Since its premiere in 2016, Stranger Things has become one of Netflix’s most iconic series and a global cultural phenomenon. With its unique combination of ’80s nostalgia, science fiction, supernatural horror, and a beloved gang, the series created by the Duffer brothers has won over millions of fans. And we’re no exception! Each season has raised the bar, expanding the universe of the “Upside Down” while paying homage to classic ’80s films, music, and literature.
Now, after four seasons packed with thrills, mysteries, and iconic moments, the long-awaited Season 5 is almost here. From the epic confrontation with Vecna in Season 4 to the devastating situation Hawkins was left in, we can’t wait to find out how the story will end. Eight episodes, most of them cinematic in length, released across three different days. It’s all coming.
In addition to Stranger Things Season 5, Netflix and the Duffers are working on several spin-off projects within the series’ universe, including an animated spin-off and a theatrical event titled Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which explores the origins of Henry Creel and Dr. Brenner in the 1950s. And we can’t wait to dive back into this universe!
MORE: ‘Stranger Things’ Season 4 Volume 2 Review: The Good, the Bad(ass), and the Ugly
The Cast:
Most of the main cast will be returning for Stranger Things Season 5. So we can expect to see the return of Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, Finn Wolfhard as Mike, Noah Schnapp as Will, Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin, Sadie Sink as Max (although her status is uncertain following the Season 4 finale), David Harbour as Hopper, and Winona Ryder as Joyce. Additionally, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, and Brett Gelman are also confirmed. Also expected to return is Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna/Henry Creel, who remains the main threat to the gang.
Here are the final runtimes for Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2:
Ross Duffer, one half of the Duffer brothers and co-creator of Stranger Things, shared the runtimes for Season 5 Volume 2 on his Instagram. As of December 22, the runtimes are as follows:
- Episode 5 “Shock Jock” is 1 hour 8 minutes
- Episode 6 “Escape from Camazotz” is 1 hour 15 minutes
- Episode 7 “The Bridge” is 1 hour 6 minutes
- Episode 8 “The Rightside Up” is 2 hours 8 minutes
Photos:
Here are some BTS photos from the Stranger Things Season 5 set:
And here are the stills released:
MORE: 5 Post Stranger Things Vol. 2 Jopper Fics
The Plot:
The fourth season ended with Hawkins in chaos: the “Upside Down” began to invade the real world, and the threat of Vecna is far from over. And while Netflix hasn’t officially revealed the plot of Stranger Things Season 5 yet, the Duffer brothers have revealed that Season 5 will be faster-paced and more focused, with fewer new character introductions and more focus on wrapping up existing story arcs. They’ve also teased that Will Byers will have a key role, returning to the center of the story, as he did in the first season.
The final conflict will focus on the ultimate fight against Vecna and the possible destruction (or salvation) of Hawkins. There will be plenty of emotion, action, and we can’t rule out some painful goodbyes. After all, what would a final episode be without goodbyes?
Here is the synopsis released by Netflix:
The fall of 1987. Hawkins is scarred by the opening of the Rifts, and our heroes are united by a single goal: find and kill Vecna. But he has vanished — his whereabouts and plans unknown. Complicating their mission, the government has placed the town under military quarantine and intensified its hunt for Eleven, forcing her back into hiding. As the anniversary of Will’s disappearance approaches, so does a heavy, familiar dread. The final battle is looming — and with it, a darkness more powerful and more deadly than anything they’ve faced before. To end this nightmare, they’ll need everyone — the full party — standing together, one last time.
Release Date:
The fifth and final season of the show will be released in three volumes, yes, three. The first four episodes will drop on November 26 at 5 PM PT. The next three will drop on Christmas at the same time, and the last episode will drop on New Year’s Eve at the same time. Are you ready to return to Hawkins one last time?
Trailers:
Here is one trailer:
Here’s another one:
And as of December 15, here’s the trailer for Volume 2:
Volume 2 also released a clip teasing of what happens to the kids when they’re taken by Vecna:
