The first teaser for Stranger Things 5, the concluding chapter of the popular Netflix series, hints at a full-circle conclusion for its iconic group of teens. Released on the annual Stranger Things Day, November 6th—a nod to the day the show’s first episode, “The Vanishing of Will Byers,” takes place in 1983—the teaser promises nostalgia, mystery, and suspense as it sets the stage for the season ahead.
The story now jumps to 1987, with yet another “vanishing” central to the plot, though the identity remains hidden in the teaser. Season 5 episode titles have been revealed, including: “The Crawl,” “The Vanishing Of…,” “The Turnbow Trap,” “Sorcerer,” “Shock Jock,” “Escape from Camazotz,” “The Bridge,” and the series finale, “The Rightside Up.” The final season is slated for a 2025 release, with fans able to enjoy special screenings, in-person events, and new collectible merchandise leading up to the premiere.
The official show synopsis reminds us of the series’ origins: “On November 6, 1983, Will Byers went missing in Hawkins, Indiana. While the town lost hope, his friends continued the search and encountered a mysterious girl with a number, Eleven, who possessed powerful abilities. This ‘80s love letter follows a close-knit group of friends drawn into high-stakes, supernatural events. Beneath Hawkins lurks a deadly gateway connecting our world to a sinister realm. Friendships will be tested, and lives forever altered as Hawkins—and possibly the world—changes.”
The returning cast features Millie Bobby Brown, David Harbour, Winona Ryder, Joe Keery, Sadie Sink, Finn Wolfhard, Joseph Quinn, Noah Schnapp, Maya Hawke, and Jamie Campbell Bower, alongside new additions Nell Fisher, Jake Connelly, and Alex Breaux. Created by the Duffer Brothers, Stranger Things has become one of Netflix’s most celebrated shows since its 2016 debut, with its fourth season alone surpassing 140 million views globally. The series has won over 70 awards, including Emmys, and has received more than 230 nominations.
Additional Stranger Things projects are on the horizon, including Stranger Things: The First Shadow debuting in London’s West End and heading to Broadway in 2025, as well as an animated spinoff series. For the final season, The Shawshank Redemption director Frank Darabont will helm two episodes, marking his return after an 11-year retirement. David Harbour recently shared on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast that reading the series finale left the cast “uncontrollably crying,” promising an emotional and powerful send-off to a groundbreaking series.