After nine years, it was clear that the fifth and last season of Stranger Things was going to display the most growth, and I’m not just talking about the CGI.
On Nov. 26, 2025, the first volume of Stranger Things Season 5 was released, pleasing fans who had been waiting for the season for three years. Starting the series, it is noticeable how all the beloved cast have grown into mature adults.
Season 5 is set in November 1987, almost four years after the events of Season 1, meaning that Will, Eleven, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, and Max are meant to be 15-16 years old playing sophomores in high school, but instead they look like they’re in their early to mid-20s, the real ages of the actors.
Dustin, for instance, does not look 15, but instead like a replica of beloved Season 4 character Eddie Munson. He now rocks a mullet and carries around this punk attitude that gives him the confidence to stand up for himself.
Speaking of hair, Eleven’s hair (and powers) have returned, and she has dedicated herself to practicing using them to find Vecna and finally destroy him along with Hopper, Joyce, Steve, Robin, Jonathan, Nancy, Murray, and the kids, who have been placed under martial law quarantine along with the entire city.
The base is led by returning character Lt. Colonel Sullivan, played by Sherman Augustus, as well as the enigmatic and manipulative Dr. Kay, played by Linda Hamilton. Both characters believe that Eleven is the cause of the new mayhem happening in Hawkins and do everything they can to find and capture her.
Holly has been made into a significant character this season, transforming from a small background character to having her own storyline.
Overall, the season does a great job of tying up some loose ends from previous seasons, such as Will’s experience in the Upside Down and El’s past.
The demogorgons this season are far more detailed than ever before. In Season 1, there was hardly ever a clear shot of them; they were always lurking around in the dark, making it hard for us to see. However, since the budget of the show has grown significantly and CGI has advanced, they were really able to utilize this in the new season, creating intense jump scares and more gore.
Which Stranger Things kid are you?
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The length of the episodes has grown, though none have gone past the craziness of the season 4 finale, which was basically its own movie at 2 hrs and 22 minutes. The first part of the season has four episodes, ranging from 57 – 86 minutes. Seasons 1, 2, and 3 all had episodes ranging from 45-1 hr, but seasons 4 and 5 have gone beyond that with episodes ranging up to 142 minutes.
The next three episodes come out on Dec. 25, a lovely Christmas present for those who celebrate it, and the series finale will be released on New Year’s Eve.
Apparently, frustrating fans with more cliffhangers is the Duffer brothers’ favorite pastime.
Happy holidays to all, and to all a good Stranger Things.
Cue creepy, but fitting synth music.
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How do you feel about the next two parts being released a week apart?
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Jaslene Garcia • Dec 3, 2025 at 8:54 am
Watching Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 has been making everyone go through a roller coaster of emotions and after reading this article, this definitely described what we’re watching and how we felt. For instance, the article stated how this new season has definitely shown growth in the CGI by comparing season 1’s demogorgons to season 5’s demogorgons.
Mia Romo • Dec 2, 2025 at 12:57 pm
I watched Volume 1 all in one sitting as soon as it came out, and I thought it was really good! I’m very excited to see how the story continues, and now that its December, waiting a few more weeks for the next parts doesn’t seem too bad.
Emma Tavera • Dec 2, 2025 at 9:13 am
I’m overjoyed with the new season. I watched it recently over break with my sister and we were so excited! I love how when describing Dr.Kay you used manipulative. During the season she was making me incredibly frustrated with all her decisions such as making El (Eleven) the culprit.