The expectations of some fans were not met.
Netflix has officially announced the duration of the final episode of "Stranger Things." The fifth season will conclude with an episode lasting 2 hours and 5 minutes — this is noticeably less than many fans expected, but still twice as long as the usual episode length.
Previously, there were rumors online that each episode of the final season would be "feature-length." However, showrunners Matt and Ross Duffer clarified even before the release that only the fourth and eighth episodes would be longer. Now, with the confirmation of the runtime of the eighth episode, these words have received final confirmation.
In addition, the finale will be released in theaters in the USA and Canada from December 31. It is expected that the episode may also be shown in theaters in Russia, as some cinemas have already broadcast the first four episodes, albeit unofficially.
The premiere of the final episode will take place on January 1, 2026, at 4 am Moscow time. Before that, the second chapter of the season will be released on December 27 in the format of three episodes.
