Season one of Stranger Things debuted back in 2016, taking place in a 80s world centered around a Dungeons and Dragons group who get tangled in a giant government monster conspiracy. Between the complex character building, evolving relationships, and detailed plot twists, Stranger Things grew to a five season-long franchise. Season 5, Volume 2 comes out December 25, 2025, and its two-hour finale releases December 31 both in theaters and on Netflix. 

But before you watch this epic conclusion, you must first understand all that’s been building up to it. The first half of season five dropped November 26, and this is your spoiler warning because it’s impossible not to talk about every aspect of these newest four episodes. Prepare to have everything you know about Stranger Things to be flipped… upside down.

Season Five, Volume One follows the classic crew of Will, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Eleven as they work to find Vecna, the major twisted villain from the past seasons, while the entire town of Hawkins, Indiana is under government control. Hopper and Joyce oversee their search along with Robin, Nancy, Jonathan, and fan-favorite Steve Harrison. Max is still in a coma from her brush with death, while soldiers are actively hunting Eleven. This had become the new normal of Hawkins, at least until kids started disappearing. The first kid was Mike and Nancy’s little sister, Holly Wheeler. 

Hopper and Eleven head to the Upside Down to find Vecna and rescue Holly, while the others work to stop more kids from going missing. At the end of episode 4, titled The Sorcerer, Vecna reveals himself and kidnaps a total of twelve kids to complete his mysterious plan. All is not lost, however, as Will discovers he can channel Vecna’s power (similar to Eleven’s telekinesis) and tap into the demogorgon hivemind.

Many fan theories have sprouted overnight in response to the first volume of season 5. For example, Vecna will be defeated by the combined power of Eleven, Will and Eleven’s ‘sister’ Kali (first shown in season 2).

But it’s also theorized that Vecna is not the main villain. The Mind Flayer, a monster that had tormented Will and the focus of seasons 2 and 3, is thought to be the true final boss.

Another theory is that Vecna, also known as Henry, knew Joyce as a kid and was Karen Wheeler’s (Nancy, Will, and Holly’s mom) brother.

There are additional questions about possible character deaths, like Steve or Will (who is still connected to the very monster they need to kill). 

There is much to say about these intricate episodes, like Dustin’s struggles at school, or the introduction of Derick the Delightful. The only way to truly understand is to watch.

I highly recommend the show in general, and in my opinion, season 5 has been the best season yet. Will finally gets his character arc (and loses the bowl cut) as well as other characters like Nancy, Steve and even Karen Wheeler. Characters who started as simple background characters evolved to brave protectors of the younger kids (like Holly or Dustin). The show crafts relationships that are so realistic and relatable, whether it’s bickering siblings (Nancy and Mike) or budding romance (Johnathan/Steve and Nancy). In these recent episodes, everything comes together to truly get the viewer invested.

Comparing the actors to how they first appeared in season 1, it is so interesting to see how they grew up throughout the show. From young actors just starting their careers to experienced and versatile seasoned actors: the transformation is impressive. It’s as if we as viewers could see the characters grow up, and that is mirrored by the actual actors.

The newest episodes of Stranger Things have action, adventure, science, romance, and just enough horror to keep you on the edge of your seat. Watch it with friends and family or just have a private binge session and be transported to a world of demogorgons and Walkmans where things just keep getting stranger.