close. Netflix has confirmed that the highly anticipated Stranger Things season 5 will be the grand finale for its global phenomenon, bringing the story of Eleven and her friends to an epic conclusion.
The final season will see the full gang unite for one last, desperate attempt to locate and destroy the malevolent Vecna, played by Jamie Campbell Bower. With a military lockdown gripping the town and authorities hunting Millie Bobby Brown's Eleven, the stakes have never been higher as the anniversary of Will Byers' disappearance approaches.
When and How to Watch the Final Season in the UK
Netflix is delivering the final chapter in a unique, eventised format. The season will be released in three distinct drops, giving fans time to process the escalating drama.
The first volume, comprising four episodes, premieres in the US on Wednesday, November 26 at 5pm PT (8pm ET). For British viewers, this means the show will land on Thursday, November 27 at 1am Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
The release schedule then takes a festive turn. A further three episodes will be released on Christmas Day, with the grand series finale arriving on New Year's Eve. UK audiences will be able to watch these episodes the following day. Additionally, special cinema screenings of the final episode are planned for the US and Canada from December 31.
The Returning Cast and New Faces for the Finale
Fans can expect to see all their favourite survivors from the battle of season four. This includes Winona Ryder as the resilient Joyce Byers and David Harbour as the beloved Jim Hopper.
The final season also introduces some compelling new characters. In a thrilling casting coup, Terminator star Linda Hamilton joins the show as Dr Kay, a government scientist. Other new additions confirmed in early 2024 include Amybeth McNulty returning as Vickie, alongside Nell Fisher, Jake Connelly, and Alex Breaux in new roles.
Emotions ran high at the world premiere, where Winona Ryder fought back tears while paying tribute to her younger co-stars, even delivering a powerful, emotional rendition of Dolly Parton's 'I Will Always Love You'.
Trailer Teases and Immersive Fan Experiences
Netflix unveiled an official trailer on October 30, which quickly amassed hundreds of thousands of views. The nearly three-minute preview showcases intense moments, including Eleven flying to breach a massive metal barrier, hinting at new levels of her powers.
In a novel marketing move, Netflix has also launched a collaboration with Global to create Hawkins' own radio station, WSQK 'The Squawk'. Available in the UK until January 1, fans can tune in via their radio, Global Player, or smart speaker for local Hawkins updates, dedications, and gossip from Scoops Ahoy, fully immersing them in the world before the final curtain falls.
With the Duffer Brothers also confirming a live-action spin-off is in development, the world of Stranger Things is far from over, but the story of this particular group of heroes reaches its climax in this final, eight-episode season.
