We'll be keeping track of everything you need to know about the fifth and final season of Stranger Things on Netflix.
Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven in STRANGER THINGS – Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2022
Stranger Things is returning to Netflix for a fifth and final season, not expected to release until at least late 2024 or even 2025. Here’s our massive preview of Stranger Things season 5, where we’ll cover everything you need to know about the fifth and final season of the show on Netflix.
Since its introduction in July 2016, Stranger Things has been and continues to be one of Netflix’s flagship shows. Each season has gone from strength to strength, increasing in popularity with every new outing.
If three years was too long of a wait for some subscribers, the figures greatly disagree with them. Within the first week of volume 1 of season 4 landing on Netflix, a Nielsen streaming record was broken as 7.2 billion minutes of the series were watched between May 30th and June 5th, 2022. The demand for the show was so high on the release of volume 2 that some Netflix users briefly experienced crashes as subscribers raced to consume the epic conclusion of season 4.
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Stranger Things Season 5 Netflix Renewal Status
Official Netflix Renewal Status: Renewed (Last Updated: 02/07/2022)
We learned that Netflix had already renewed Stranger Things for a fifth and final season ahead of the fourth season release.
Before the production of season 4, the Duffer Brothers were unsure about the number of seasons it would take to tell the full story of Stranger Things.
Speaking about the length of the show ahead of time,Ross Duffer said:
“We don’t actually know. I think, you know, four to five seasons is likely where we’ll end up, but who knows? I mean, none of this is official, and we know where we want to go. We’re trying to figure out still how long it’ll take to get there, so we’ll see.”
Matt seemed to know well ahead of time that the series would conclude with a fifth season:
“It’s hard like four seems short, five seems long. So I don’t know what to do.”
Ross (left) and Matt Duffer (right) – Alberto E. Rodriguez | Getty Images
What to expect from Stranger Things season 5
Welcome to Hell, Hawkins
Despite their best efforts, Vecna aka Henry aka 001, successfully carried out his plan to tear open a giant gate between the Upside Down and the real world. Dozens of people died in the ensuing chaos, and residents are leaving en masse to escape any further danger.
Thanks to the giant smoke plumes emitted from the giant gates, the particles falling all around Hawkins will result in any and all plant life decaying rapidly. Soon the real-world Hawkins will emulate the look of Hawkins from the Upside Down as Vecna’s vision for his “beautiful” new world begins to take shape.
As Hawkins falls deeper and deeper into chaos, expect to see a large military presence surrounding the town, with only very few residents and our heroes staying behind to keep fighting Vecna.
Vecna’s Return / 001 vs 011
Vecna came extremely close to being killed by Nancy, Steve, and Robin, but he could escape before anyone could deal a killing blow. It’s unclear how injured he is, and how long it takes to recover from multiple shotgun blasts and Molotov cocktails. Once fully recovered, we expect to see Vecna unleash his true powers on Hawkins and unleash the hordes of monsters from the Upside Down.
Eleven is the only person capable of fighting Vecna one-on-one, and she barely survived her second encounter with him. There’s no denying Eleven’s strength is vast, but it’s more than likely we’ve barely scratched the surface of what her true potential is. If Eleven wants to defeat Vecna, she must practice and hone her powers.
Picture: Netflix
Hawkins to be Quarantined?
Given the danger that the gates pose to Hawkins and the rest of the world, the military may declare martial law and potentially quarantine Hawkins. We can expect a robust military presence, especially if Demogorgons and other monstrosities begin to surf from the gates.
Sadly, for the people of Hawkins, those unable to get out of the town before a quarantine starts may have to fend for themselves while the military wage war against the forces of the Upside Down.
What will happen to the gates?
If Eleven successfully defeats Vecna, this doesn’t guarantee the gates to the Upside Down will be closed. It may require Eleven to replicate what she did with the gate under Hawkin’s Lab in the second season and forcibly close it herself. That first gate was large but pales compared to what Vecna has done to Hawkins. Not only will it take every ounce of Eleven’s power, but closing the gates may require Eleven to sacrifice herself.
Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2022
Will Max wake up?
Max’s death resulted in Vecna’s plan coming to fruition, but Eleven unexpectedly brought Max back to life. Between dying, having her limbs snapped, and potentially becoming blind, it’s no wonder Max is in a coma. We fully expect Max to wake up, but what condition she will be in remains to be seen.
