The fifth and final Stranger Things season premiered on November 6, 2025, at the Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. This highly anticipated things season 5 event marked the season 5 premiere and proceeded smoothly despite earlier controversy. The 5 premiere features Brown and David Harbour sharing a warm embrace on the red carpet, highlighting camaraderie and professionalism. The season 5 finale will follow a staggered 5 finale release schedule, with episodes launching in late November and December, culminating in the 5 finale release on December 31, 2025.[3][5][6]
Details Surrounding Harassment and Bullying Complaint Against Harbour
Earlier in 2024, prior to filming the final season, Millie Bobby Brown filed a harassment and bullying complaint against David Harbour. The investigation lasted several months and was conducted by Netflix. Sources indicate that the complaint concerned conduct issues without any accusations of sexual misconduct. Brown was accompanied by a personal representative while filming to ensure her comfort and safety on set. The matter has reportedly been resolved, with no further incidents during the final season’s production.[1][2][6][3]
The Premiere Event and Onstage Remarks on Set Safety
At the premiere, Brown and Harbour did not publicly address the allegations but praised each other in separate interviews. Co-creator Ross Duffer emphasized the priority of maintaining a workplace where “everyone feels safe and happy.” Executive producer Shawn Levy echoed similar sentiments about fostering respect on set and called some public reports “wildly inaccurate.” Netflix supported the cast by sharing footage and social media posts highlighting Brown and Harbour’s camaraderie during the event.[5][3]
Release Schedule for the Final Season and Theatrical Finale
Stranger Things Season 5 will be released in three parts on Netflix:
- Part 1 with the first four episodes on November 26, 2025
- Part 2 featuring three episodes on December 25, 2025
- The series finale, episode 8, debuting on December 31, 2025, with a concurrent limited theatrical release in the United States and Canada
This staggered release schedule spans the holiday season and marks the conclusion of nearly a decade of storytelling. The finale episode features a runtime exceeding one hour, consistent with previous episodes in the season.[8][10][11]
Key Context About Netflix’s Role and Industry Impact
Stranger Things remains Netflix’s first fully owned original series to achieve worldwide blockbuster status. The show transformed the platform’s content strategy and merchandising potential. The Duffer brothers publicly credited individuals such as Dan Cohen, Shawn Levy, Ted Sarandos, and the fan base for their role in this success. However, notable early Netflix executive Cindy Holland, historically influential in greenlighting the show, was omitted from onstage recognition at the premiere, reflecting industry practice during executive transitions.[3][5]
