Confirmed runtime for final episode of "Stranger Things" series, with over 500 locations set for theatrical release

The final chapter of Stranger Things has an official runtime of two hours and five minutes. Initially described as "around two hours" by creators Matt and Ross Duffer during early press for the fifth season, Netflix confirmed the exact length while announcing that the episode will be shown in more than 500 theaters across North America.

Season 5, Episode 8, titled "The Rightside Up" and directed by the Duffers, will debut simultaneously on Netflix and in select cinemas on New Year's Eve at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Netflix has also launched ST5Finale.com, a dedicated site to help fans locate theaters showing the finale in the U.S. and Canada.

Branded as Stranger Things: The Finale, the theatrical engagement is brief, running from the night of December 31 to January 1, meaning seats are limited. The Duffer Brothers expressed excitement about fans seeing the episode on the big screen, highlighting the unique cinematic experience of sound, visuals, and a theater full of fans.

Previously, the release of Volume 1, comprising the first four episodes of season 5, pushed all earlier seasons into Netflix's Top 10 simultaneouslya first for the platform. According to Samba TV, 3.2 million U.S. households watched the premiere episode of season 5 over Thanksgiving, with 39% of viewers completing all episodes in Volume 1 within 48 hours.

Volume 2, featuring episodes 5 through 7, will arrive on Netflix starting Christmas Day at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Cast member Noah Schnapp revealed that the series finale will not be shown to the actors in advance. Millie Bobby Brown mentioned she hopes for a memorable moment during the theater screenings.

The Duffers noted that the theatrical plan had been in development for months, with details finalized only recently. Matt Duffer explained that they never initially requested a theater release but supported the idea when Netflix proposed a standalone finale premiere, making it feel like a cinematic event for viewers experiencing it together for the first time.

Author: Riley Thompson