Get ready for one last trip to the Upside Down. Netflix has confirmed the global release schedule for the highly anticipated final episode of Stranger Things 5, setting the stage for a marathon viewing session to ring in the New Year for fans worldwide.
Global Release Schedule: When To Watch
The epic conclusion, titled Stranger Things 5 The Finale, will begin streaming simultaneously across the globe on Wednesday, 31st December 2025. The launch is timed to 8:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) and 5:00 PM Pacific Time (PT) in the United States.
For viewers in the United Kingdom, this means a very late night or an early morning. The episode will become available on Netflix at 1:00 AM Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) on Thursday, 1st January 2026. European audiences can tune in at 2:00 AM Central European Time (CET).
Key Release Times Around the World
To ensure you don't miss a minute of the action, here is a breakdown of when the finale goes live in major territories:
Wednesday, 31st December 2025:
- United States (PT) - 5:00 PM
- United States (ET) - 8:00 PM
- Canada (Toronto) - 8:00 PM
- Brazil (Rio De Janeiro) - 10:00 PM
Thursday, 1st January 2026:
- United Kingdom (GMT) - 1:00 AM
- Europe (CET) - 2:00 AM
- South Africa - 3:00 AM
- India (New Delhi) - 6:30 AM
- Australia (Sydney) - 12:00 PM
- Japan (Tokyo) - 10:00 AM
- New Zealand (Auckland) - 2:00 PM
Episode Details and What to Expect
The series finale promises to be a cinematic event in its own right. Netflix has confirmed the final episode will have a substantial runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes (125 minutes). While this makes it the longest episode of Season 5, it does not surpass the record set by Season 4's finale, which clocked in at 2 hours and 20 minutes.
The episode picks up directly from the cliffhanger of Episode 7, with our heroes split into crucial missions. Eleven, accompanied by Kali, Hopper, and Murray, returns to Hawkins Lab in a desperate attempt to enter Vecna's mind. Meanwhile, the rest of the group—including Dustin, Lucas, Nancy, Steve, and Joyce—venture into the heart of the Upside Down to execute a risky plan at the WSQK radio tower.
Show creators the Duffer Brothers have confirmed they did not film multiple endings, putting to rest fan speculation about alternate conclusions. The final trailer features an emotional plea from Hopper to Eleven, hinting at the immense stakes: "I need you to fight one last time... Fight for a world beyond Hawkins."
Preparing for the Final Battle
With Vecna's plan to create a new world reaching its climax, and Holly Wheeler still trapped, the stage is set for a brutal and emotional showdown. The episode is also set to conclude with a lengthy epilogue, providing closure for the characters fans have followed since 2016.
As the global fanbase prepares to say goodbye to Hawkins, Indiana, this synchronized worldwide release ensures everyone can experience the conclusion together, sparking immediate reactions and discussions online. Whether you're planning a midnight viewing party or an early morning binge, set your alarms—the final chapter of Stranger Things is almost here.
