For nearly a decade, Stranger Things has taken audiences deep into the unsettling mysteries of Hawkins, blending sci-fi charm with spine-chilling danger. From sinister creatures to heart-wrenching farewells, its story has evolved into a cultural phenomenon since its debut. After years marked by production halts and quiet anticipation, now, the journey is finally heading toward its conclusion.

The beloved series is gearing up for its fifth and final season, and contrary to expectations, the new chapter is set to arrive earlier than anticipated.

According to a post by Stranger Things Update on X, the United Kingdom will host an exclusive early screening of Stranger Things 5 – Episode 1: The Crawl on November 24. Additional reports via The Express Tribune further reveal that this special preview will be available only to Virgin Media O2 customers, a telecommunications company based in England. Through a Virgin Media O2 Priority promotion, around 1,000 pairs of tickets were distributed for screenings across the pond.

Meanwhile, global audiences will get the highly anticipated final season on Netflix in three parts during the closing months of 2025. Stranger Things 5 will be released on the streaming giant, starting with volume one, comprising episodes one to four on November 26. Volume two, featuring episodes five to seven, will arrive on Christmas Day, December 25, and the swan song, episode eight, will premiere on New Year’s Eve, December 31. Ahead of its rollout, notably, the makers have made the episode lengths of the instalment official.

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While the news of the early screening of Stranger Things 5 may have delighted many, some also expressed disappointment with the shorter episode time spans in the final season of the beloved Netflix saga.

In an Instagram post this month, Ross Duffer unveiled the runtimes for Stranger Things 5, Volume 1, with episodes spanning 54 minutes to 1 hour and 23 minutes. Though the update thrilled those awaiting the show’s return, some voiced dissatisfaction over what they perceived as shorter durations for the final season. Speaking with Variety, moreover, the Duffer Brothers divulged that the concluding episode will last “around two hours,” delivering a dramatic end to the Hawkins story. The runtime of Volume 2, meanwhile, is yet to be unveiled.

Ultimately, as Hawkins prepares for its final chapter, anticipation is reaching fever pitch, fueled not only by the early screening and Netflix rollout but also by abundant theories speculating on the fate of Eleven, the Upside Down, and the Indiana town itself. With episode lengths now revealed, the promise of a two-hour finale, and an early screening, the stage is set for an emotionally charged and thrilling conclusion. Stranger Things 5 surely is poised to deliver one last, unforgettable journey into its shadowy, mysterious world.

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What do you think of the United Kingdom getting an early screening for Stranger Things 5? Let us know in the comments.