Ross and Matt Duffer, better known in Hollywood as the Duffer Brothers, joined Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday’s Tonight Show to promote the final season of their smash-hit Netflix series Stranger Things — and later, to play with some toys.

Hit sci-fi series Stranger Things will draw to a close with an eagerly anticipated final episode released in the early hours of New Year’s Day. The last episode of the hit series will be released on Netflix at 1am on January 1 2026 in the UK, and at 5pm PT/ 8pm ET on December 31 in North America.

Although the main series has ended, the franchise is far from over, as the Duffer Brothers are keeping the Stranger Things universe alive through an upcoming animated spin-off and a still-secret live-action project in development.

The theatrical screening for the finale of 'Stranger Things 5' has attracted 1.1 million fans, with 3,500 showtimes all sold out.

Here’s how Matt Duffer explained the major turning point in the history of Stranger Things:

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Monica is an entertainment reporter covering TV, film, and music. Spoilers ahead, so proceed with caution if you haven’t watched Volume 1 yet. It’s been a few days since Volume 1 of ...

Stranger Things Season 5 does something very sneaky and very smart. It turns Season 2 of the show into the emotional and story backbone of the entire show. Not Season 1.