Get ready, Hawkins fans! “Stranger Things” is back for its epic final season, and we’re here to guide you through everything you need to know before the first four episodes of season 5 part 1 drop on Netflix. While the live reactions will come later, consider this your ultimate preview: we’re breaking down the release schedule, episode titles, what to expect this time around, and more.
Whether you’re catching up for the first time or brushing off the dust from your “Stranger Things” binge, this blog will set the stage for everything that’s about to unfold. Bookmark this space, because when episodes 1-4 go live, we’ll be updating it with reactions, breakdowns, and all the twists, turns, and terrifying surprises that Hawkins has in store.
How to watch ‘Stranger Things’ season 5 part 1
“Stranger Things” season 5, part 1, premieres on Netflix with the first four episodes dropping on November 26, 2025 in the U.S. (5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET). For international viewers, release times vary. For example, the U.K. sees it on November 27 at 1 a.m. GMT, and Australia at 12:00 PM AEDT.
I’ve been a fan of “Stranger Things” since season 1, and so I’m thrilled to share all the latest updates on season 5, volume 1. From previews to live reactions when the first part drops on Netflix, I’ll be covering everything before and during the release of the first four episodes, so fans won’t miss a moment.
Buckle up — ‘Stranger Things’ season 5 will take you over 10 hours to watch
Okay, now you know when the episodes of “Stranger Things” season 5 drop, and you know what the names of the episodes are. But how long will it take you to watch all eight episodes and get to the end of this nearly decade-long series? Well, I’ve got the answer to that too. Here are the runtimes for all eight episodes:
- “Chapter One: The Crawl”: 1 hour and eight minutes (Wed., Nov. 26, 8 p.m. ET)
- “Chapter Two: The Vanishing of…”: 54 minutes (Wed., Nov. 26, 8 p.m. ET)
- “Chapter Three: The Turnbow Trap”: 1 hour and 6 minutes (Wed., Nov. 26, 8 p.m. ET)
- “Chapter Four: Sorcerer”: 1 hour and 23 minutes (Wed., Nov. 26, 8 p.m. ET)
- “Chapter Five: Shock Jock”: 1 hour and 17 minutes (Thurs., Dec. 25, 8 p.m. ET)
- “Chapter Six: Escape from Camazotz”: 58 minutes (Thurs., Dec. 25, 8 p.m. ET)
- “Chapter Seven: The Bridge”: 1 hour and 37 minutes (Thurs., Dec. 25, 8 p.m. ET)
- “Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up”: 2 hours and 1 minute (Wed., Dec. 31, 8 p.m. ET)
For those trying to do the math at home, that’s 10 hours and 24 minutes for all eight episodes. The longest volume is, unsurprisingly, volume 1, which clocks in at just over four and a half hours. Volume 2 has longer episodes than volume 1, though, with an average episode length of over 77 minutes. Of course, the longest episode is the last one, clocking in at a feature-length movie runtime of 2 hours and 1 minute. Maybe it’s no surprise that Netflix is putting that episode in theaters. — MM
‘Stranger Things’ cast spill pranks and secrets
While we wait for the episodes (and grab a little happiness before the inevitable heartbreak) why not check out a fun cast interview? The stars of “Stranger Things” spill on on-set pranks, hilarious bloopers, encounters with rude fans, and even what they “stole” from season 5. It’s the perfect way to get a behind-the-scenes peek before Hawkins descends into chaos once again. — AB
Take the quiz — who are you in ‘Stranger Things’?
Ever wondered which “Stranger Things” character you’re most like? Take our fun quiz to find out if you’re a daring Eleven, clever Dustin, loyal Mike, or someone else entirely.
Here’s the latest trailer in case you missed it
Netflix’s new trailer for “Stranger Things” season 5 volume 1 hints at an epic finale, with the Upside Down spilling into Hawkins and danger looming for every character. The town is scarred, quarantined, and the gang is back, preparing for a final showdown against Vecna. Demogorgons erupt from the ground, portals glow red, and Eleven unleashes her powers like never before. Emotional stakes are high, and it’s clear no one is holding back this season. — Alix Blackburn
‘Stranger Things’ season 5 episode titles revealed!
Now that you know when episodes of “Stranger Things” season 5 will be dropping on Netflix, you might be curious what the titles of the episodes are. Lucky for you, that information is out there, and I’ve compiled the complete list of episode titles below:
Personally, I’m most intrigued by the title of “Chapter Two.” Who vanishes? And do they disappear for good? We don’t have to wait much longer to find out. — MM
- “Chapter One: The Crawl”
- “Chapter Two: The Vanishing of…”
- “Chapter Three: The Turnbow Trap”
- “Chapter Four: Sorcerer”
- “Chapter Five: Shock Jock”
- “Chapter Six: Escape from Camazotz”
- “Chapter Seven: The Bridge”
- “Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up”
‘Stranger Things’ season 5 ditches the binge model for a three-volume release schedule
Despite being famous for its binge-drop model, Netflix is decidedly milking everything it can out of the final season of “Stranger Things.” Rather than dropping all eight episodes at once, season 5 will be released in three volumes. Volume 1 and volume 2 are essentially mini binge-drops, but volume 3 is just one episode: the series’ two-hour-and-one-minute-long finale, which is also getting a theatrical release. See the full “Stranger Things” season 5 release schedule below:
Volume 1: Episodes 1-4 (Releases at 8 p.m. ET on Nov. 26)
Volume 2: Episodes 5-7 (Releases at 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 25)
Volume 3: Episode 8 (Releases at 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 31)
— Malcolm McMillan
Welcome!
Welcome to our “Stranger Things” season 5 live blog! Whether you’re a longtime Hawkins fan or catching up for the first time, this is your go-to spot for episode previews, character recaps, release info, and all the latest updates. Stay tuned because we’ll be updating everything as the season unfolds!
