Stranger Things’ Season 5, 8th Episode: All you need to know about the finale of the story of Hawkins

Spoiler Alert: This article contains significant plot details and spoilers for 'Stranger Things Season 5'. If you haven't seen the show yet and wish to avoid spoilers, please stop reading now.

One of the most popular shows of the last decade, ‘Stranger Things’ will be completing its run with the finale of the franchise, which will be the 8th episode of Season 5, ‘The Rightside Up.’ With the episode set to release in a couple of hours, let’s understand what to expect and the streaming details of it.

Final episode and release plan

‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 finale will be streamed on Netflix and will include some special theatrical screenings in the States. The episode will start streaming on December 31, 2025, in the US at 5pm PT and 8pm ET. Because of the time difference, it will be released at different times in different countries. Fans in India can enjoy the finale on January 1, 2026, which will begin streaming at 6.30 am on the New Year.

The story so far in ‘Stranger Things’ before the finale

Keeping in mind the spoilers ahead, let’s talk about where the story was left. The story will pick up right from the end of Volume 2, where Vecna, also called Henry Creel, is close to winning. He has kidnapped children to make them his vessels and put them in a deep trance. His plan is to merge Hawkins with a dark and scary world called the Abyss, and he gets the energy from the children he has taken captive.



Eleven and her friends are on a mission to stop Vecna. Steve suggests a bold plan where the group may allow the worlds to start merging. When a rift opens, Eleven could enter Vecna’s mind. She may defeat him from the inside. If this works, the group can enter the Abyss and save the children.

What was the release format of Season 5?

‘Season 5’ was released in three parts. Volume 1 came out in November with Episodes 1 to 4. Volume 2 came on Christmas with Episodes 5 to 7. Now Episode 8 will be one long and final chapter. The runtime is about 2 hours and 5 minutes. It is the longest episode of the season.