The highly anticipated final season of Stranger Things is almost here, and as 2025 approaches, fans are buzzing with excitement about how the beloved Netflix series will wrap up its thrilling saga.
After years of growing tension, supernatural threats, and unforgettable characters, it’s finally time to say goodbye to Hawkins, Indiana. But before we get to that emotional conclusion, Stranger Things fans have something else to look forward to: the length of the episodes in the series’ final season.
The show’s cast and crew have kept much of the final season under wraps, but recent revelations from Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard have given us a glimpse of what to expect. The actor, who plays the ever-loyal Mike Wheeler, shared some details about the upcoming season’s episode lengths, offering fans a promising look at what’s in store.
Bigger Episodes, Bigger Moments
Speaking to Collider, Finn Wolfhard teased that Stranger Things Season 5 will include some seriously lengthy episodes—something fans have been hoping for since the show first gained popularity. Wolfhard described the final season as a “long season,” confirming that while not every episode will feel like a “full-blown movie,” some of the episodes will run for an extended length, similar to a mini-movie.
In his own words, “There are definitely some episodes this year that the runtime is definitely film-length. When all that adds up, I guess they are like micro-movies. But there are some episodes that are still 40 minutes, 45 minutes.” The news is sure to excite fans who’ve been longing for an epic conclusion to the show.
The extended runtimes promise more time to dive deep into character arcs, resolve storylines, and explore Hawkins’ battle against the Upside Down. Wolfhard also noted that the emotional gravity of the show’s finale means that each moment is carefully crafted. “To end a show that people have been watching for a long time, you want every character to have the best kind of ending. And in order to do that, you have to take the time to do it.”
Balancing Length and Pacing
While many episodes will be longer than usual, not all will be extended-length. According to Wolfhard, there will still be some more traditional episodes around the 40-45 minute mark. This mix of longer, feature-length episodes alongside the standard runtime is a great strategy to maintain the pacing of the show, ensuring it stays binge-worthy without losing any emotional weight.
After the massive success of Stranger Things Season 4, which had several episodes surpassing the hour mark, fans are hopeful that the final season will continue this trend. The last thing anyone wants is a rushed finale—something that left many fans disappointed with other high-profile series like Game of Thrones. Wolfhard’s comments, however, suggest that the team is dedicated to giving the show a fitting and carefully executed conclusion.
The Emotional First Readthrough
It’s not just the episode lengths that have fans buzzing about the Stranger Things finale. Wolfhard also opened up about the incredibly emotional experience of reading the final episode script for the first time with the cast. Describing the event as “unbelievably emotional,” Wolfhard shared how reading the last script together was a deeply moving experience.
“We cold-read it. We’d never read it before, so this was the first time we were all reading everything, and so it’s very overwhelming and really special. It was definitely one of those things that was much more emotional than I thought it was going to be. But I’m really happy about it and excited for it to come out,” he explained.
This emotional readthrough speaks volumes about the intensity of the finale. For the cast, who’ve grown up together through the show’s six-year run, reading the script likely brought a wave of nostalgia and sentimentality. If their reactions are any indication, Stranger Things Season 5 is shaping up to be an emotional rollercoaster that will leave viewers both satisfied and teary-eyed.
What Does This Mean for Season 5?
Given that Season 5 will wrap up a decade-long journey, there are many unresolved storylines to address. The battle against Vecna (played by Jamie Campbell Bower), the mysterious time jump, the fate of Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink), and the fallout from Eddie Munson’s (Joseph Quinn) tragic death are just a few of the emotional arcs that will need to be concluded in a satisfying way.
The show’s decision to allow for longer episodes, especially in the finale, hints that these storylines won’t be rushed. Instead, they’ll be given the space to unfold organically, providing closure for the beloved characters while delivering the impactful ending fans are hoping for.
Bold Predictions for Season 5
While the exact details of how Stranger Things will conclude remain under wraps, the emotional tone of the readthrough, along with the promise of longer episodes, suggests that the final season will be an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of bold predictions circulating about character fates and surprises in the final episodes, including a possible twist involving Eleven’s (Millie Bobby Brown) true origins and the long-awaited resolution of the Upside Down’s threat.
Wolfhard’s enthusiasm about the season is contagious, and his comments only further fuel the excitement for the show’s epic finale. From the promising runtime to the deeply emotional moments, everything points to Stranger Things Season 5 giving fans the satisfying conclusion they deserve.
A Fitting End to a Cultural Phenomenon
With the final season of Stranger Things coming later this year, it’s clear that the show’s legacy will be cemented by an emotionally charged, well-paced finale. Finn Wolfhard’s comments assure us that the show’s creators have put everything they have into making sure this journey ends on a high note. As we wait for the last episodes to drop, one thing is for sure: Stranger Things is ready to go out with a bang.