There are a ton of new and returning shows still to come this year, but nothing has fans buzzing quite like the upcoming Stranger Things season 5. After years of following the kids of Hawkins through terrifying creatures, mind-bending alternate dimensions, and heart-pounding mysteries, we’re all eagerly anticipating how this incredible Netflix series will finally conclude.
The Duffer Brothers have promised that the fifth and final season will tie up storylines and answer any lingering questions, and given how big Stranger Things is, we’re sure these creative geniuses have crafted an epic finale that delivers on every level. And guess what? The series finale isn’t just coming to your TV. It’s getting a theatrical release as well.
This announcement actually comes as a surprise, given how Netflix’s chief content officer, Bela Bajaria, previously rejected the idea of a theatrical release in an interview with Variety. However, there must have been a shift in thinking behind the scenes that convinced Netflix that a big-screen event was the way to go.
According to Netflix, the Stranger Things season 5 finale will play on the big screen in over 350 theaters in the U.S. and Canada, starting Dec. 31 at 5:00 p.m. PT/8:00 p.m. ET and continue through Jan. 1, 2026. This is pretty big, as it marks the first time a Netflix series episode will be shown in theaters. The final episode will also stream on Netflix on this date and at this time.
However, I personally do not know how I feel about a theatrical release. On one hand, the idea of watching the climactic moments of the series finale on the big screen sounds incredible. I can just imagine the jump scares hitting harder, the emotional moments feeling bigger, and the suspense practically vibrating through the room. Then, there’s the whole communal aspect of it. Being in a theater packed with fans who have followed these characters for years just like you would be something truly special.
But at the same time, though, I can’t help but wonder if it’s really necessary. First off, it’s a limited release. That means the Stranger Things season 5 finale will only be showing in certain theaters, so not every fan will get the chance to experience it on the big screen. Then, there’s the issue of it only playing in theaters for a very short window. The series finale will only play in theaters for two days, and those days are when many people might be busy with New Year’s Eve celebrations and travel plans.
Tons of people will most likely still show up because it’s Stranger Things, but extending the theatrical run even a little longer could have made it more accessible to fans who can’t make it during that short window. So, yeah, I get the excitement. But at the same time, I can’t help but question whether a theatrical release is necessary if not everyone who wants to see it can actually get a ticket.
