'Stranger Things 5' Vol. 2: Your Guide to the Beginning of the End
This Christmas Day, the world of Hawkins returns to your living room. The next episodes of Stranger Things 5 drop just in time for holiday indulgence, and anticipation couldn’t be higher.
For longtime fans and new viewers alike, this is your moment for monsters, massive twists, and that nostalgic ’80s vibe we’ve come to love. After you’ve torn open those Christmas gifts, carve out some screen time – these next 3 episodes promise the kind of buzzworthy TV that’ll keep you glued to the couch.
When Does 'Stranger Things 5' Vol. 2 Come Out?
Stranger Things 5 Volume 2, which includes Episodes 5, 6, and 7, arrives on Christmas Day at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET on Netflix, setting up a major holiday-event watch night. Here are the episode titles and credits:
Chapter Five: Shock Jock - Directed by Frank Darabont. Written by Curtis Gwinn.
Chapter Six: Escape from Camazotz - Directed by Shawn Levy. Written by Kate Trefry.
Chapter Seven: The Bridge - Directed by The Duffer Brothers & Shawn Levy. Written by The Duffer Brothers.
'Stranger Things 5' Cast - Meet the New Kids
Nell Fisher as Holly Wheeler
British actor Nell Fisher steps into a bigger role as Holly Wheeler, the youngest Wheeler sibling who takes center stage this season. Much more than just “Mike and Nancy’s kid sister,” Holly is drawn deeper into Hawkins’ supernatural chaos and becomes one of the first visible targets of Vecna’s latest threat.
Jake Connelly as Derek Turnbow
Newcomer Jake Connelly brings swagger and bite to Derek Turnbow, a classmate of Holly’s whose tough-guy attitude hides a surprising arc. What starts out as schoolyard hostility evolves into a more meaningful role as the battle against the Upside Down escalates.
Linda Hamilton as Dr. Kay
Legendary action icon Linda Hamilton, best known for her groundbreaking portrayal of Sarah Connor in The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day, joins Stranger Things as Dr. Kay, the formidable head scientist overseeing the military’s presence in Hawkins. Calculating and relentless, Dr. Kay pursues Eleven and the gang with her own brand of scientific rigor, making her one of the season’s most intimidating new forces.
Why This Drop Matters
It’s a holiday event. Few series debut new episodes on Christmas Day, making it a bold move that turns the release into a seasonal gift, not just another premiere.
Expect fireworks. Stakes are high, and fans are bracing for major revelations, and — undead or otherwise — a cascade of supernatural chaos.
Perfect for holiday vibes. Think cozy blankets, popcorn, and a mug of hot cocoa. Stranger Things delivers horror and heart in a way that’s somehow just right for the season.
Combined with Netflix’s three-year deal for NFL games on Christmas Day (which began last year), it’s clear that the streamer is making a play for the holiday. Between new episodes of Stranger Things and their NFL doubleheader, Netflix figures to dominate the social conversation in both sports and entertainment.
What to Know Before You Watch
If you’ve fallen behind, now’s the perfect time to catch up. Previous seasons laid the groundwork — big conflicts, betrayals, emotional arcs — and all of those storylines are primed to pay off. You can re-watch key episodes or dive in fresh as the holiday drop makes it easy to jump back into the action. For a quick primer on what to remember from past seasons, check out our Stranger Things 1-4 recap.
How to Watch 'Stranger Things 5' with DISH
Catch it on DISH: Stream live on your internet-connected Hopper as soon as the episodes drop.
Stream anytime: With your DISH subscription, you can easily switch between the big screen and your favorite device.
Bottom Line
Settle in for an epic way to end this Christmas Day. The next three Stranger Things chapters are sure to be water-cooler fuel, serving up some of the most intense, emotional, and downright creepy episodes yet. Happy watching!
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