After three years, the world has finally been flipped upside-down again as Stranger Things 5: Volume 1 released on Nov. 26, 2025. According to Deadline, The 80s-based horror show reached 59.6M global views in its premiere and hit No. 1 on Netflix’s weekly Top 10. In addition, every previous season has also re-entered Netflix’s global Top 10, which is a first for any show on Netflix. Since the show’s initial release in 2016, it has gathered 1.2B views across all seasons, making it one of the most monstruously popular shows on the platform.
Set in the fall of 1987, we’re introduced to a now government-surveilled Hawkins, quarantined in the aftermath of last season’s finale. Meanwhile, our ensemble doesn’t know the plans or whereabouts of Vecna, but with odd occurances increasing as the anniversary of Will’s disappearance approaches, they must group together to face the unknown one last time.
With Stranger Things 5: Volume 1 releasing, conversation has taken over social media, with fans developing theories and going back to review previous seasons. Looking back on early seasons, I’ve gone down the road of nostalgia, reliving moments from the past decade that have made this show so special. The show’s soundtrack, supernatural mystery, and 80s setting are standouts for what made this show revolutionary for horror fans and streaming platforms alike. Together, these elements create a uniquely ominous, unsettling, yet charming feeling that has carried the show for the past decade.
Despite the Duffer brothers, the show’s creators, saying that everything will come full circle, many fans have pointed out plot holes in the earlier seasons, questioning if these are actual mistakes, or just things that have yet to be explained. One moment in season one has fans particularly confused, and it’s when a demogorgon appears to unlock Will’s door with its mind (demogorgons don’t have telekinesis). The Duffer brothers have since commented on this “plot hole,” insinuating it’s intentional during an interview with Digital Spy (see below). Along with this, they said all other questions and “plot holes”— like what even is the Upside Down, really?— will be explained in due time, so for now we’ll have to wait and see.
(This is the part where I spoil things, FYI)
I have to talk about “Volume 1,” because it really is just that good. As someone who grew up loving the MCU (pre-Avengers: Endgame) and deep-diving into every character and storyline, I’m genuinely concerned Stranger Things 5 might be the latest and last franchise installment to acheive this level of intertwining storyline and fan culture for a while, so while it’s here, I have to go over some of my favorite scenes so far.
- The Sorcerer
-
I’m starting with the last scene because let’s be honest, it is the standout. We’ve all seen it. Once or twice… or 100 times. The makeup and hairstyling. The POV shots (which have been incredible all season). The emotional flashback compilation and grand reveal. The last scene of “Chapter Four: Sorcerer” was probably the best scene in the whole show, and based on internet reactions to Will’s new powers, I’d say this isn’t much of a hot take. This show started with Will, and I can’t wait to see how his story comes together in the end.
- The Rogue
-
Max makes her appearance in “Chapter 3: The Turnbow Trap,” and as defender of the suspension of disbelief, I did not see this arc coming. Trapped in a coma, her mind and soul is stuck in the dream world of Henry Creel, a part of the Upside Down we have only learned of this season through Holly Wheeler, the first target of Creel’s other persona, Mr. Whatsit. (How many identities does Vecna need?)
Fitting for the dreamscape setting, the first time we see Max, she is essentially an ethereal version of herself, the bright lighting and bold, messy hair and wardrobe mimicking a video game-like character. She’s completely different than we’ve seen her before, and in Sadie Sink’s words, “she’s in a rough, feral state.” Of course, I hope we get to see Max wake from her coma and reunite with the party, especially Lucas (boyfriend of the year), but for now, this new side of her, and her connection to Holly, is really interesting to watch unfold.
Courtesy of Netflix © 2022 - The Paladin
-
The attack on the military base, after the failed plan to save the children in “Chapter Four: Sorcerer,” drew my attention with its meticulous blocking and camera movement around the base. This is one of those moments that brings out the film student in me and makes me wish I was on that set to see how exactly they arranged everything. Not only that, but this was such a big moment in defining Mike Wheeler’s character this season, as we see him fully step into the heroic role as a leader, protecting the children from danger. While Will has always seen this potential in Mike, as discussed in the emotional van scene last season, this scene feels like a moment where it really starts to pay off (and it provides an emotional contrast to his childhood innocence).
With a nearly decade-long series coming to an end, it’s sure to go out with a bang, and I’m so excited to see what direction the show goes in. Personally, I’ll be spending New Year’s Eve in the movie theater with my merch, popcorn, and best friend, probably crying. Duffer brothers, if you’re hearing my prayers, please don’t make it a bloodbath. Thanks.
Stranger Things 5: Volume 2 will release Christmas Day at 8 p.m. ET.
The finale, titled “Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up,” will release New Year’s Eve at 8 p.m. ET.
