Stranger Things Season 5: Everything We Know So Far

The final chapter is upon us. After nearly a decade of supernatural mysteries, unlikely heroes, and trips to the terrifying Upside Down, Stranger Things is returning for its fifth and final season—and filming has officially wrapped. The iconic Netflix series is scheduled to premiere sometime in 2025, closing the curtain on one of the most beloved sci-fi stories of our generation.

Whether you’re Team Eleven or cheering on Steve “The Babysitter” Harrington, there’s a lot to get excited (and emotional) about. Here’s everything we know so far about Stranger Things Season 5.

Has Stranger Things Season 5 Wrapped Filming?

Yes — it’s a wrap! As of early 2025, production on Season 5 is officially complete. Filming began on January 8, 2024, and concluded months later, bringing to a close a journey that began back in 2016.

In a heartfelt post on Instagram, co-creator Ross Duffer shared emotional reflections on the show’s legacy:

“Many of our cast members joined us when they were just 10 or 11 years old. It wasn’t just a show for them — it was a defining part of their childhood… We’ve grown up with them. Everyone involved poured their hearts and souls into this season. We can’t wait to share it with you all next year.”

Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses: Nostalgia, Family, and the Final Farewell

Newly released behind-the-scenes photos give fans a nostalgic look at the final season’s production. From familiar faces like Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven) and David Harbour (Hopper) to new additions like Linda Hamilton, the photos are both a celebration and a bittersweet goodbye.

Cast members, including Sadie Sink (Max) and Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas), were seen filming emotional scenes, while Finn Wolfhard (Mike) expressed excitement about sharing screen time with the original four friends again — Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will.

“Season 4 was big. Season 5 definitely feels bigger,” teased Jamie Campbell Bower, who plays the terrifying Vecna.

What Is Stranger Things Season 5 About?

Plot details remain tightly guarded, but the Duffer Brothers have confirmed that Season 5 will focus heavily on the mythology of the Upside Down. The creators wrote a detailed 25-page lore document back during Season 1 that explores the dimension’s origins, and many of its secrets are still to be revealed.

“We wanted the Upside Down to feel unknowable… But now, some of the final mysteries will be revealed,” said Matt Duffer.

While Season 4 gave us major lore bombs — including Vecna’s backstory — the final season promises even deeper revelations and what the Duffers call a "satisfying and emotional conclusion."

Stranger Things Season 5 Episode Titles

Here are the official episode titles for Season 5 — with a mystery still surrounding Episode 2:

• Episode 1 – The Crawl
• Episode 2 – The Vanishing of … (full title blurred out!)
• Episode 3 – The Turnbow Trap
• Episode 4 – Sorcerer
• Episode 5 – Shock Jock
• Episode 6 – Escape from Camazotz
• Episode 7 – The Bridge
• Episode 8 – The Rightside Up

The Crawl — the season opener — was revealed back on Stranger Things Day 2022, while the mysterious second episode title was teased in a glitchy video released in 2024. Could Vecna be involved? Fans are already theorizing!

New Cast Members Joining Stranger Things Season 5

The final season isn't just about goodbyes — it's also welcoming new faces into the Stranger Things family:

• Linda Hamilton (The Terminator) — A fan of the series, her role is being kept secret.
• Nell Fisher
• Jake Connelly
• Alex Breaux

Though Netflix hasn’t revealed details about their characters, we know Hamilton will play a significant role in the final showdown against the Upside Down. Her inclusion brings even more sci-fi royalty to the table.

First Lines of Season 5 Revealed

For those hanging onto every detail: on Stranger Things Day 2023, the writers teased the first lines of Season 5, Chapter 1. While the full page hasn’t been shared, fans were treated to a sneak peek of the script cover and a few cryptic opening lines.

The mood? Tense. The vibe? Classic Hawkins. The hype? Off the charts.

Beyond the Series: Stranger Things: The First Shadow

While we await the final season, fans can immerse themselves in the expanding universe of Stranger Things through the West End stage play, “Stranger Things: The First Shadow”. Opened in London in December 2023, the prequel explores the origins of Henry Creel (Vecna) and Hawkins before Eleven’s arrival.

Think of it as a creepy, nostalgic love letter to the series’ roots, with plenty of Upside Down energy.

Final Thoughts

Stranger Things Season 5 will be the end of an era — one that started with missing kids and Dungeons & Dragons, and evolved into a massive, emotional, dimension-hopping saga. With the story concluding in 2025, the final season is shaping up to be bigger, darker, and more heartfelt than ever.

We’ll see the original gang back together. We’ll face Vecna one last time. And we’ll finally learn the secrets of the Upside Down.

Until then: grab some Eggos, queue up that retro synth soundtrack, and stay tuned — the end is near.