The Stranger Things Podcast

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TSTP 67- Stranger Things Season 5 Prep Episode Nov 17, 2025

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What if we told you that the key to understanding Stranger Things' final season has been hiding in plain sight since Episode 1? In this special episode, Addi and Darrell welcomed three incredible listeners—Emily, John, and Bradley—to help us create the ultimate roadmap for Season 5. Together, we embarked on a comprehensive journey through the Upside Down's greatest mysteries, carefully dissecting the most crucial episodes and storylines from Seasons 1-3 that we believe will be essential to understanding how this epic story concludes. Our collaborative approach brought fresh perspectives and fan insights that even surprised us as longtime followers of the series.

We didn't stop there! Then we took the dive headfirst into a complete Season 4 breakdown, going episode by episode to identify every plot thread, character development, and supernatural revelation that's setting up the final showdown. The real magic happened when we opened up about our biggest unanswered questions, shared our deepest hopes for our favorite characters, and made some bold predictions about how the Duffer Brothers will wrap up this incredible saga. Whether you're a casual viewer who needs a refresher or a die-hard fan looking for deeper analysis, this episode will have you counting down the days until Season 5 drops while armed with everything you need to fully appreciate the epic conclusion.

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TSTP 66- Season 5 Teaser Trailer Breakdown Aug 27, 2025

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Netflix recently dropped a teaser trailer for Stranger Things Season 5, marking the beginning of the end for Netflix's beloved series. Set in fall 1987, this final season brings the ultimate showdown between Vecna's forces and Hawkins' determined heroes. For those of you who don't want any SPOILERS about this new season, stop reading and avoid this podcast episode. The newly released trailer reveals familiar faces alongside newcomer Linda Hamilton as Dr. Kay, while showcasing Eddie Munson's grave, Max's hospital bed, and an army of demogorgons. Stranger Things Season 5 finds Hawkins scarred by rifts, under military quarantine, with Eleven forced into hiding as the government intensifies its hunt for her.

The climactic Stranger Things Season 5 will release in three volumes this holiday season: four episodes on November 26, three on Christmas Day, and the series finale on New Year's Eve 2025, all dropping at 5 pm PT. The Duffer Brothers promise a return to horror roots as our heroes unite with one goal: find and kill the vanished Vecna. The trailer's ominous tone raises fears for beloved characters' fates, though fans hope the power of friendship—and Eleven's abilities—will ultimately triumph against the darkness of the Upside Down in Stranger Things Season 5.

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TSTP 65- Listener Feedback & Podcast Update Mar 26, 2024

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Hey there, Strangers! Many of you have sent us written or audio feedback during this very long off season, and we're back to share your thoughts with the community. We tried to keep things a little extra casual in this episode as we go through all of the feedback submissions, and we also give a few podcast updates along the way. We kick things off with some news items about Millie's wedding and latest movie project, as well as some news about Finn's upcoming SNL movie project.

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TSTP 64- DIO: Dreamers Never Die Sep 13, 2022

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Eddie Munson wore a jacket all season that shared his love for the rock legend, DIO. The music of Ronnie James Dio not only inspired and influenced the fictional character of Eddie Munson, it also inspired and influenced the lives of many in the 70s, 80's, and even today. Although Ronnie James Dio passed away in 2010, his legacy and memory live on through his music, fans, friends, and family.

Fully authorized by Dio's estate and executive produced by his widow, Wendy Dio, the documentary, "DIO: Dreamers Never Die" comes to theaters worldwide for TWO DAYS only on Wednesday, September 28 and Sunday, October 2. Click to find a theatre near you.

The film delves deep into Dio's incredible rise from a '50's doo-wop crooner to his early rock days in Elf and Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, to replacing Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath, and finally cementing his rock star status with his own band, DIO.

In this exclusive interview with Wendy Dio and the film's directors, Don Argott and Demian Fenton, Darrell and Jason talk with them about Dio's role in Stranger Things 4, the influence of Ronnie's music, Dio's charity work, the world of metal music, and more. Don't miss "DIO: Dreamers Never Die" in theaters for two days only on September 28 and October 2.

