At this point, Stranger Things Season 5 is a punch line more than an anticipated release. Since Season 4 premiered in 2022, the cast playing the Hawkins gang have gotten married, started families, starred in movies, directed movies, and headlined Broadway shows. The 18-month time jump between Seasons 4 and 5 is very evident in the cast, and has been the target of derision with each passing trailer.
But the actual story of Stranger Things Season 5 proves that it may have taken three years, but not a minute was squandered. Even in just the first four episodes of the eight set to premiere before the end of 2025, the story finds a way to navigate shifting lore, growing characters, and raising stakes. Sure, things may look a little different than expected, but by the start of the epic 90-minute Episode 4, it’s barely noticeable.
