Stranger Things season five, volume one
One of Netflix’s most popular shows, Stranger Things, has become a cultural touchstone. Not only has it given viewers many unforgettable moments, but it’s also responsible for the resurgence of Dungeons & Dragons and putting Kate Bush back in the charts. Over nine years after it first premiered, the Hawkins saga comes to an end in its fifth and final season. With the stakes higher than ever, the Duffer brothers are at the top of their game, delivering four spectacular episodes that connect back to earlier seasons in intriguing ways.
Taking place about a year after the fourth season, the government has put Hawkins under lockdown. The gang is running a pirate radio station, delivering coded messages to El (Millie Bobby Brown) and Hopper (David Harbour) in hiding to coordinate their ongoing search for Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). However, events take a sudden, dramatic turn when their latest mission goes wrong, entangling them in more supernatural happenings. As the heroes work to make sense of what’s going on, they gradually uncover pieces of Vecna’s plan.
There’s no shortage of D&D references, 80s nostalgia, and monsters in these episodes. It’s par for the course for Stranger Things, but a tightly written script ensures the series remains as engaging as ever. The showrunners once again do an exceptional job of maintaining the suspense throughout each episode. The Duffers know how to balance each of the subplots once the characters split into smaller groups by strategically drip-feeding viewers new information. Although the first half of this season takes the overarching plot in fascinating new directions, the reframing of previous key moments makes the programme feel like it’s come full circle.
As gripping as the hunt for Vecna is, season five is still very much character-driven. Each returning cast member does an incredible job of reminding viewers why they fell in love with them in the first place. While Harbour shines in emotionally resonating moments and Nell Fisher makes a strong impression as Holly Wheeler, it’s Noah Schnapp who gets the spotlight. This season is Will’s story, and the fourth episode reinforces this during its stellar climax.
Visually stunning and wholly captivating, Stranger Things’ final season is on track to conclude the show as strongly as it started. With so many questions left unanswered, there’s no telling what will happen next.
Andrew Murray
Stranger Things season five, volume one is released on Netflix on 27th November 2025.
Watch the trailer for Stranger Things season five, volume one here:
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