For almost ten years, Stranger Things captivates audiences with its mix of horror, science fiction and 80s nostalgia. After an episode 7 loaded with revelations and emotions, all eyes are now on the grand finale.
Netflix has put in place an unprecedented distribution plan for the fifth and final season. Divided into two parts, this season reserves its last breath for an eighth episode described as an “explosive finale”. But what should we expect, and above all, when will we be able to see it?
What to remember from episode 7 of Stranger Things
Episode 7 of Season 5 set the stage for an unprecedented final showdown. We discover that the Upside Down is not a simple parallel dimension, but a wormhole leading to a realm called the Abyss. It was through this rift that the Demogorgons, the Mind Flayer, and Vecna invaded Hawkins.
Dustin, by consulting Dr. Brenner’s diary, understands that it all started the night Will disappeared. The plan is clear: use WSQK’s antenna to force a breach into the Abyss and allow the team to rescue the twelve captured children.
But it’s also an emotionally shattering episode. “Will tells his friends that he doesn’t like girls like them, and that this fear has been exploited by Vecna to manipulate him.” He finally comes out, supported by Joyce, Jonathan, Mike, Lucas and Max in a poignant scene.
When is the next episode released?
Netflix has confirmed that episode 8 of season 5 of Stranger Things will be released on Friday January 9, 2026 at 9:01 a.m.Paris time. This finale will mark the official end of the series, after 47 episodes broadcast since 2016.
The platform indicated that this episode would last approximately 1h50an almost cinematographic format to bring the adventure to a worthy close. Series creator Matt Duffer said: “This is the most ambitious episode we’ve ever made, both in terms of visual effects and emotional scope.”
What this last episode could reveal
With Vecna on the verge of merging the Abyss and Earth, the countdown is on. “Steve offers to let Vecna launch the ritual so that the WSQK antenna pierces the Abyss”, thus allowing the final infiltration. Eleven, for her part, will have to use her mental connection to deactivate the ritual from the inside.
Max, still in contact with Vecna’s subconscious, should help her find her way in this dreamlike world. Dustin, for his part, plans to plant a time bomb on the exotic material that keeps the passage open. Without it, the link between the two worlds would collapse forever.
Everything indicates that this episode will answer all the questions that remained unanswered: who will survive? Will Eleven have to sacrifice herself? And will Hawkins finally be able to turn the page?