Is Stranger Things Season 5 out? Release dates, cast, and everything you need to know

Fans of Stranger Things have plenty to look forward to this week as Netflix rolls out the highly anticipated fifth and final season. The beloved sci-fi series is back with a bang, and it even has a special presence in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Earlier in 2025, Netflix teased the final season during its Tudum event, giving viewers a glimpse of Hawkins’ latest adventures and confirming when the episodes would drop. Here’s your complete guide to the Season 5 release schedule, cast, and viewing details.

When Does ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Premiere?

The eighth and final season of Stranger Things will release in three parts:

• Volume 1: The first four episodes debut on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT—perfect timing for Thanksgiving Eve binge-watching.

• Volume 2: The next three episodes will hit Netflix on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, giving viewers a holiday treat.

• Season Finale: The grand finale airs on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025.

How Many Episodes Are Available This Week?

Starting Wednesday, Nov. 26, Netflix subscribers can stream the first four episodes of Season 5, diving back into Hawkins and the supernatural events that have gripped the small town for years.

Who’s Back in Hawkins?

The main cast returns, including fan favorites:

• Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers

• David Harbour as Jim Hopper

• Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven

• Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler

  
  
  

• Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson

• Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair

• Noah Schnapp as Will Byers

• Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield

  
  
  

• Natalia Dyer as Nancy Wheeler

• Charlie Heaton as Jonathan Byers

• Joe Keery as Steve Harrington

• Maya Hawke as Robin Buckley

• Priah Ferguson as Erica Sinclair

• Brett Gelman as Murray

• Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna

• Cara Buono as Karen Wheeler

• Amybeth McNulty as Vickie

New Faces Joining Season 5

Season 5 also introduces fresh characters to the Stranger Things universe:

• Nell Fisher as Holly Wheeler

• Jake Connelly as Derek Turnbow

• Alex Breaux as Lt. Akers

• Linda Hamilton as Dr. Kay

Where Is Hawkins?

Hawkins, Indiana, remains a fictional town created for the series. Fans will once again journey through the eerie streets, high school halls, and secret labs that have defined the show’s signature mix of horror, mystery, and nostalgia.

How to Catch ‘Stranger Things’ in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

This year, Stranger Things will have its own float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, giving fans a real-world peek at the show’s iconic world and characters.

Recap Before You Watch

If you haven’t revisited the previous seasons, it’s a great time to catch up. USA TODAY recently published a full recap of Seasons 1–4, making it easy to get up to speed before the new episodes drop.

FAQ

Q: When does Stranger Things Season 5 premiere?
A: Volume 1 premieres on November 26, 2025, Volume 2 on December 25, 2025, and the finale on December 31, 2025.

Q: How many episodes are in Season 5?
A: There are eight episodes in total, released in three parts.

Q: Who is in the cast of Stranger Things Season 5?
A: Main cast members include Winona Ryder, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, David Harbour, and others, with new additions like Linda Hamilton and Nell Fisher.

Q: Is Hawkins a real place?
A: No, Hawkins, Indiana, is a fictional town created for the series.

Q: How can I watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade featuring Stranger Things?
A: The parade airs on NBC on Thanksgiving Day, and the Stranger Things float will be part of the broadcast.