If you're still buzzing after the first four episodes of Stranger Things 5 then you're not alone! Yes, we know it was almost a whole month ago and no we don't care that this much time has already gone around, because it means that it's almost time to embrace even more episodes. Yup, that's right; Stranger Things season 5 volume 2 is almost upon us!
Netflix has opted to try something different with the release format this time around. Split seasons are nothing new to a streaming service like Netflix, but the fourth season of Stranger Things - which streamed / aired on the platform in 2022 - was the first time that this particular series attempted it. It was different from the usual trend too (releasing a batch of seven episodes first and then two super-sized episodes a month later) but season 5 has decided to take that one step further, splitting the show into three parts instead.
Part 2 has officially arrived on our screens, and that means we get to celebrate the holidays with more adventures from Hawkins, the Upside Down, and who knows wherever Holly and Max are! If you're ready to watch it, here's what you need to know.
How to watch Stranger Things season 5 episodes 5 - 7 online
Stranger Things is a Netflix Original series, so it can only be watched on that particular streaming platform. The split seasons format is often a technique used to ensure that fans of any particular show subscribe to the streaming service for more than one month so, if you've subscribed for Season 5 Volume 1, you do indeed need to stick around for Volume 2.
If you aren't a subscriber yet, you will have to get one as you can only watch season 5 online by visiting Netflix itself and obtaining a paid subscription.
Here is all of the information you need to know, both about when Volume 2 arrives on the platform and how to subscribe to Netflix, including all of the available plans.
Date: Thursday, December 25
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT
Season: 5
Episodes: 5-7 (“Shock Jock”, “Escape From Camazotz”, “The Bridge”)
Live stream: Netflix
Netflix currently has a variety of subscriptions available to people, with three plans that range between $7.99 to $24.99 per month. Those three subscription plans are Standard with ads, Standard, and Premium. Let's break down each one of them.
- Standard with ads - $7.99 per month (£5.99 for UK viewers)
- Standard - $17.99 per month (£12.99 for UK viewers)
- Premium - $24.99 per month (£18.99 for UK viewers)
For more information about each of the tiers and what they include, you can find all of that out here.
Stranger Things season 5 part 2 bridges the gap between part 1 and the finale
The first volume of Stranger Things 5 featured one of the most jaw-dropping sequences in the 10-year history of the show. From Vecna's bloody return to Will's powerful stand against the creatures of the Upside Down, it was a moment in time that had fans' jaws on the floor. And if that's how you start a season, we can only imagine what's coming next!
Part 2 will, therefore, attempt to act as a bridge between that intro to the final season and the end of it, undoubtedly upping the ante along the way. These three episodes will surely see the Hawkins Squad attempt to figure out Will's new Sorcerer powers and whether or not they would actually work against Vecna himself.
Meanwhile, Eleven and Hopper will attempt to reconcile with the fact that Kali, a.k.a. Eight is - or was - in the possession of the military. How long has El's long-lost sister been in the lab within the Upside Down and just what did Dr. Kay do to her all this time? Regardless, there is no doubt that she will be a powerful ally in the battle against Vecna, potentially setting the stage for the final showdown with the Upside Down and all of its inhabitants.
Speaking of the final battle, the finale itself will not be a part of Part 2 as Netflix will be releasing it separately. It will come out a week after Volume 2, premiering on the streamer around the world on New Year's Eve.
It's going to be one heck of a ride!
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