Fans of the popular series “Stranger Things” will have the unique opportunity to experience the highly anticipated Season 5 finale on the big screen. Netflix has announced that the feature-length, two-hour finale will debut in select theaters in the U.S. and Canada on December 31, 2023, coinciding with its streaming release. This move marks a significant shift for the streaming platform, traditionally reluctant to showcase its content in theaters.
The limited theatrical screenings of “Stranger Things 5: The Finale” will commence at 5 p.m. Pacific on December 31 and will continue through January 1, 2024, across more than 350 theaters. This simultaneous release allows fans to choose between watching from home or enjoying the finale alongside fellow enthusiasts in cinemas. The event aims to create a communal atmosphere for viewers as they bid farewell to one of Netflix’s flagship shows.
Holiday Rollout and Ticket Sales
The finale is part of a staggered rollout for the fifth season. Volume 1, which includes Episodes 1–4, premiered on November 26, 2023, while Volume 2, featuring Episodes 5–7, will be available starting December 25, 2023. The eighth and final episode will be released on New Year’s Eve, wrapping up the season’s holiday festivities.
Advance ticket sales for the theatrical screenings began on December 2, 2023. U.S. audiences can secure seats through major cinema chains like Regal Cinemas and Megaplex Theatres, as well as online platforms such as Fandango, Atom Tickets, and Ticketmaster. In Canada, tickets can be purchased through Cineplex.
A Shift in Strategy
Historically, Netflix has been cautious about releasing its films in theaters. However, the platform has begun to make exceptions for select titles, especially during award seasons, as many major award shows require theatrical screenings for eligibility. The decision to showcase the “Stranger Things” finale in cinemas is likely influenced by the episode’s significance, noted as the longest in the show’s history, and its considerable cultural impact.
At the world premiere held at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre, co-creator Ross Duffer expressed that bringing the finale to theaters has been a long-standing aspiration. He credited Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer, for keeping the initiative under wraps, despite her public downplaying of any theatrical ambitions. His brother and fellow co-creator, Matt Duffer, revealed that Netflix initially suggested separating the finale’s release from the earlier episodes, paving the way for the theatrical event they had not formally proposed before.
As fans eagerly await the culmination of their journey in Hawkins, the dual release format promises to enhance the viewing experience, allowing for shared excitement in theaters and at home alike.
