The final chapter of Stranger Things 5 is shaping up to be a grand sendoff. Netflix has officially confirmed that the final episode, titled The Right Side Up, will run for 2 hours and 5 minutes, making it one of the longest episodes in the series’ history. This extended runtime sets the stage for a powerful conclusion as the story reaches its final battle at Hawkins.
Stranger Things 5 finale gets 125 minutes of runtime
The finale will premiere globally on December 31 at 5PM PT on Netflix. At the same time, it will also be screened for fans in more than 500 theaters in America and Canada. These special screenings will continue until January 1, 2026, giving audiences a chance to watch the last episode on the big screen.
The season began in the autumn of 1987, with Hawkins still suffering from the rupture of the rifts. The heroes are united in their mission to find and kill Vecna. But according to the official summary, “But he has disappeared – his whereabouts and plans are unknown.” The government tightens control over the city, placing it under military quarantine and intensifying the search for Eleven. The synopsis states, “Complicating their mission, the government has placed the city under military quarantine and intensified the search for Eleven, forcing her to go into hiding.”
Netflix and Duffer Brothers have confirmed this
The season schedule is spread across key festival dates to add excitement.
- The first four episodes began streaming on 26 November.
- Three more episodes will arrive on December 25.
- Completion will take place on 31st December.
Netflix shared that the final episode will not only be available on the platform, but will also receive limited theatrical screenings, giving fans a community viewing experience.
Producers Matt and Ross Duffer expressed their excitement about this unique release plan. “We’re extremely excited that fans will have the chance to experience the final episode of Stranger Things in theaters, it’s something we’ve dreamed about for years,” he told Tudum. He added, “Seeing it on the big screen, with incredible sound, images and a room full of fans, feels like the perfect – boldly bitchin’ – way to celebrate the end of this adventure.”
Familiar faces return for the final season, including Winona Ryder, Millie Bobby Brown, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Jamie Campbell Bower, Natalia Dyer, Joe Keery, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Charlie Heaton, and Maya Hawke. New cast members include Alex Breaux, Jake Connelly, Nell Fisher and Linda Hamilton.
Also read: Stranger Things Is Not Over: Upside Down Returns in 2026 Animated Series Tales From ’85