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There's just one episode of Stranger Things season 5 left, and if Vol. 2 is anything to go by, the finale has a heck of a lot of ground to cover. Our Hawkins heroes have finally figured out what the Upside Down really is, and they're determined to destroy it once and for all together – with the non-superpowered folk backing up Will and Eleven in the battle against Vecna.
We sat patiently for a month between Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, but when it comes to the last-ever chapter... we haven't got so long to wait. Good thing, too, since you're probably as desperate as us to find out whether they succeed or not.
To ensure you don't miss it, we've put together an essential guide on all that's left of Stranger Things season 5 below, from when the finale will be streaming through to its limited cinema rollout. Yes, Hawkins is hitting the big screen too this year. There's also news on episode counts, streaming times on Netflix in the US and UK, and much more.
Can't handle the 5-day gap? Check out our guides on the best Netflix shows and best Netflix movies. Then, if you still have a moment spare, dive into our breakdown of the Stranger Things season 5, Volume 2 ending.
Stranger Things season 5, episode 8 release date: what time is the series finale on Netflix?
Stranger Things season 5, episode 8 releases on Netflix on December 31, likely at 5:00 PM Pacific/8:00 PM Eastern.
With that, 'The Rightside Up' will drop in the UK on January 1 at 1:00 AM GMT. We don't know about you, but we can't think of a better way to start the new year...
For what that means in your region, be sure to head on over to the time zone converter.
Stranger Things season 5 release schedule: when are new Volumes out?
Stranger Things season 5 has a peculiar release schedule to say the least.
The final season is split into three volumes: Volume 1 (consisting of four episodes) hit Netflix on November 26 in the US. Volume 2 landed on December 25 with three episodes, including two directed or co-directed by Shawn Levy.
Finally, Volume 3 (titled 'The Finale') is released on December 31.
Here's what the full Stranger Things season 5 release schedule looks like:
- Stranger Things season 5, episode 1 ('The Crawl'): November 26 – out now!
- Stranger Things season 5, episode 2 ('The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler'): November 26 – out now!
- Stranger Things season 5, episode 3 ('The Turnbow Trap'): November 26 – out now!
- Stranger Things season 5, episode 4 ('Sorcerer'): November 26 – out now!
- Stranger Things season 5, episode 5: December 25 ('Shock Jock') – out now!
- Stranger Things season 5, episode 6: December 25 ('Escape from Camazotz') – out now!
- Stranger Things season 5, episode 7: December 25 ('The Bridge') – out now!
- Stranger Things season 5, episode 8: December 31
Stranger Things season 5 episode count: how many Volumes are there?
There are eight episodes in Stranger Things season 5, stretched across three Volumes.
That number matches both the first and third seasons of the show, but lags behind seasons two and four's nine episodes. We imagine the runtime of this season will surpass any prior season, however. Volume 1's runtimes have been confirmed, with the fourth episode clocking in at 83 minutes.
Where to watch Stranger Things season 5
All episodes of Stranger Things season 5 will be available to stream on Netflix, no matter what tier of membership you currently hold.
But, wait, there's more! As confirmed by Netflix, screenings of the final episode will take place across 350 theaters in the US and Canada starting from 5:00 PM Pacific/8:00 PM Eastern on December 31, with more showings happening on January 1.
Need to know what else is hitting streaming soon? Here's our guide to what's new on Netflix in December 2025.
