Netflix announces an additional 150 theaters will show “Stranger Things” finale

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As a movie critic, I’m constantly amazed by the power of dedicated fanbases, and the “Stranger Things” fandom is truly something else. Netflix just announced they’re expanding the theatrical release of the final two-hour episode – it’ll be playing in 150 more theaters than originally planned, which really speaks to the demand and excitement surrounding the show’s conclusion.

The final episode of the sci-fi show’s last season will be available on Netflix December 31st. It will also be shown in over 500 U.S. theaters starting December 31st and continuing on January 1st. Originally, the show was only planned for over 350 theaters.

Netflix has occasionally shown episodes in theaters, but usually releases content directly on its streaming platform. According to Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria, the decision to release the final episodes of “Stranger Things” in theaters came after discussing it with the show’s creators, Matt and Ross Duffer. They all agreed it would be a special event for fans.

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This week on Screen Gab, we’re getting you ready for the last season of ‘Stranger Things’ and sharing some great streaming picks for the weekend.

Viewers have the option of watching at home or experiencing the final episode in theaters – it’s a visually stunning production, like a movie, according to Bajaria.

The Duffer brothers shared with Netflix’s Tudum that they’ve wanted to release the series finale in movie theaters for a long time.

They said experiencing the film on a large screen with amazing sound and visuals, surrounded by enthusiastic fans, felt like the ideal way to mark the completion of the project – a truly fantastic experience.

The new season of the show is already a huge hit. According to data from Samba TV, nearly 40% of U.S. households that started watching the latest season watched all four available episodes within the first two days. Netflix hasn’t confirmed these numbers.

Hollywood Inc.

“Stranger Things” finale will be coming to select theaters on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

Shortly after the first four episodes of season 5 became available on Netflix last Wednesday at 5 p.m., some viewers experienced a brief outage on TV devices.

The next three episodes will be released on Christmas Day, followed by the finale on Dec. 31.

According to Netflix, the show’s fourth season is the third most popular English-language series on the platform, racking up 140.7 million views in its first three months.

The show’s nostalgic look at the 1980s, combined with its focus on friendship and exciting adventures, really resonated with viewers around the world. It’s become a huge hit for Netflix, and has opened up new possibilities for live experiences and partnerships.

Hollywood Inc.

When Netflix began creating its own shows, “Stranger Things” was a breakout hit that quickly became a cultural phenomenon.

Netflix revealed a huge wave of partnerships and merchandise this Tuesday, tied to the final season of ‘Stranger Things.’ Fans can look forward to items like a ‘Stranger Things’ burger and wings at KFC in the U.K., a massive 2,593-piece Lego set, and even Care Bears dressed as characters from the show – Grumpy Bear is getting a Demogorgon makeover! According to Marian Lee, Netflix’s marketing chief, this is the biggest ‘Stranger Things’ product line ever, and one of their largest marketing efforts to date. Sources say Netflix has over 100 different product collaborations worldwide for this final season.

Lee noted that Stranger Things has significantly impacted popular culture over the past decade and will be remembered for years to come.

Beyond selling “Stranger Things” products, Netflix has created experiences for fans of the show. For example, they partnered with the organization CicLAvia for a bike ride on Melrose Avenue on November 23rd. Over 50,000 people joined the event, and many dressed in 80s clothes or as characters from “Stranger Things.”

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2025-12-02 19:01