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Stranger Things Bows Series Finale With Simultaneous Netflix Release and Theatrical Screenings

Netflix delivers a simultaneous streaming–theatrical capstone, signaling a handoff to spinoffs under new creative stewardship.

Overview

  • The feature-length finale, The Rightside Up, debuts Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Netflix with a runtime of about 2 hours and 5 minutes.
  • Hundreds of cinemas are screening the episode, with more than 500 theaters participating and reports of about 1.1 million RSVPs and 3,500 sold-out showtimes across 620+ locations.
  • An animated prequel, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, is confirmed for 2026, set between Seasons 2 and 3 with main characters voiced by new actors.
  • The Duffer brothers continue to develop a separate live-action spinoff described as a completely different story in a different decade and location with a new cast, with a small finale scene said to hint at its direction.
  • After signing a broad deal with Paramount, the Duffers say they will be heavily involved with future Stranger Things projects though they are unlikely to serve as showrunners.