Stranger Things season 5: why is part one not out in the UK? Netflix release explained

For Stranger Things fans in the UK who sit down and expect to tune in to the first part of the final season today are in for a shock. The episodes will actually arrive later on this side of the pond than you might have expected.

If you have watched any of the trailers, you might have seen the date November 26 (today) for the release of volume one in series five. Unfortunately, that is not the release day for Netflix viewers in the UK or Europe.

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But when exactly is the final season out and why does it release later outside America? Here’s all you need to know:

Why is Stranger Things not out in the UK today?

Despite what you might have seen in the marketing, Stranger Things is not out on Wednesday, November 26 for viewers in the UK. Due to the time the episodes are released in America, they will actually arrive a day later on Thursday (November 27).

It is a pattern that will be repeated throughout the release schedule for season five. Episodes will come out a day later in the UK and Europe, because of the difference in time zones.

Usually, Netflix puts out new shows, episodes, and movies at 12am PT in the USA which works out as 8am British time. However, for Stranger Things, it has switched things up rather dramatically.

It will be releasing part one, part two, and the finale at 5pm PT/ 8pm ET in America. It means the episodes arrive at prime viewing time for viewers in the US - but will come out at 1am British time the following day.

So part one will release on November 27 on this side of the pond, part two on Boxing Day, and the finale on New Year’s Day 2026. Spoilers are likely to be rife on social media, so be careful out there!

How many episodes of Stranger Things season 5 are out?

Just like season four, Netflix has split Stranger Things final run of episodes into multiple parts. This time it will be released in three different volumes.

Part one is set to come out on Wednesday/ Thursday and will feature four episodes in total. The second volume will have three more and the finale will be a single episode - making for eight.

Discover how long the episodes in Stranger Things season 5 will be - after previous supersized runtimes. Plus learn the exact time each batch of episodes will be out.