The moment we have all been waiting for is almost upon us. After three long years of rumors, speculation, and eagerly awaiting, the final season of Stranger Things is imminent. And to say that fans of the iconic Netflix show are ready for it would be a major understatement.
Ever since the fourth season completed its run in summer 2022, we've all been waiting to get answers about Vecna's fate, the Upside Down's true intentions, if Eleven can truly live a life free of government interference, and whether or not Max can return from the dead. And, as I'm sure many fans would attest to, the three years have felt so long as we waited patiently for new content from our favorite show.
The time is almost upon us for answers, and the first ones you might need could very well be when you can watch the first volume of season 5 in your area. Here's what you need to know.
Stranger Things season 5 part 1 release time on Netflix
Stranger Things 5 Part 1 comes out on Netflix in the US on Wednesday, November 26, at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT. The first four episodes will be released right away in the history-making primetime drop, meaning fans Stateside can tune into it in the evening (instead of having to stay up to the wee hours of the morning to watch). However, that means it will also drop at times around the world that Netflix fans will find extremely different than usual.
With that in mind, here are the exact global release times for Stranger Things season 5 volume 1, detailing the new timeslots you can expect to watch the premiere in your time zone:
- Hawaii: 3:00 p.m. HST on Wednesday, November 26
- Alaska: 4:00 p.m. AKDT on Wednesday, November 26
- West Coast of the US: 5:00 p.m. PT on Wednesday, November 26
- Mountain Time: 6:00 a.m. MT on Wednesday, November 26
- Midwest of the US: 7:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday, November 26
- East Coast of the US: 8:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 26
- Brazil: 10:00 p.m. BRT on Wednesday, November 26
- UK: 1:00 a.m. GMT on Thursday, November 27
- France: 2:00 a.m. CET on Thursday, November 27
- Germany: 2:00 a.m. CET on Thursday, November 27
- Italy: 2:00 a.m. CET on Thursday, November 27
- Spain: 2:00 a.m. CET on Thursday, November 27
- South Africa: 3:00 a.m. SAST on Thursday, November 27
- Israel: 3:00 a.m. IST on Thursday, November 27
- India: 5:30 a.m. IST on Thursday, November 27
- South Korea: 10:00 a.m. KST on Thursday, November 27
- Japan: 10:00 a.m. JST on Thursday, November 27
- Sydney, Australia: 12:00 p.m. AEDT on Thursday, November 27
The first volume of the season will consist of four episodes. Volume 2 will then be released on Christmas Day and will consist of three episodes, while the series finale will stream on New Year's Eve. Each of these releases will have the same format of debuting at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT in the US and releasing simultaneously around the world.
What to expect from Stranger Things season 5
Stranger Things season 5 has been three years in the making, so there is a lot of excitement from fans who are simply ready to return to Hawkins and the world of the Upside Down that they have been waiting to revisit. However, it's also worth bearing in mind that this is the final season, so not only are we undoubtedly going to get the most larger-than-life adventure yet, the stakes simply couldn't be higher.
We are now quite some time removed from the season 4 finale, which saw a massive tear rip its way through Hawkins' town square. With that in mind, the town is at the mercy of Vecna, whose master plan came to fruition in the previous installment. The veil between the Upside Down and Hawkins is now the thinnest that it has ever been, and he could look to make his presence felt in the final season. In fact, we know that he will do just that thanks to the season's trailer - which showcases an upgraded look for the unsettling monster.
But Vecna didn't take everything from our heroes when he pulled off the impossible. Although Max temporarily died, Eleven was seemingly able to save her before she slipped away completely, meaning that there is still hope. Yes, Max is still seemingly in a coma when we catch up with her friends, but we can't rule out the impossible from happening once again. We have to have hope - after all, why would the show keep her alive if not to bring her back?
The first five minutes of the season were also released online a little while back and it pretty much confirms that this season will dive into the origins of the show, providing context to the first season and exploring why Will Byers was chosen by Vecna in the first place.
It all comes to a head in Stranger Things season 5 and we don't have to wait much longer for the first four episodes to make their presence felt. So sit back (on the edge of year seat), buckle up, and prepare for something truly out-of-this-world!