The Most Important Things To Remember Ahead of STRANGER THINGS 5

We at TopMob know we keep talking about it, but it’s almost here: Stranger Things season 5! It feels like ages ago – a whole decade, in fact – since Will Byers first disappeared into the Upside Down, and so much has happened since then. We’ve shared so many laughs, tears, and intense moments as the town of Hawkins repeatedly fought to survive. As we prepare for the final chapter of this incredible story, we’ve put together a refresher of the most important things to remember before season five begins.

There Will be a Time Jump

The fifth season begins in the fall of 1987, over a year after the events of season four – which ended on a cliffhanger. A lot has likely happened in Hawkins during that time, and it probably isn’t good news. As you’ll recall, season four ended with Vecna creating another gateway to the Upside Down, leading the government to declare Hawkins a disaster area and put the town under military lockdown.

With so much happening over the last four seasons, it’s easy to forget the details! Need a refresher on everything that’s happened, and when? We’ve created a complete Stranger Things timeline, from the start of Project MKUltra to Vecna’s near escape, to help jog your memory. You can find it here: [link to timeline]

Season Five Is Going to be BIG

After years of planning, the final season of the show promises an epic conclusion. The Duffer Brothers have confirmed that season five will be released in three parts, totaling eight episodes. The last episode is particularly long, clocking in at nearly two hours. And for the first time ever, fans will have the chance to watch it in theaters! The final episode, titled “The Rightside Up,” will premiere in cinemas on New Year’s Eve, alongside its release on Netflix.

According to Matt Duffer, speaking with Collider, the show will start at a very fast pace. He described it as moving ‘100 miles an hour from the beginning.’

Everyone Who Is (and Isn’t) Returning

As a huge fan of Stranger Things, I think we can all agree that it’s the characters who really make the show special. And I’m so excited to hear that so many of our favorites are coming back for the next season! We’ll definitely be seeing Noah Schnapp as Will Byers, Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin, Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas, Finn Wolfhard as Mike, Sadie Sink as Max, David Harbour as Hopper, Winona Ryder as Joyce, Maya Hawke as Robin, Natalia Dyer as Nancy, Joe Keery as Steve, Amybeth McNulty as Vickie, Charlie Heaton as Jonathan, Brett Gelman as Murray, Cara Buono as Karen, Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna, and Priah Ferguson as Erica. Plus, they’re adding some new people to the cast – Nell Fisher, Jake Connelly, Alex Breaux, and Linda Hamilton – which I think will be awesome!

Several characters won’t be returning for the fifth season of Stranger Things. Argyle (Eduardo Franco) has been cut from the show, which, given the fate of most comedic side characters, might be a good thing. Hopefully, he’s enjoying life in California, far from Vecna. He’ll be joined by Suzie (Gabriella Pizzolo) and Terry Ives (Aimee Mullins), who also won’t be appearing in the final season.

Unfortunately, Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn) won’t be returning for the fifth season of the show. Despite his heroic sacrifice to the Demobats last season, and fans hoping to see him reappear as Kas the Bloody-Handed, the creators have confirmed he’s staying dead. It’s a real bummer!

Vecna Is Alive and Well, As Is His Influence on Hawkins

Eleven and her friends couldn’t completely defeat Vecna (formerly Henry Creel), and he vanished. Even though he was weakened, he managed to create another gateway to the Upside Down, causing the two worlds to merge in Hawkins. The season ends with ominous cracks and smoke rising from these new openings, signaling that the battle is far from over. The trailer for the next season confirms this, showing a strengthened Vecna returning to target Will.

Max Is Still in a Coma

Last season, Max went through a terrifying ordeal with Vecna that almost cost her life. Like Chrissy and Fred, she started having nosebleeds and seeing things that weren’t real because of him. Vecna haunted Max inside her own thoughts, and it took Eleven to save her. Though she survived, Max was left badly injured, unconscious, and in the hospital. Everyone is hoping she’ll recover, but it looks like she’ll be in this condition for at least some of the next season.

Eleven’s Powers Are Back and Stronger Than Ever

Remember at the end of season three when Eleven lost her powers after the big fight with the Mind Flayer? She regained them through a secret program led by Dr. Owens and Brenner, called the “Nina Project.” The new trailer shows she’s now even more powerful than before.

Eleven leaps into action with a powerful jump and a burst of blue energy, showing she’s prepared to confront Vecna. This time, she’s certain to be the one who finally defeats him.

Watch the Official Season Five Trailer Here:

The Release Schedule For Stranger Things 5:

Stranger Things 5, Volume 1, releases on November 26
- Episodes one through four
Stranger Things 5, Volume 2, releases on Christmas (December 25)
- Episodes five through seven
Stranger Things 5, Volume 3, releases on New Year’s Eve (December 31)
- Episode eight

Each part releases at 5 PM PT/8 PM ET.

With Stranger Things 5 arriving in less than a week, the wait is becoming incredibly difficult. After years of anticipation, we’re hoping the final season lives up to the hype – and we have a good feeling it will!

2025-11-24 18:04