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Netflix kicks off Stranger Things season 5 early, posting the first five minutes of the final season on YouTube
"At long last, we can begin." It's about time, Stranger Things season 5

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Mild spoilers for Stranger Things season 5 follow.
As the long, long wait for Stranger Things season 5 is finally drawing to a close, Netflix is rewarding its most patient fans ahead of the release date by unveiling the first five minutes of the scifi series final chapter ahead of its streaming debut later this month. Yes, the first couple of moments of Stranger Things season 5 are on the show's official YouTube page now, and you can watch them below.
Just be aware - if you're hoping to stream the first episode completely spoiler-free, this is absolutely not the way to do it. Don't say we didn't warn you.
Even though these couple of (admittedly harrowing) moments don't reveal much that we don't already know - or at least, couldn't have already guessed at - it's worth noting that this appears to be the first chronological interaction between Vecna and Will Byers, who previous trailers have already proven will play an important role in the Big Bad's overarching plan for humanity in this final season.
Interestingly, this clip arrives on the heels of the first teaser for Stranger Things: Tales from '85, the cartoon series that will also explore areas of the show's narrative that we the viewers previously didn't know about (specifically, the animated spinoff will deal with events between seasons 2 and 3). Combined with the franchise's onstage chapter, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, this clip above and Tales form '85 prove that, even in the homestretch, there's still so much mystery between here and the Upside Down.
A pretty good thing to note if, say, you're going to be creating spinoffs for the series for the foreseeable future.
Stranger Things season 5, volume one debuts November 26 on Netflix, followed by volume 2 on December 25, and the ultimate finale of the series on December 31.
As we all collectively wait for Stranger Things season 5, here's the keys to getting ready:
- How to watch Stranger Things in chronological or release order
- Getting to know the Stranger Things season 5 cast
- There needs to be more death in Stranger Things, says co-star Gaten Matarazzo
- The Stranger Things time jump between season 4 and 5 has been confirmed by Netflix - and it raises some serious questions
- "They land the plane," David Harbour describes the Stranger Things finale, which he calls its "best episode"
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