Stranger Things 5: Final Episode Airs December 31, 2025, Here's What to Know

The fifth season of "Stranger Things" is set in the fall of 1987, bringing back a distinctly nostalgic feel.

The Hawkins gang is faced with a crucial mission to find and defeat Vecna, after mysterious cracks appear throughout the town.

The threat from the Upside Down becomes increasingly real and pressing.

Their mission is further complicated by the military's continued pursuit of Eleven, while Vecna ​​successfully kidnaps Holly Wheeler.

It is revealed that the Upside Down is actually a wormhole connecting Hawkins to another dimension, known as "The Abyss." This discovery changes their understanding of the true threat.

Vecna ​​himself has a sinister plan to kidnap 12 children, aiming to strengthen his power and merge Earth with The Abyss.

Will Byers' deep connection to Vecna ​​and the Upside Down will be further explored, with Will even rumored to gain new psychic abilities.

The final battle between Vecna ​​and the Hawkins gang will determine the fate of the world.

"Stranger Things" fans will see the return of familiar faces who have become iconic in the series.

Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers, David Harbour as Jim Hopper, and Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven/Jane Hopper are among the returning stars.

They are joined by Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, and Sadie Sink, all of whom will play crucial roles in the story's conclusion.

In addition to the core cast, several new additions to the final season are also added, including Linda Hamilton joining the cast as Dr. Kay.

Amybeth McNulty returns as Vickie, while Nell Fisher as Holly Wheeler, Jake Connelly as Derek Turnbow, and Alex Breaux as Lieutenant Akers will also appear.

Unfortunately, Eduardo Franco, who plays Argyle, will not be returning for this season.

The production of "Stranger Things" season five also faced challenges, including delays due to the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023. Filming began on January 8, 2024, and concluded on December 20, 2024.

The Duffer Brothers had drafted the entire season before filming, with revisions to the structure and ending based on feedback from the previous season, promising a "blockbuster" scale for the finale.

As the "Stranger Things" series finale approaches, various fan theories have emerged, fueling speculation about how the story will end.

One popular theory suggests that Vecna ​​may not be the sole villain, or that the Mind Flayer will even play a larger role.

There's also the possibility that these two evil entities will confront each other.

The Abyss's role as another dimension connected to the Upside Down has also been the focus of speculation.

Vecna ​​is suspected of using the 12 kidnapped children to open a larger wormhole, with the goal of merging the dimensions or even rewriting time.

Will Byers' new psychic powers and Kali (Eight)'s potential role in the final battle have also been highlighted.

The title of the final episode, "The Rightside Up," suggests that the final battle will take place in the real world, not just in the Upside Down.

Speculation has also been rife about the deaths of major characters, such as Will or Eleven, who appear to be heroic sacrifices.

There's even a theory that Holly Wheeler, kidnapped by Vecna, might betray the villain and become an unexpected savior.