Three long years on from our last visit to the mysterious and sinister Hawkins, Indiana, the recently-announced release schedule for Stranger Things’ fifth and final instalment is setting tongues wagging.

It was announced back in summer 2022 that sci-fi horror sensation was set to be renewed for a one more outing, but it was not until Netflix’s recent Tudum LIVE event, that confirmed dates were shared.

Season 4 left Hawkins, and our protagonists, in peril, with a gate to the Upside Down opened in the fallout from the gang’s final battle with Vecna.

But those hoping to see the series off with a binge-watch of epic proportions will be disappointed.

Netflix has clarified that the last season of Stranger Things will be released in three parts on November 26, December 25, and December 31 respectively.

This is the second time Stranger Things has released a season in segments, with the first seven episodes of the fourth season released on May 27 and the final two episodes withheld until July 1.

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Stranger Things fans raged ‘you’re joking?!’ as Netflix delivered a huge update on the final season’s release date

Some fans were dismayed by this news, highlighting the length of time it has taken to produce season 5 in the first place

Some fans were dismayed by this news, highlighting the length of time it has taken to produce season 5 in the first place.

‘What are these dates omggg a month of waiting for volume 2???? I’m too impatient for this.’

‘Waiting like 5 years for a show, and them dividing it into 3 parts???? lmao it’s such a joke??’

‘This is actually the worst release schedules for a TV show that I have maybe ever seen.’

‘Girl this is just ONE season… y’all are dragging it by splitting it into 3 parts…’

‘I think its so lame that season 5 of Stranger Things is coming out in 3 waves. I don’t mind how long its taken, it takes time to film and do all the behind the scenes stuff for a TV show. But just release the whole thing, why make us wait even longer?’

However, others argued that the staggered release dates help to build tension and prevent spoilers from being leaked for the finale.

‘Don’t hit me but I low-key like the 3 parts . They’re on days most of us are off and it builds anticipation. So like .. I get it lol. Plus they’re not even that far apart from each other.’

Many fans rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts on the matter – and they didn’t hold back

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‘Did NETFLIX JUST REALEASE THE AMAZING STANGER THING FINAL SEASONS woah splitting a volume 1, 2, 3, is kinda fine I guess because I didn’t want it to end quickly, so excited.’

The paranormal thriller premiered back in the summer of 2016, starring Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, David Harbour and Winona Ryder, who will all reprise their roles once more in season 5.

The plot summary for the new season reads: ‘The fall of 1987. 

‘Hawkins is scarred by the opening of the Rifts, and our heroes are united by a single goal: find and kill Vecna. 

‘But he has vanished — his whereabouts and plans unknown.

‘Complicating their mission, the government has placed the town under military quarantine and intensified its hunt for Eleven, forcing her back into hiding.

‘As the anniversary of Will’s disappearance approaches, so does a heavy, familiar dread.

‘The final battle is looming — and with it, a darkness more powerful and more ᴅᴇᴀᴅly than anything they’ve faced before. 

‘To end this nightmare, they’ll need everyone — the full party — standing together, one last time.’

Stranger Things season five, volume one will be released on Netflix on November 26.

Followed by volume two on December 25, and volume three on December 31.

Watch seasons one to four of Stranger Things on Netflix now.