If Max wakes up and is fully healed, Eleven can bring back people from the dead. The consequences of such power haven’t been explored yet, but with some potential deaths headed our way in season 5, Eleven will be needed more than ever.
Speaking on the TODAY program, Sadie said, “We know that it’s happening and that it’s the last season, so it’s going to be emotional, I’m sure,” adding, “Spoiler-free, just with the way my character ended in season 4, I have no idea what is going to happen. But I’ll be there.”
Time Skip
The Duffer Brothers have already announced that another time skip will happen in the story and will potentially pick back up around 1988 or 1989. This coincides with the real-life ages of the actors, who are already outgrowing their 15-year-old counterparts, such as Gaten Matarazzo, who turns 20 in September 2022, and during the production of season 5, will turn 21.
What is the production status of Stranger Things season 5?
Official Production Status: Pre-production / Writing
Collider first reported that writing for the fifth season would begin in August 2022, which was subsequently confirmed with a tweet from the Stranger Things writers’ account on August 2nd, 2022.
Day 1 pic.twitter.com/9m44RkJnc3
— stranger writers (@strangerwriters) August 2, 2022
Per our reporting in December 2022, filming was originally scheduled to start on Stranger Things season 5 in May 2023.
Production listings state the series will continue filming in Atlanta, Georgia, as per prior seasons. It’s expected to return to EUE/Screen Gems StudiosAtlanta Studio, which has been home toStranger Thingssince season 1. The 33-acre Atlanta studio complex boasts 11 stages and was the first full-service production studio campus to open in Atlanta.
The season 5 working title/codename is reported to be “JERICHO.”
New casting grids and production listings on various sources currently state that season 5 will begin filming in early June 2023 and not wrap up until late June 2024.
Yes, that means season 5 is scheduled to be in production for an entire year, as current reports stand. Each episode will reportedly cost north of $20 million.
Stranger Things Season 4 Behind-the-Scenes
Episode Titles, Writers, and Directors for Stranger Things Season 5
As part of Stranger Things Day 2022 (which took place on November 7th, 2022), the season 5 episode 1 chapter name was revealed.
Stranger Things – Episode 501 Script
- Episode 501 – Chapter One: The Crawl – Written by The Duffer Brothers
- Episode 502 – ???
- Episode 503 – ???
- Episode 504 – ???
- Episode 505 – ???
- Episode 506 – ???
- Episode 507 – ???
- Episode 508 – ???
Who is in the cast of Stranger Things season 5?
The cast for Stranger Things has swelled in recent years, and expect a big ensemble cast for the final season.
We expect all of the following actors to return in Stranger Things season 5:
- Eleven – Millie Bobby-Brown
- Peter / 001 / Henry / Vecna – Jamie Campbell Bower
- Mike Wheeler – Finn Wolfhard
- Dustin Henderson – Gaten Matarazzo
- Lucas Sinclair – Caleb McLaughlin
- Will Byers – Noach Schnapp
- Joyce Byers – Winona Ryder
- Jonathan Byers – Charlie Heaton
- Jim Hopper – David Harbour
- Max Mayfield – Sadie Sink
- Nancy Wheeler – Natalia Dyer
- Steve Harington – Joe Keery
- Robin Buckley – Maya Hawke
- Murray – Brett Gelman
- Erica Sinclair – Pirah Ferguson
- Argyle – Eduardo Franco
- Karen Wheeler – Cara Buono
- Ted Wheeler – Joe Chrest
- Vickie – Amybeth McNulty
There’s no news on any new cast members for season 5, although The Duffer Brothers are on the record saying they’ll “stay away” from introducing new characters.
Per Puck News, the cast negotiated a pay rise going into season 5. Winona Ryder and David Harbour are expected to net $9.5 million for the season. Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, and Sadie Sink at just over $7 million for the season. Series regulars such as Natalia Dyer, Maya Hawke, Charlie Heaton, and Joe Keery will net over $6 million for the final season.
In April 2023, we got word that Netflix was currently casting the following minor roles, including multiple army/military guys plus two kids aged between 8 and 10.
Another job listing is looking for an actor for the role of DEREK:
“[DEREK] Character is portrayed as 8-10yo, male, any ethnicity, overweight. An outsider with no friends, he is rude to adults — and a bully to those his age.”
What Stranger Things Spin-offs are coming to Netflix?
Alongside the announcement of The Duffer Brothers re-upping their Netflix deal, we also got word they’re working on multiple spin-offs – some of which we’ve got more information on.
