There’s been a fair bit of confusion surrounding the Stranger Things season 5 release schedule, with many likely now wondering when part 2 is set to arrive on Netflix – especially given the promise of a Christmas Day release. But if you’ve logged on to the streaming service this morning only to find yourselves disappointed, we’re here to give you the lowdown as to when you can pick up from that Will Byers “Sorcerer” reveal…

Sure enough, more episodes of Stranger Things will become available to some on Christmas Day – but that really rather depends on where you are in the world. The Netflix hit show has switched things up for its highly-anticipated final-ever season, choosing to release later in the day (compared to the usual 8am time slot, for UK audiences at least). This means that, due to the time difference, the 5pm (PST) release window for the United States actually translates to a 1am launch for UK viewers. So it’s not inaccurate to say that Santa will be delivering episodes 5 – 7 for some, but for those of us tuning in from a GMT zone it will already be Boxing Day. Let us break it down…

stranger things season 5

Netflix

Stranger Things season 5 Part 2 UK release date and time: When will episode 5 be out?

We’ve already binge-watched through the first four episodes of the latest season, so what we want to know is when we can make our way through the next batch.

If you’re reading this in the UK, here’s the remaining Stranger Things release date info:

Stranger Things season 5, Volume 2
 – 26 December, 2025


Stranger Things season 5, The Finale
– 1 January, 2026

finn wolfhard, stranger things season 5

Netflix

How many episodes are in Stranger Things season 5?

There will be 8 episodes in total. The first 4 episodes launched in November, as Part 1, and Part 2 will comprise of three new episodes.

If you want to try and read into the episode titles, we’ve included those below for you too:

Stranger Things season 5, episode 5 – Shock Jock

Stranger Things season 5, episode 6 – Escape From Camazotz

Stranger Things season 5, episode 7 – The Bridge

Stranger Things season 5, episode 8 – The Rightside Up

stranger things season 5 vecna played by jamie campbell bower

Courtesy of Netflix//Netflix

Stranger Things season 5 finale release and run time

The final episode will be a feature-length event, comprising of a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes.

This isn’t an entirely surprising move from the Duffer brothers’ fantasy series, with season four’s epic conclusion spanning around 2 hours 30, and a number of its previous episodes also running for around 90 minutes.

As for where the beloved show is going to leave all its characters, we’ll just have to tune in (on New Year’s Day in the UK, don’t forget!) to find out.

Stranger Things is available on Netflix.

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Headshot of Laura Jane Turner

TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those.  Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK’s biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations.  As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world’s oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending). 

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