Stranger Things is a 1980s-based, science fiction Netflix series that has become a cult classic among viewers of all ages– it reaches people who have experienced that time period as well as others who didn’t get the chance to. On its initial release on July 15, 2016, it exploded with popularity and has been growing exponentially ever since.
As the seasons have continued to be delivered, the wait time between each one has grown longer and longer. This time around, fans have had to wait over three years for another installment following season four. Part one of season five– the final season– came out at 8:00 PM on Nov. 26, 2025– the night before Thanksgiving. With part one being nearly five hours long, and most fans watching its entirety in one sitting out of excitement, those watchers had to stay up until the early hours of Thanksgiving morning to dedicate a lack of sleep to the show. That lack of sleep most likely caused excessive tiredness on the day that most people have the chance to spend with their loved ones.
“Me and my sister are going to wait until it drops. Like, if it drops at 12 at night, we’re still starting it. So we might be staying up all night and watching it, which might make us a little bit grumpy in the morning,” sophomore Tessa Lake, a big fan of Stranger Things, said.
Part two is set to release on Christmas Day, and the finale will be released on New Year’s Eve. With each of these major holidays being so eventful for millions of people watching, will more time be spent glued to TV screens rather than practicing holiday traditions?
Considering his plans for the upcoming break, junior Max Bouck bluntly stated that during the holidays, he’ll be “Watching Stranger Things.” His commitment to the show is admirable, and enough to put holiday celebrations on hold when the other two parts release.
“It took four years to get the season out. It’s a really good show, and I hope it has a good conclusion,” Bouck stated somberly.
Not only do these release dates intrude on holidays, but if something bad happens in the show, (such as a well-loved character dying), superfans will be left distraught and unable to fully enjoy their days of happiness and companionship. I can’t even imagine myself trying to be happy opening gifts if I had to see Steve “The Hair” Harrington die just moments before.
“I’ll be upset about it for a little bit, but I think I’ll just have to remember that it’s just a show, and I can’t let it take away anything from spending time with my family and friends,” Lake stated.
