Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things is keeping even its own cast in suspense until the highly anticipated series finale airs on New Year’s Eve. Actor Noah Schnapp, 21, who has played Will Byers since the show’s 2016 debut, revealed that while he has seen several episodes from the fifth and final season, he and his co-stars will not be allowed to watch the concluding episode until it is released globally. The final season will roll out in three volumes: the first four episodes on Thanksgiving, the next three on Christmas Day, and the finale on December 31. Schnapp described the episodes he has seen as emotional, intimate, and suspenseful, teasing that fans are “not ready” for what lies ahead.
Final Season Overview
Season five of Stranger Things returns to Hawkins, Indiana, in the fall of 1987, more than a year after the events of season four. The story focuses on Will, Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), and Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) as they attempt to stop the villainous Vecna. Complicating their mission, Hawkins is under military quarantine, and Eleven is forced into hiding while being hunted by government agents. The official synopsis emphasizes a looming final battle and a darkness “more powerful and deadly than anything they’ve faced before,” setting the stage for a high-stakes conclusion.
Volume 1 premieres on November 26, followed by Volume 2 on December 25, with the finale airing on December 31 at 8 p.m. ET. Netflix has confirmed that no sneak previews of the finale will be shared, even with the cast, ensuring that everyone experiences the ending simultaneously.
Cast Reactions & Insights
Noah Schnapp told Entertainment Weekly, “The finale, they’re not gonna show any of us, so I won’t see it until the world sees it.” He admitted that the episodes he has seen are emotional, stating, “I just watched episodes 5 and 6, and I was sobbing. It’s so good.”
Millie Bobby Brown described the final season as “more of an adventure and more of a mission,” noting that the characters are fully engaged in high-intensity action rather than standing by with walkie-talkies. Finn Wolfhard reflected on his experience, saying, “I was satisfied, but very confused and sad, and also very happy. It felt like I was in a dream; none of it felt real. It felt perfect.”
David Harbour, who plays Jim Hopper, called the finale “the best episode they’ve ever done,” emphasizing that after a decade on the series, he has strong opinions about the story but felt this conclusion truly lands.
Fan Anticipation & Global Impact
Keeping the finale secret from the cast builds suspense for fans worldwide. By experiencing the ending simultaneously with viewers, the show maximizes global engagement and discussion across social media and fan communities. Analysts predict that this release strategy could break streaming records and generate a surge in Netflix subscriptions, as viewers rush to see how the story concludes for Hawkins’ heroes.
The decision to release the season in three volumes further increases anticipation, as audiences will experience escalating action and drama across Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. This segmented release ensures sustained attention, allowing Netflix to maintain public interest throughout the holiday season.
What’s Next for Viewers
Fans should prepare for a full immersive experience with Volume 1 dropping November 26, Volume 2 on December 25, and the finale on December 31 at 8 p.m. ET. Netflix has confirmed no additional previews of the final episode, leaving viewers to experience the conclusion simultaneously with the cast. Promotional events and merchandise related to the finale will launch in late December, providing fans additional ways to celebrate the show’s ending.
Source
People (Original Reporting)
Entertainment Weekly
