Stranger Things is Netflix’s crown jewel. The sci-fi series took the medium to new heights nearly a decade ago with special effects and scale normally reserved for big-screen theaters. The intimate atmosphere enjoyed while watching the heroic citizens of the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, makes viewers feel like anyone can save the world. Combine that with incredible scenes and terrifying monsters, and the series has all the components worthy of its revolutionary presence in TV history.
One of the few negative running gags surrounding the series is how long it takes to film each season. Since its debut in 2016 Stranger Things has only released four seasons and 34 episodes. It’s been summer 2022 since the last batch of episodes, and there’s still no concrete release date for the fifth and final season. The show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, shared some behind-the-scenes clips from filming last week as the cast and crew move toward the halfway point.
The finish line is in sight and we have all the details you need in advance Stranger Things Season 5. That’s all we know so far!
What is Stranger Things season 5 about?
Stranger Things Season 5 will conclude individual character arcs while also bringing an end to the story of good versus evil that the series has told so beautifully. Vecna has established himself as the main antagonist of the last two seasons and one of the best TV villains of the 21st century. As he seeks to devour Hawkins and connect the shadow world to the Indiana town, it’s once again up to Eleven, Mike, Will, Hopper and the gang to find the courage and strength to fight for their lives and their community one last time.
Stranger Things likes to mix human relationships into the sci-fi action. This makes the story relatable and human. Fans expect answers to some of their favorite romances as the series progresses. Hopper and Joyce finally gave in to their feelings for each other after Joyce saved the police chief in the Arctic tundra of Russia at the end of the fourth season.
Eleven and Mike are on the verge of a larger relationship or perhaps a breakup after realizing they’re better suited as friends. LGBTQ+ fans would love to see the Duffers and the writing team pursue a relationship between Mike and Will, aka “Byler.” Will’s feelings for his friend are currently unrequited, but the coming out scene for the younger Byers brother was one of the best moments of the final season.
It has been hinted that the series might do a time jump since season 4 was so long ago. This would allow for a more meaningful script and less distraction when comparing the young actors’ appearance to today when they are all grown up. Adjusting the characters to their age would add more immersion to the series and prove again why Stranger Things offers a better television experience than many competitors.
Who will star in Stranger Things season 5?
All of the main cast members are expected to return for season 5. Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Joe Keery, David Harbour, Winona Ryder, and all of the other people we’ve grown so fond of will reprise their roles. Fans are still hoping for a return of Joseph Quinn as Eddie Munson, who was the breakout character in season 4. Stranger Things has a habit of using these kinds of one-season characters for just a year and then cutting them from the show, so it’s hard to say they’ll change course for season 5.
New actors joining the cast include Linda Hamilton of Terminator Fame and Alex Breaux from When they see us. Jake Connelly and Nell Fisher from Bookworm are also listed as new additions. Hamilton’s role is rumored to be a flash-forward version of Eleven, but the cast and crew have done a great job of keeping specific details under wraps. The series loves to bring in actors who provide plenty of ’80s nostalgia, such as Sean Astin (Lord of the RingsThe Goonies) played Joyce’s boyfriend in season 2.
How many episodes will Stranger Things season 5 have?
It was confirmed that Stranger Things Season 5 will have eight episodes. Maya Hawke, who plays Robin, hinted that the length of each episode could be similar to a movie, saying, “We’re basically making eight movies.” So even if there are fewer episodes than some fans would like, they can rest assured that if each episode is two hours long, they’re getting potentially 16 hours of storytelling!
When will Stranger Things season 5 premiere?
The Economic Times reports that Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos expects a release before the end of 2025. That’s a big window of time that could result in the series being off the air for over three years between seasons if it airs later than the summer. At least we finally have concrete release news from the mouths of executives and not online speculation!