In December 2022, we got word about one of the new spin-offs, described as an anime series set in Tokyo during the 1980s. The logline we have for the new anime series, which hasn’t been officially confirmed, is as follows:
“An encounter with the Upside Down evolves into a grand adventure for video game-loving twin brothers living on the outskirts of 1980s Tokyo.”
In April 2023, we also got word of a new animated series described as a Saturday morning cartoon.What’s on Netflix can exclusively reveal the logline for that new series:
“About a young girl Janet who has moved in with her uncle Brody after being in social services for years. Follows their dynamic as she learns to navigate having a real family and he learns to care for someone other than himself.”
Stranger Things VR game
To recap, here are all the various spin-offs and other Stranger Things projects coming in the near future:
- Untitled Stranger Things Animated Series– Described as a Saturday morning cartoon.
- Stranger Things: Tokyo– Yet-to-be-confirmed anime series spinoff.
- Untitled Stranger Things Live-Action Series– Spin-off series based on an original idea by The Duffer Brothers, with Upside Down and 21 Laps producing.
- Stranger Things: The First Shadow– Live performance play due to begin in London in late 2023.
- Stranger Things VR– Video game VR project from Tender Claws due out in late 2023.
- Stranger Things Comics– Currently announced projects include Tales from Hawkins and The Many Ghosts of Dr. Brenner.
This is in addition to some of the other projects The Duffer Brothers and 21 Laps is working on for Netflix.
Are you looking forward to the fifth and final season of Stranger Things on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!
FAQs
'Stranger Things' Season 5: Netflix Release Date Estimate & What We Know So Far? ›
All good things must come to an end—even Stranger Things. The hit Netflix sci-fi thriller, which first arrived in the summer of 2016, will conclude with its fifth season, which has no release date yet. The show's creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, announced the news with a bittersweet letter to fans on February 17, 2022.
Is there for sure going to be a season 5 of Stranger Things? ›All good things must come to an end—even Stranger Things. The hit Netflix sci-fi thriller, which first arrived in the summer of 2016, will conclude with its fifth season, which has no release date yet. The show's creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, announced the news with a bittersweet letter to fans on February 17, 2022.
Is Eddie Munson coming back? ›Eddie's coming back for a prequel story, but it won't be on TV.
Is Millie Bobby Brown not going to be in Stranger Things season 5? ›In a new interview, the 19-year-old actor admitted she's "ready" to bid farewell to her time as Eleven on the hit Netflix series, which is gearing up to film its fifth and final season. "I'm definitely ready to wrap up.
Who was Eleven's biological dad? › Is Stranger Things season 5 coming out in 2023 or 2024? ›In a new video interview with GQ, Finn Wolfhard revealed he will be 22 years old when Stranger Things season 5 is released. That's not great news. Wolfhard is currently 20 years old, and he will turn 21 in December 2023, which would mean Stranger Things season 5 is coming to Netflix in December 2024 at the earliest.
Will Eddie be back season 5? ›The final season of the web series "Stranger Things" will be available on Netflix. The 5th edition is expected to have Eddie Munson signing off on this stellar production to leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Will Billy Hargrove be in season 5? ›As mentioned, Stranger Things Season 5 will act as the conclusion of the stories of Eleven, Max Mayfield, Billy Hargrove, Mike Wheeler, and other main characters of the Netflix Web series.
Does Eddie come back to the 118? ›Eddie Is Learning to 'Let Go'
Professionally speaking, Eddie is in a “good place” when we pick back up with him in Season 6, Reidel says. “He's back at the 118, and he's happier and healthier than before. Now he can focus on moving forward in a good way.”
Millie Bobby Brown Reveals a Close-Up of Her Diamond Engagement Ring. The “Stranger Things” actress announced her engagement to Jake Bongiovi on April 11, 2023.
Why is Millie Bobby Brown deaf in one ear? ›
Speaking to Variety, Brown revealed that she was born with partial loss of hearing, and then her hearing faded away completely in one ear after years of tubes. This means that she can't fully hear herself perform – not that she's ever allowed that to stop her.
Is Millie Bobby Brown Deaf? ›Millie Bobby Brown described her passion as a 'bug', but things weren't easy as she never took acting lessons or underwent training to be a singer, and she does this while being deaf in one ear. Nonetheless, she never let this handicap come in the way.