TSTP 63- The Piggyback Listener Feedback Jul 27, 2022

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When we asked our listeners to give us one word to describe how they feel about the Stranger Things 4 finale, we heard words like dissatisfied, numb, anxious, resolved, crushed, bewilderment, depressed, bittersweet, and intrigued just to name a few. Now that we get to hear listeners share in-depth how they feel about it, those words definitely ring true. Some felt that Stranger Things 4 was the best season ever, while others felt it was the worst season ever. However, most of you felt like the season did a lot of things right and can't wait for Stranger Things 5. One thing that the entire fandom seems to be united on is the heartbreak over the death of Eddie. In this episode we hear some interesting theories about Eddie, as well as some other fun ideas about what may be in store next season. With feedback coming in from at least 10 countries and 8 states, this is the most excellent feedback episode we've put together yet! Thanks to all of you who made this episode possible.

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TSTP 62- The Piggyback Jul 25, 2022

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The Stranger Things 4 finale was full of SO MUCH action, suspense, sadness, exposition, humor, and intrigue! Coming in at the run time of a full-length movie, we still wanted more! How could the Duffer brothers leave the ending on such a massive cliffhanger? How could they yet again kill off a major fan-favorite character? Will we ever see Max alive again?

Overall we found the season 4 finale to be very enjoyable. Obviously, like most (all?) of the fandom, we are not happy with Eddie's death, but the excellent storytelling in this episode built to an epic crescendo with all of the character groups coming together to push back Vecna. The music was masterfully woven into the episode, and the use of Metallica's "Master of Puppets" was spectacular.

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TSTP 61- Papa Listener Feedback Jul 20, 2022

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Why did Will lie to Mike about El commissioning his painting? How will El be able to help Hawkins with no way to get there? Did Dr. Owens have a role in raising Peter the creepy orderly? These are just a few of the interesting questions raised by listeners this week. We also have insights on the musical selections, predictions on who will die in the finale, and multiple connections to Star Wars in this week's listener feedback episode!

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TSTP 60- Papa Jul 18, 2022

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The penultimate episode of Stranger Things season 4 has arrived and it did exactly what a penultimate episode should do! "Papa" insists that everything he has done for Eleven, and Henry too for that matter, has been in their best interests. Like, El, we strongly disagree with his point of view. Although we can see how he could come to those conclusions, his methods are hard to justify. Is Papa truly dead? Only time will tell. In Hawkins, Max is willing to put her life on the line to save the town and all her friends. We think the kids have no idea what they are truly up against, but also agree with them that they have no better choice. Will Eleven be able to make it to Hawkins in time? The ending of this episode was perfect with the kids going separate ways and preparing to execute their two-pronged attack on Vecna. We can't wait for next week's finale!

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TSTP 59- Listener Feedback for The Massacre at Hawkins Lab Jul 13, 2022

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With the major reveals and twists of "The Massacre at Hawkins Lab," many of us are updating our theories and coming up with new ones. Is Peter Eleven's father? Was Brenner using El to search the void in an effort to find Peter? Was El a pawn used by Peter, or was he being truthful with her? Did Peter/Vecna create the upside down, or did it exist before he was sent there by El? What's up with the earthquakes, and why is the upside down frozen at November 6, 1983? These are only a few of the discussion points and theories brought up by listeners this week. Two of you even bring back a theory Darrell threw out after watching the very first episode of season one!

We do our best to make sense of these questions, put together a list of who you all think will die this season, update Darrell's predictions from this season, and make a few more predictions on how the rest of the season will play out.

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TSTP 58- The Massacre at Hawkins Lab Jul 11, 2022

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Has there ever been a more amazing or mind blowing reveal than what the Duffer brothers gave us in "The Massacre at Hawkins Lab?" Peter the friendly/creepy orderly is actually Henry Creel. I mean, he's actually 001. What I mean to say is that he is Vecna. And to top it all off, El created Vecna!?!?! Wow, what a crazy twist. Then you add in the most amazing demogorgon fight scene we've ever seen with the most exploration of the upside down that we've ever seen, and you have one amazing episode of Stranger Things.

We do our best to break down all of these incredible plot developments, and Darrell talks about any spoilers he encountered about the first part of the season as well as all the things that surprised him in this episode.

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