There’s no denying that Stranger Things is one of the most highly anticipated show releases this year. Fans have waited more than three years for the story to resume. It has been so long that the “kids” at the center of the story are barely recognizable anymore. In fact, the confirmed time jump might have been written at least partly because it would not have been believable otherwise.
Gripes about the long wait aside, Netflix hit fans with a terrible blow when it announced the final season’s release schedule. Not only is it coming out in three parts, but the final two installments fall on major holidays, putting fans in a difficult position as they balance watching immediately with spending time with family and friends.
The ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Release Schedule Is Arrogant
Stranger Things Season 5 is being released in three parts. Part 1, which consists of four episodes, comes out on November 26. Part 2, with another three episodes, airs on December 25, and the final movie-length episode airs on December 31. The first annoyance with this schedule is its divided nature. This is a format Netflix has employed for many other shows of late. It’s a clever way to keep viewers coming back and subscriptions active.
We can’t ignore the obvious subscriber play. Splitting the season into three installments across two months forces viewers to sign up (and pay) for at least two months of service. That’s double the money for those who had planned to sign up to watch the show, then cancel, even if you sign up on the very day Part 1 is released. The only alternative is to wait until January 2026 and binge the entire season at once.
Speaking of Part 1, which will follow from the events of Season 4, it comes out on November 26 and consists of four episodes, three over an hour and one that’s 54 minutes. After that, viewers have an entire month to wait for Part 2. Die-hard fans, however, will likely tune in as soon as possible to watch all four episodes. Spoilers are a major issue thanks to the internet and social media, creating a significant challenge for Parts 2 and 3.
Part 2 comes out on December 25, which, for those who celebrate, is Christmas Day. There are three episodes in this batch, reportedly ranging in length from 63 to 150 minutes each. It will be at least three hours of viewing. That week, many people are on Christmas break anyway, so it’s the perfect time to laze around in your pajamas, sipping hot cocoa, and watching while recovering from an abundance of turkey, ham, and sugar cookies. But Stranger Things is the type of show that people will be talking about immediately after, so fans will be eager to watch to avoid spoilers. And Christmas Day is supposed to be about family.
Should family members simply forget about opening presents, singing Christmas carols, and visiting grandparents and family for the sake of watching the show? Reluctantly fulfill their familial obligations, all the while itching to get home to watch? Or worse, cancel or delay seeing family so they can watch a favorite show? Maybe your teens duck into the bedroom to strap on headphones and watch so they can keep up with their friends, neglecting to immerse themselves in screen-free family time. Releasing the show on December 26 or 27 would have been perfect. Families are relaxing after the big festivities. It’s the perfect time to gather around the TV and watch together.
It gets worse with the final Episode 8, which is said to have a runtime like a feature-length film. It comes on December 31, New Year’s Eve, an occasion widely celebrated. On Wednesdays, most people are either working during the day and then planning their New Year’s Eve festivities, or off, spending time with family and friends. Sure, there’s an opportunity for a watch party, especially since the final episode will be playing in select theaters nationwide on December 31 and January 1, 2026 — sorry, Ryan Seacrest, no Times Square ball drop for Stranger Things fans.
Once again, airing one day later would have made a world of difference. Shows like Cobra Kai have released new seasons on January 1, a perfect way to enjoy a relaxing day at home after an exciting New Year’s Eve party. If fans want to watch the Stranger Things finale as soon as it’s available, though, they’ll have to sneak a watch at the office or arrive late to parties so they can watch first. That is far removed from enjoying the finale as the event it is meant to be. It’s either rush to watch and keep up with the conversation or miss the boat and cover your ears.
This Could Impact Release Day Viewership Numbers
Clearly, show creators are banking on die-hard fans prioritizing Stranger Things above anything else, especially knowing that the ending will answer all outstanding mysteries. But to suggest they should sacrifice screen-free social time with family and friends is disappointing. That’s realistically what needs to happen for fans to really enjoy the show’s final moments.
The holiday season is the perfect time to binge-watch shows. But when it comes to high-profile shows, watching should be an event in its own right. I want dimmed lights, wine or cocoa, popcorn, and a big-screen TV. No one should have to watch on a tablet in the back of a car en route to their aunt’s Christmas party or cancel New Year’s Eve plans just to stream the episode. Fear of missing out (FOMO) is especially pronounced among younger viewers. This decision feeds into that.
Some fans may, in protest, wait until the new year, sign up for one month, and binge the whole thing later, carefully avoiding spoilers. We could all use a social media detox anyway, and time away from school or work significantly reduces the risk of overhearing unwanted spoilers.
Overall, I wonder whether the decision will impact viewership numbers. Will Netflix see more mobile views of the show than usual? Will there be fewer logins as people watch in groups from the houses of friends or family members with whom they’re celebrating the holidays? Or, most importantly, will there be late viewing, with viewership numbers climbing in the days following the release of Part 2 and Part 3, rather than on the day of?
I implore fans to shut off social media, spend time with their family and friends, and watch Part 2 on December 26 and Part 3 on January 1, 2026. Stand up against the selfish decision to launch the new episodes on days when families should be sitting around the dinner table talking about their favorite shows, not watching them. Stranger Things is available to stream on Netflix.
- Release Date
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2016 – 2025-00-00
- Network
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Netflix
- Writers
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Kate Trefry, Jessie Nickson-Lopez, Jessica Mecklenburg, Alison Tatlock