Is Vecna 11's dad? ›Next up, the viewers go on to theorise that One/Vecna is actually Eleven's dad. Yep, told you it was wild. The theory claims that Brenner wanted to create a child with stronger powers, so he waited until One was old enough to become a father.
Could 1 be Eleven's dad? ›The Theory
This new theory according to PopBuzz suggests that Eleven's real father is none other than the original Hawkins Lab test subject 001 who turned out to be Henry Creel aka Vecna.
Ten, portrayed by Christian Ganiere, was a recurring character in the fourth season of Stranger Things. He was one of several test subjects experimented upon at Hawkins Lab by Dr. Martin Brenner and was among those who were killed by One on September 8, 1979.
Will Stranger Things season 5 take 3 years? ›Pre-pandemic, each season has typically taken around six to seven months to shoot. Factor in lengthy VFX post-production work and it takes well over a year to complete a season from start to finish. We would therefore estimate that Stranger Things season 5 won't come out until spring 2024 at the very earliest.
Is Gaten Matarazzo going to be in season 5 Stranger Things? ›Matarazzo and the rest of the show's massive ensemble cast will return in Stranger Things season 5, which will be the final season of the hit Netflix series, and finish the fight against the big bad Vecna.
Is Zendaya going to be in Stranger Things season 5? ›Sadly, Zendaya will not make an appearance in the fifth installment.
Is Eddie leaving 9 11? ›"We ended the Christmas episode with Eddie announcing that he was leaving the 118, and that was a big move — and I'm sure it annoyed many people in the audience," says Reidel. "But it's a big move, and you need to honor the big move. Eddie's going to have a little journey that he's got to do in these next few episodes.
Why is Eddie not on season 10? ›Eddie Wasn't Asked Back To Below Deck
After publicly exposing Bravo for not paying the cast members enough, he will likely never get invited back. Eddie said during an interview with The New York Post that the cast gets paid the lowest amount compared to other Bravo shows.
Why is Eddie not in season 3? ›
Eddie doesn't appear in Season 3. Dylan Riley Snyder and Leo Howard said that the reason Eddie doesn't return is that Alex Christian Jones moved to England to take care of his grandmother.
Who does Billy Hargrove love? ›Billy, being in very good shape, gathered much attention from women, most notably from Karen Wheeler. Billy also had a particular interest in Karen as well, and while flirting with her, he invited her to join him for "private swimming lessons" in an attempt to seduce her.
Is Billy still alive in season 5? ›Viewers and the show's characters were left in a state of shock by the end of All American season 5, episode 11 when Billy Butcher died after a bus crash.
Is Billy ever coming back? ›Yes! Billy makes a comeback in the new season of Stranger Things, but not in the way you're expecting. While Billy doesn't come back to life, Dacre Montgomery does, in fact, make a special appearance in Stranger Things season 4 part 1.
Is Buck in love with Eddie? ›Since Eddie came into the picture in Season 2, he and Buck have been through so much together. They love each other like brothers (OR MORE, if fans get their way). They regularly share heart-to-hearts. Buck is like a parent to Eddie's son, Christopher (Gavin McHugh).
Will 9-1-1 be back in 2023? ›Season 6 of 9-1-1 returns to Fox with a new episode on Monday March 6, 2023. That's today!
Is Bobby drinking again on 9-1-1? ›Bobby (Peter Krause) recognizes he's fallen into a dangerous pattern of drinking again and those issues are beginning to affect the family. While busy in the kitchen after an extremely stressful day at work, Bobby shatters a glass in his hand leaving blood all over the place.
Did Millie and Jake get married? ›Millie Bobby Brown became engaged to her boyfriend Jake Bongiovi after almost two years together this week. The actress, 19, shared the news on Instagram as she showed off her glimmering diamond ring while the actor, 20, wrapped his arms around her.
Who is the love of Millie Bobby Brown? ›Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi have epitomized modern young love since the summer of 2021—and now, after almost two years together, they are officially engaged.
How much did Millie Bobby Brown engagement ring cost? ›Diamond Pro CEO Mike Fried told Page Six the ring could be as big as five carats and worth close to $150,000, depending on the quality of the stone. And Ajay Anand, boss of Rare Carat, added to the outlet Millie's ring could be around three carats, estimating it to be worth about $75,000.
Is Millie Bobby Brown a millionaire? ›
Stranger Things actress Millie Bobby Brown has amassed a net worth of $14 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The young star's wealth comes from her career as an actor, producer, and entrepreneur.
