'Stranger Things' Return Timeline Might Disappoint Fans

Will "Stranger Things" return in 2024?

Don't bet on it.

Millions of fans around the globe are desperately waiting for the fifth and final season of the legendary Netflix show from the Duffer brothers, but information surrounding the final season has been kept locked down like America's nuclear codes.

There is virtually nothing known by the public about when the series will drop some new episodes. Unfortunately, it looks like it will be a long time.

"Stranger Things" likely not returning until 2025.

I was scrolling through X early Monday morning when I came across a viral tweet from a "Stranger Things" news account claiming the show will return in 2025. It also featured a promotional poster that isn't real, but interesting, nonetheless.

Now, I can't stress this enough. This is a tweet from a news account. It's not an official release from Netflix, but it did get me searching for more information.

There's no confirmed return date, and we know production is currently underway on the final season. However, there is some information floating around if you dig deep enough.

The show's official Wikipedia page lists its return date as 2025 (take that for what it's worth), but more interestingly, it has the season five premiere title listed as, "Chapter One: The Crawl."

This is tied back to a tweet from late 2022 featuring a script. Is it possible the title has changed since then? Without a doubt, but it's also probable the Duffer brothers have had the final script for a long time.

So, where does that leave fans for a return timeline? Well, April is almost over, and there's nothing to indicate production is done.

"Stranger Things" has a ton of special effects and the production is done at a level that rivals any blockbuster film. That requires a lot of time and post-production.

Once that's finished, then there's a promotional period where Netflix will amp up the final season with a huge marketing budget. Add all that up, and I see no situation where "Stranger Things" returns this year. It's much more likely fans are looking at a 2025 release.

When will "Stranger Things" return? (Credit: Netflix)

Hopefully, we don't have to wait too long into 2025. If I had to guess, fans are probably looking at no later than March 2025 for new episodes. That will mark more than two and a half years between seasons. Not great, but it will be worth it if the ending is great. Let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.