Back - [s5e1] Held

: Robin Buckley uses her 500th radio broadcast to comfort the town's residents and keep them informed about the ongoing lockdown.

: Eleven is officially considered "missing" but is actually in hiding, training with Hopper and Joyce to regain and strengthen her powers for the eventual battle against Vecna. [S5E1] Held Back

: Will, Mike, and Lucas—now high school seniors—attempt to maintain a low profile during the military occupation. Meanwhile, Steve, Nancy, Jonathan, and Robin operate from a local radio station, sending coded messages and coordinating "crawls"—dangerous scouting missions into the Upside Down by stowing away on military caravans. : Robin Buckley uses her 500th radio broadcast

The fifth season of officially premiered on November 26, 2025 , with the first episode titled "Chapter One: The Crawl" . Episode 1: " The Crawl " Overview Meanwhile, Steve, Nancy, Jonathan, and Robin operate from

Set in November 1987—approximately 18 months after the Season 4 finale—Hawkins is a town under military quarantine. Large metal sheets now cover the massive rifts that tore through the town, and residents are subjected to regular health screenings due to spores leaking from the Upside Down.

: The opening scene establishes a deep connection between Will's original kidnapping in Season 1 and Vecna's long-term plan, suggesting that Will was always a pivotal part of Vecna's design for the world. Stranger Things season 5 episode 1 recap and review

: Dustin Henderson continues to honor Eddie Munson's memory, which leads to conflict with local school bullies.