Stranger Things season 5 release date and time: when it drops, how many episodes, and runtimes for Vol. 1

Stranger Things season 5—the show’s final chapter—premieres Wednesday, November 26, 2025 on Netflix. The season is split into three drops: Vol. 1 (four episodes) on Nov. 26, Vol. 2 (three episodes) on December 25, and the series finale on December 31. All releases follow the same global timing window.

What time does Stranger Things season 5 come out?

New episodes debut at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 a.m. GMT. If you’re elsewhere, convert from those anchors—this season uses an evening U.S. release rather than the old overnight drop.

• Vol. 1 (Nov 26): 5:00 p.m. PT · 8:00 p.m. ET · 1:00 a.m. GMT (Nov 27)

• Vol. 2 (Dec 25): 5:00 p.m. PT · 8:00 p.m. ET · 1:00 a.m. GMT (Dec 26)

• Finale (Dec 31): 5:00 p.m. PT · 8:00 p.m. ET · 1:00 a.m. GMT (Jan 1)

Is Stranger Things season 5 out?

• Yes—Vol. 1 arrives today (Nov. 26, 2025) at the times listed above. If you’re checking earlier in the day, it won’t appear until the window opens; once live, all four Vol. 1 episodes are available together.

Stranger Things season 5 release schedule at a glance

Note: The finale also screens in a limited theatrical run in select U.S. and Canadian cities around New Year’s.

How many episodes are in Stranger Things 5?

There are eight episodes total: four in Vol. 1, three in Vol. 2, and one standalone finale to close the story.

Stranger Things season 5 episode length (what we know)

Creators have outlined Vol. 1’s lengths and broad guidance for the rest. Expect Vol. 1 entries mostly in the ~55–85 minute range, with the longest installment of the first drop running around 1 hour 20+ minutes. Vol. 2 runtimes will be confirmed closer to Christmas, and the finale is planned as feature-length (about two hours). If you’re planning a watch party, block out an evening for Vol. 1 and a long sit for the finale.

Vol. 1 guidance (titles abbreviated)

• Chapter 1: ~1h08m

• Chapter 2: ~54m

• Chapter 3: ~1h06m

• Chapter 4: ~1h23m

(Remaining chapter runtimes will be finalized as Vol. 2 approaches; the finale is the longest single episode of the series.)

Where Stranger Things season 5 picks up

Season 5 jumps to fall 1987, with Hawkins bracing for the largest clash yet as Vecna’s influence spreads across the Upside Down’s thinning barrier. Tonally, the finale leans into the show’s original DNA: small-town friendships, scrappy problem-solving, and 80s adventure vibes—scaled up for a series endgame. Expect the core ensemble back together quickly, tighter geography than season 4, and stakes that unify the plot rather than split it across distant locations.

Quick answers to top searches

• When does Stranger Things season 5 come out?
  Nov. 26 (Vol. 1), Dec. 25 (Vol. 2), Dec. 31 (finale).

• What time is Stranger Things 5 coming out?
  5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 a.m. GMT for each drop.

• Is Stranger Things season 5 out now?
  Vol. 1 lands today at the times above.

• How many episodes?
  Eight total (4 + 3 + 1).

• Episode length?
  Vol. 1 ranges roughly ~54–83 minutes; finale ~2 hours.

• Where to watch?
  Netflix (finale also has limited theatrical screenings around New Year’s).

However you plan to watch—single-night binge of Vol. 1 or staggered viewings—this schedule gives you room for both. Clear your queue: the last trip to Hawkins begins tonight.