Why is one born deaf? ›50% to 60% of hearing loss in babies is due to genetic causes. There are also a number of things in the environment that can cause hearing loss. 25% or more of hearing loss in babies is due to “environmental” causes such as maternal infections during pregnancy and complications after birth.
Is Millie Bobby Brown disabled? ›Early life. Brown was born in Marbella, Málaga, Spain, on 19 February 2004, the third of four children born to British parents Kelly and Robert Brown, an estate agent. She was born with partial hearing loss in her left ear and gradually lost all hearing in that ear over several years.
Is Millie Bobby Brown in college? ›Indiana? “Stranger Things” star Millie Bobby Brown is a student at Purdue University.
Does Millie Bobby Brown have a tattoo? ›In total, Brown has four known tattoos so far, all of which are small pieces of ink placed in various areas of her body: on her collarbone, her wrist, along her ribcage, and on her back. She even debuted some brand-new ink at the "Enola Holmes 2" premiere in November of last year.
Is Millie Bobby Brown vegan? ›MBB: I'm a vegetarian and was a vegetarian going into [the process]... The stuff we put on our skin should be like the food we eat; it should be good, it should be healthy, it should be full of nutrients and good extracts.
Will there be a season 5 of you? ›Goodbye, You — in 2024. Brace yourself for the final chapter of Joe Goldberg's bloody tale. You has been renewed for a fifth and final season.
Who is the red dragon in Stranger Things? ›According to Mars (and the D&D Dark Sun Wiki via Fandom) the most powerful villain is a Red Dragon by the name of Borys. According to the Dark Sun Fandom, Borys has scales that glow red with the heat of magma and clouds gather beneath his wings like a storm of fire.
Will there be a season 2 of Wednesday? ›Wednesday has officially been renewed for Season 2. “We can't wait to dive headfirst into another season and explore the kooky, spooky world of Nevermore,” Wednesday Season 1 co-showrunners Miles Millar and Alfred Gough exclusively tell Tudum.
Why did Joe disappear in season 5? ›In season five of The Flash, Joe made less appearances due to Martin taking a medical leave of absence after suffering a back injury, and thus Joe became an unseen character before Martin's return.
Is Joe being recast in You? ›
You might want to sit down for this, as Penn Badgley has confirmed Joe Goldberg is being recast as he will not be carrying on in his role in the next season of YOU.
What is Joe Goldberg diagnosis? ›Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg who has erotomania in the Netflix hit 'You'. (Image: pennbadgley/Instagram) Erotomania is a rare and often misunderstood psychiatric disorder characterized by a delusional belief that someone is in love with the affected person.
How old is Sadie? › Is Eddie Munson coming back in season 5? ›Eddie Munson: Stranger Things 5 on Netflix: Eddie Munson returns for final season - The Economic Times.
How long will we have to wait for Stranger Things season 5? ›Stranger Things is returning to Netflix for a fifth and final season, not expected to release until at least late 2024 or even 2025. Here's our massive preview of Stranger Things season 5, where we'll cover everything you need to know about the fifth and final season of the show on Netflix.
Is Vecna a Demon? ›The Vecna first appears as a demon who kills teenagers by psychically linking minds with said teenagers, like the ill-fated Chrissy at the start of the season, causing them to see visions before it ultimately kills them.
Who created Vecna? ›| Vecna | |
|---|---|
| First appearance | Eldritch Wizardry (1976) |
| Created by | Brian Blume |
| In-universe information | |
| Race | Deity |
In D&D, Vecna is not, in fact, the strongest villain – the honor is given to Borys, the Red Dragon.
Who is the monster in Wednesday? ›In season 1, episode 7 of Wednesday, "If You Don't Woe Me By Now," fans learn that Tyler Galpin (Hunter Doohan), is the Hyde monster. While Wednesday is one of the best horror TV characters, Tyler is great too, as he takes an interest in her and seems to understand her in a way that no one else does.
Is Tyler evil in Wednesday? ›According to Hunter Doohan (Tyler's actor), Tyler was deceiving Wednesday the entire time and even if he felt any attraction or respect for her, there was no true romantic feelings. Tyler actually hated Wednesday and the rest of the Addams Family, and all of Nevermore because of what happened to his mother.
Who does Wednesday end up with? ›
In one of the wise decisions concerning the love triangle, Wednesday does not end up with either guy. Enid is her best friend—they might hang out over break, and now she can focus on trying to solve another mystery. That's the happy ending I wanted.