Stranger Things 5 Volume 2 is Now Streaming: Release Times, Episode Runtimes, and What to Expect

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ENTERTAINMENT

12/25/20252 min read

The wait for the second act of the final season is over. As of December 25, 2025, Netflix has released Stranger Things 5 Volume 2, a three-episode "mega-event" that serves as the bridge to next week’s series finale.

Whether you’re binging between holiday meals or hiding from the Upside Down, here is everything you need to know about the new episodes.

🕒 Global Release Times: When Can You Watch?

Netflix released the episodes simultaneously worldwide. If you haven’t started yet, here is when the episodes went live in your region:

  • United States (PT): 5:00 PM (Dec 25)

  • United States (ET): 8:00 PM (Dec 25)

  • United Kingdom: 1:00 AM (Dec 26)

  • India: 6:30 AM (Dec 26)

🎞️ Volume 2 Episode Guide & Runtimes

The Duffer Brothers aren't holding back on the length. Volume 2 consists of three feature-length episodes that total nearly three and a half hours of content.

EpisodeTitleRuntimeKey Highlight5"Shock Jock"1h 08mWritten by Frank Darabont; picks up after the "Sorcerer" cliffhanger.6"Escape from Camazotz"1h 15mDirected by Shawn Levy; described as the most "emotional" of the batch.7"The Bridge"1h 06mThe final setup before the New Year's Eve finale.

🚨 Where We Left Off: A Volume 1 Recap

Before you hit play, remember the bombshells dropped in Volume 1:

  • Will’s Powers: In a shocking twist, Will Byers successfully tapped into the Hive Mind, using Vecna’s own psychic abilities to take down a Demogorgon.

  • Holly Wheeler: Nancy and Mike’s younger sister has been abducted by Vecna and is being used as a "vessel" in the Upside Down.

  • The Military Base: It was revealed that the U.S. military (led by Linda Hamilton’s Dr. Kay) has established a secret base inside the Upside Down and is holding Eleven’s "sister," Kali (Eight), prisoner.

🔮 Top 3 Theories for Volume 2

  1. The Return of Kali: Now that Eleven knows where her sister is, fans are expecting a "super-powered" reunion to take on Vecna.

  2. Max’s Consciousness: Max remains in a physical coma, but her mind is trapped in Vecna’s memories. Volume 2 is expected to show her and Holly Wheeler attempting a "mind-heist" to escape.

  3. The Ultimate Sacrifice: With the series finale titled "The Rightside Up" (dropping Dec 31), rumors are swirling that a major original cast member may not make it out of Episode 7 alive.

🗓️ What’s Next? The Series Finale

Don't forget that this isn't the end! The Stranger Things Series Finale (Episode 8) will release on December 31, 2025.

For the first time in the show's history, the finale will also have a limited theatrical release in over 500 theaters across the US and Canada. If you want to see the 128-minute conclusion on the big screen, tickets are available now.

Are you team Steve or team Jonathan? Tell us your predictions for the finale in the comments below!

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