The wait is almost over—Netflix is dropping the Stranger Things series finale (Season 5, Episode 8) on New Year’s Eve, and fans are already counting down to the exact moment it hits the platform.
If you’re searching for the Stranger Things finale release date or the Stranger Things finale release time, you’re in the right place. People are asking the same thing everywhere: what time does the Stranger Things finale come out and when does the last episode of Stranger Things come out?
Below, I’ll break down the exact Netflix release date and time for the finale, plus the finale length (how long the episode is) so you can plan your watch party.
Stranger Things Finale Release Date (Netflix)
If you’re searching “stranger things finale release date”, “when is stranger things finale”, or “when does the Stranger Things finale come out,” here’s the official Netflix answer: The Finale (Season 5, Episode 8) releases on Dec. 31, 2025 on Netflix.
This is also the Stranger Things last episode release date—so if you’re wondering “when does the last episode of Stranger Things come out,” it’s the same date: Dec. 31, 2025.
Quick time zone note (keep in mind if you’re traveling): Netflix is doing a global drop, so depending on where you are, the finale may show up on Jan. 1, 2026 locally due to time zones.
Stranger Things Finale Release Time
If you’re Googling “stranger things finale release time,” “stranger things finale time,” or “what time does the Stranger Things finale come out,” Netflix has confirmed the exact drop time for the finale (Season 5, Episode 8).
Quick Answer (Netflix release time):
5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET
So if you’re asking “what time is Stranger Things finale coming out” or “what time does the finale of Stranger Things release,” it goes live at the same global moment—just displayed in your local time zone.
US time zones (scan-friendly):
- PT: 5:00 p.m.
- MT: 6:00 p.m.
- CT: 7:00 p.m.
- ET: 8:00 p.m.
(Those MT/CT times are simple conversions from the official PT/ET release time.)
When Is Stranger Things Season 5 Episode 8 Release Date?
If you’re searching “stranger things season 5 episode 8 release date” (or just “stranger things season 5 episode 8”), here’s the key detail: Episode 8 is the series finale — Netflix labels it as “The Finale,” meaning it’s the Stranger Things Season 5 finale and the last episode of the entire show.
For anyone landing on this section from Google: the Stranger Things finale Netflix finale (Episode 8) releases on Dec. 31, 2025, and it drops at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET on Netflix.
How Long Is the Stranger Things Finale?
If you’re wondering how long is the Stranger Things finale (or searching “stranger things finale length” / “how long is stranger things finale”), Netflix has made it official: Netflix lists the finale runtime as 2 hours and 5 minutes.
Quick runtime answer (for watch planning)
- Finale length: 2h 5m (125 minutes)
Watch party planning tips (easy + practical)
- Start a few minutes early: cue up Netflix, set your snacks, and avoid the “Where’s the episode?” scramble.
- Snack strategy: do one salty + one sweet so you’re not pausing mid-climax.
- Comfort setup: blankets, low lights, phones on silent (or “do not disturb”) if you hate distractions.
- Post-episode moment: plan 10–15 minutes after for reactions, theories, and “we need to talk about THAT” debrief.
Is it the longest episode?
Netflix is framing this as a supersized finale with a blockbuster runtime —so it’s definitely one of the longest-style episodes you’ll watch in the series. (If you want to be 100% precise at launch, the Netflix in-app runtime listing is the final word.)
Stranger Things in Theaters?
Yes—Stranger Things: The Finale is getting a limited fan-screening run in theaters. Netflix (via Tudum) says the finale will play in more than 500 theaters across the U.S. and Canada, giving fans a chance to watch the last episode on the big screen.
These Stranger Things movie theater screenings start on Dec. 31 at 5:00 p.m. PT—timed to the exact same moment the finale drops on Netflix globally—and continue with additional showtimes through Jan. 1, 2026.
Stranger Things finale tickets: where to get them
For Stranger Things finale tickets (and to find participating locations), Netflix’s official destination is ST5Finale.com, where you can find screenings and reserve seats.
