When Does ‘Stranger Things’ Season Five Come Out? Release Schedule and How to Watch

The wait is almost over for fans asking when “Stranger Things” Season Five comes out. Netflix is rolling out the final season in multiple parts, beginning with the first four episodes on Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

The remaining episodes will arrive across the holidays, giving viewers a staggered finale for the series. Season Five marks the official end of the blockbuster sci-fi series, bringing the entire story to a close after nearly a decade.

‘Stranger Things’ Season Five Release Dates and How to Watch

Netflix confirmed that part one launches Nov. 26 with four full episodes. Part two will drop on Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, followed by the final episode on Dec. 31 at the same time. These dates give fans three separate moments to watch the show’s biggest twists unfold.

The series is available only on Netflix. Viewers need a paid subscription to watch Season Five. Netflix offers multiple plans, including options with ads and premium 4K streaming. Major outlets such as AP and CNN have noted increasing global demand ahead of the premiere.

Season Five begins with a time jump to fall 1987. Hawkins is under military quarantine after the Rifts opened, disrupting normal life in the town. Will, Mike, Lucas, Dustin and the rest of the group begin searching for Vecna, who disappeared after the events of Season Four.

The government is also intensifying its hunt for Eleven, forcing her into hiding once again. As the anniversary of Will’s disappearance approaches, a heavy sense of dread returns to Hawkins. Netflix describes the season as the “final battle,” bringing the full party together “one last time.”

Returning cast members include Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery and more. New faces join the ensemble, including Linda Hamilton and Nell Fisher.

What the Final Season Means for the Franchise

The end of “Stranger Things” is a major moment for Netflix. The series has been one of the platform’s most successful originals since its 2016 debut. Its final chapter is expected to generate significant viewership, social-media discussion and pop-culture impact throughout the holiday season.

The split release strategy may increase momentum as each drop creates new waves of conversation. Fans will likely analyze every detail, especially since the storylines of Hawkins, Eleven and Vecna will not continue beyond this season.

For viewers wondering when “Stranger Things” Season Five comes out, the schedule is clear and spread across November and December. The series returns on Nov. 26 and will close out with its last episode on Dec. 31, marking the end of one of Netflix’s most influential shows.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When does ‘Stranger Things’ Season Five come out?

The first four episodes release on Nov. 26. More episodes arrive on Dec. 25, and the finale airs on Dec. 31.

Q2: How many episodes are in Season Five?

Season Five includes eight episodes total. They are split across three release dates.

Q3: Do I need Netflix to watch Season Five?

Yes. The series streams only on Netflix, and a paid subscription is required to watch it.

Q4: Is Season Five the final season?

Yes. Netflix has confirmed this is the last season of the series.

Q5: Who returns in the Season Five cast?

The main cast returns, including Eleven, Hopper, Joyce, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and more. Several new characters also appear.