- Final ‘Stranger Things’ episode (“The Rightside Up”) premieres Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Netflix and in select theaters.
- The finale will screen in more than 350 theaters across the U.S. and Canada, with showings through Jan. 1, 2026.
- Duffer Brothers confirmed runtimes: Episode 8 runs 2 hours, 8 minutes; episodes 5–7 range from 1 hr 6 min to 1 hr 15 min.
When does the Stranger Things finale drop on Netflix?
The series finale of Stranger Things — titled “The Rightside Up” — arrives on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). Netflix will stream the episode simultaneously with theatrical screenings in more than 350 cinemas across the United States and Canada. The special screenings continue into Jan. 1, 2026.
Fans do not have to wait until midnight for the finale; the synchronized 8 p.m. ET premiere gives viewers on both coasts an earlier chance to watch together.
Which episodes recently dropped and when?
Netflix released the second batch of episodes from the final season on Christmas Day. Episodes 5, 6 and 7 landed on Dec. 25, following the first four episodes that premiered on Nov. 26. Those three new episodes lead directly into the series finale.
Final runtimes for season 5 (last four episodes)
The Duffer Brothers shared the confirmed runtimes for the season’s closing episodes. Here’s the rundown:
- Episode 5 — “Shock Jock”: 1 hr 8 min
- Episode 6 — “Escape From Camazotz”: 1 hr 15 min
- Episode 7 — “The Bridge”: 1 hr 6 min
- Episode 8 — “The Rightside Up” (series finale): 2 hr 8 min
The final episode’s length makes it the longest entry in the series and underscores the Duffer Brothers’ plan to give the show a cinematic send-off.
How to watch: Netflix and theaters
If you prefer the big-screen experience, check local listings for participating theaters; many cinemas scheduled special screenings on Dec. 31 and into New Year’s Day. Otherwise, log into Netflix at the 8 p.m. ET release to stream the finale at home.
What to expect next
With “The Rightside Up,” Stranger Things officially concludes its fifth season and the series overall. Viewers who want to catch up before the finale should allow extra time — several of the final episodes run well over an hour.
For the latest updates on showtimes and any last-minute scheduling changes, check Netflix’s official channels, your local theater listings, or announcements from the Duffer Brothers.
(Reporting note: The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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