Netflix Stranger Things Finale Trailer
If you’re searching “netflix stranger things finale trailer,” “stranger things finale trailer,” or “stranger things netflix finale,” Netflix has officially released the Stranger Things 5: Finale Trailer on Tudum (Netflix’s official site) and on Netflix’s YouTube channel.
Where to watch (official)
- Netflix Tudum (official trailer page): “Watch the Stranger Things 5 Finale Trailer”
- Netflix YouTube (official upload): “Stranger Things 5 | Finale Trailer | Netflix”
Trailer data (quick facts)
Official tagline on Tudum: “One last trailer.”
Video length: 1:25
Published: Dec. 30, 2025 (Tudum lists it as “Yesterday 2:00 pm,” and today is Dec. 31, 2025)
Spoiler-free: what we see in the finale trailer (safe + vague)
- A final “one last time” pep talk vibe that sets up a do-or-die endgame.
- Fast-cut flashbacks and callbacks that feel like a “full-series” sendoff.
- The crew back together in tense, high-stakes moments (more urgency than explanation).
- Big-scale action beats (chaos in/around Hawkins) without giving away outcomes.
- A quick sense of the final confrontation (you’ll recognize the threat, but the trailer avoids real answers).
Stranger Things Last Episode: What You Need to Remember Before the Finale
Before you hit play on the Stranger Things last episode (Season 5, Episode 8), here are a few quick recap checkpoints to get you back into “Hawkins mode.” If you landed here while searching “when does the last episode of Stranger Things” come out, scroll up for the exact date/time—this section is purely to refresh your memory fast.
Recap checkpoints (quick, spoiler-light)
- Vecna is still the endgame threat. The finale stakes revolve around stopping him for good—no more delays, no more “next time.”
- Hawkins is the battlefield. The town isn’t just a setting anymore—everything is on the line in Hawkins and because of Hawkins.
- Eleven’s power and limits matter. Expect the finale to push what she can do—and what it costs—without assuming a clean, easy win.
- The party has to act as one unit. The finale setup leans on teamwork: split plans, different roles, one final objective.
- The Upside Down connection is the core mystery. The “why Hawkins?” question and how the two worlds overlap is central to the endgame.
- Max’s situation still hangs over everyone. Even without rehashing details, it’s a major emotional driver that shapes choices.
- Expect callbacks. The show loves payoffs—relationships, iconic moments, and earlier seasons’ threads are positioned to matter again.
FAQs
Stranger things finale release date?
The Stranger Things series finale (Season 5, Episode 8) releases on Netflix on Dec. 31, 2025.
Stranger things finale release time?
It drops at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET on Netflix.
What time is stranger things finale coming out?
5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET.
What time does the stranger things finale come out?
Netflix releases it at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET.
What time does the finale of stranger things release?
The finale releases at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET.
When is stranger things finale coming out?
Dec. 31, 2025 on Netflix.
When does the stranger things finale come out?
Dec. 31, 2025, with a release time of 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET.
When does the last episode of stranger things come out?
The last episode (Season 5, Episode 8) comes out Dec. 31, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET.
When does the finale of stranger things come out?
The finale comes out Dec. 31, 2025 on Netflix.
How long is the stranger things finale?
Netflix lists the finale runtime as 2 hours and 5 minutes (125 minutes).
Stranger things finale length?
The Stranger Things finale length is 2 hours and 5 minutes.
Stranger things in theaters?
Yes—Netflix is doing limited fan screenings of the finale in theaters (500+ locations in the U.S. and Canada).
Stranger things movie theater?
The finale is showing in select movie theaters as part of Netflix’s limited fan screenings (U.S./Canada).
Stranger things finale tickets?
To find showtimes and get tickets for the theater screenings, Netflix points fans to ST5Finale.com.
Final Words
Whether you’re watching from your couch or catching one of the limited big-screen fan screenings, the Stranger Things finale is set up to be a true event—a New Year’s Eve drop with a blockbuster-length runtime and the kind of ending fans have waited years for.
If you want the smoothest experience: double-check your Netflix release time, line up snacks for the full 2 hours and 5 minutes, and—if you’re going the theater route—lock in your seats early.