release date for Stranger Things season 5 finally confirmed, spreading out its three parts across 2025's holiday season, I'm thrilled to be returning to Hawkins. It's been over three years now since season 4 premiered, and while many fans loved the high-stakes drama and conflict with Vecna, I felt that the penultimate season was still lacking much of the magic that made its first run such a lightning-in-a-bottle television sensation.
Stranger Things season 5 is set to be an enormous television event, with its volumes releasing on separate holidays, Frank Darabont chipping in to direct two episodes, and the Duffer Brothers have described the episodes as seminal television. The characters of Stranger Things are a critical aspect of what makes the show so iconic, be it Jim Hopper, Eddie Munson, or Eleven. When it comes to pairings, however, it's nearly impossible to top the pristine chemistry of Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) and Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo).
Steve & Dustin Are Being Paired Again In Stranger Things Season 5
The New Trailer Shows This Iconic Duo Back Together
Once Steve Harrington evolved past his high school bully phase, he quickly became one of the most likable, fan-favorite characters in Stranger Things. The decision to pair him with Dustin, with whom he instantly had chemistry both comedically and on an emotional level. Along with the Stranger Things release date announcement, Netflix released a new trailer at their 2025 Tudum event, offering a first look at season 5, which excitedly shows Steve and Dustin sharing the screen again.
Of course, Steve and Dustin had their fair share of time together in season 4, but they experienced some rough patches. They spent much of the season bickering, even to the point where Steve couldn't believe it when Eddie told him Dustin had complimented him. This sort of behavior isn't abnormal, however, especially for Dustin, who's still just a kid. Their bromance is still alive, and they'll undoubtedly share some moments in season 5 that'll be hilarious and others that'll be unforgettably tender.
Their bromance is still alive, and they'll undoubtedly share some moments in season 5 that'll be hilarious and others that'll be unforgettably tender.
The brief glimpse at them in the trailer shows them paired off in a dangerous-looking place, which could push Steve and Dustin toward something epic, comedic, or emotional. I'm expecting these to be some of my favorite seasons to watch in the season, especially with the risk of Stranger Things character deaths being higher than ever. I wouldn't necessarily lean toward either character dying, but the risk of mortality will make each season more hard-hitting.
Why Steve & Dustin's Pairing Is So Crucial For Season 5
The Show's Emotional Core Is Its Character Bonds
Stranger Things might be a show with science fiction and horror elements, but the core of this series is and always will be the characters. Steve and Dustin started spending more screen time together in season 2, and it's an incredible joy seeing how far they've come as a duo and as individuals. Their relationship checks the boxes of what Stranger Things is all about, nailing both the humor and the heartfelt bond. That makes this pairing absolutely essential for the show's final season.
Stranger Things season 5 will be as much about defeating the big bad as it will be providing emotional catharsis for the arcs that began in season 1. Much of the advertising for the season has used nostalgia for season 1, and the Duffer Brothers hinted that bringing the story full circle was going to be a significant component. Steve and Dustin are two of the show's core characters, and though they have stories with others, the narrative needs to fulfill their beautiful bond, which has been years in the making. That's the heart of what Stranger Things is about.
Stranger Things
- Release Date
- 2016 - 2025
- Network
- Netflix
- Showrunner
- Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer
Cast
Jane 'Eleven' Hopper
Mike Wheeler
WHERE TO WATCH
- Directors
- Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer, Andrew Stanton, Frank Darabont, Nimród Antal, Uta Briesewitz
- Writers
- Kate Trefry, Jessie Nickson-Lopez, Jessica Mecklenburg, Alison Tatlock
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