What is the release date for the Stranger Things season 5 finale?

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Get the tissues ready – the last-ever episode of Stranger Things' main show is almost here

Kali, Eleven, and Hopper looking at something off-camera in the Upside Down in Stranger Things season 5
Will Kali, Eleven, and Hopper make it out of season 5 alive? (Image credit: Netflix)

After nine-and-a-half years, it's time to bid farewell to Stranger Things. One of Netflix's most successful TV Originals of all time will bow out for the last time later this week, so you'll be desperate to know when it premieres on the streaming titan.

Let's not delay any longer, then – here are all the most important launch details you need to know about the Stranger Things 5 finale. Oh, and because we won't see each other until 2026 now: Happy New Year!

What time can I watch Stranger Things season 5 episode 8?

Mister Whatsit standing in a doorway as it rains in Stranger Things season 5

Will Vecna/Henry Creel/Mister Whatsit be defeated in the show's final-ever episode? (Image credit: Netflix)

Titled 'The Rightside Up', Stranger Things season 5's eighth and final chapter will make its Netflix debut on Thursday, December 31, aka New Year's Eve.

Well, in North and South America. Fans on other continents will need to tune into the world's best streaming service a day later – January 1, 2026 – to watch it.

That's because, like its seven predecessors, season 5 episode 8 will be released on the evening of New Year's Eve in the Americas. Given the time difference between them and Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, it won't arrive until New Year's Day in the other world regions.

But enough babbling. Here are the exact times that 'The Rightside Up' will launch where you live:

  • US – Thursday, December 31, 2025 at 5pm PST / 8pm EST
  • Canada – Thursday, December 31, 2025 at 5pm PST / 8pm EST
  • UK – Friday, January 1, 2026 at 1am GMT
  • India – Friday, January 1, 2026 at 6:30am IST
  • Singapore – Friday, January 1, 2026 at 9am SGT
  • Australia – Friday, January 1, 2026 at 12pm AEDT
  • New Zealand – Friday, January 1, 2026 at 2pm NZDT

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Tom Power
Senior Entertainment Reporter

As TechRadar's senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You'll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.


An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as this Moon Knight TV spot.


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