The Prelude to the Finale Has Begun... 'Stranger Things' Season 5 Volume 1 Hits Number 1 on Netflix Worldwide

The finale on December 31 will be released simultaneously in theaters... "The most violent and emotional season"

The final chapter of Netflix's mega-hit series 'Stranger Things' that the world has been waiting for has finally begun.

On the 26th (local time), Netflix simultaneously released Volume 1 of Season 5 of 'Stranger Things' worldwide. Since its debut in 2016, this series has maintained the number one spot for cumulative viewing hours among English-language series on Netflix, and immediately after the release of Season 5, it set an astonishing record of '404 million viewing hours on opening day', marking the spectacular beginning of the finale.

◆ Unprecedented 'trilogy' release... Meeting in theaters on New Year's Eve

This final season has adopted an unprecedented 'trilogy' format to soothe fans' disappointment and maximize immersion. Starting with Volume 1 (Episodes 1-4) released on the 26th, Volume 2 will be released on Christmas, December 25, and the highly anticipated final episode will be released on New Year's Eve, December 31. Notably, the final episode will also be screened simultaneously in theaters in the United States and Canada, providing fans with an unforgettable 'event'.

◆ Four years later in 1987... "Hawkins is no longer safe"

Season 5 is set in the fall of 1987, four years after the ending of the previous season. The fictional town of Hawkins has a massive red rift in the center caused by an earthquake triggered by Vecna, and is currently under strict military lockdown.

The Duffer Brothers (Matt & Ross Duffer), who oversaw the production, explained, "Hawkins' daily life has collapsed. The protagonists' movements are restricted, and the story begins in a dystopian situation where 'Big Brother' cameras are installed everywhere for surveillance." They also hinted that this season will feature "the most violent deaths in the series' history and large-scale confrontations," raising the tension.

◆ 'Terminator' Linda Hamilton joins... "The end of an emotional journey"

The cast is also impressive. Original members including Millie Bobby Brown (as Eleven), Finn Wolfhard (as Mike), Noah Schnapp (as Will), and David Harbour (as Hopper) are all back, and the iconic 80s sci-fi star Linda Hamilton joins as the mysterious character 'Dr. Kaye', adding weight to the story.

Actor Brett Gelman (as Murray) stated in an interview, "I felt very complex and deep emotions throughout the filming," emphasizing that this season will provide fans with a powerful emotional catharsis beyond mere horror.

◆ The production team’s 'must-watch' recap list

Meanwhile, as the vast universe comes to a close, the production team recommended four key episodes that must be rewatched before watching Season 5.

• Season 1, Episode 1: The beginning of all events and Will's disappearance.

• Season 2, Episode 7: Eleven's lost sister and clues from the past.

• Season 4, Episode 7: The shocking origin and identity of the villain 'Vecna'.

• Season 4, Final Episode: The setting that leads to Hawkins' collapse and directly connects to Season 5.