A new episode of Stranger Things drops on January 12 but it's not what you think

Don't get your hopes up for a secret ninth episode of Stranger Things season 5
Cameron Frew
By Cameron Frew

Stranger Things season 5 may not have dropped a secret ninth episode today, but there is something new coming on January 12.

It’s January 7… and, as expected, the ‘conformity gate’ believers were wrong. Season 5 ended with episode 8, and no matter what you think about Eleven’s fate or Mike and Will not getting together, you need to accept it.

However, there is more to come from the Stranger Things franchise. Two spin-offs are in development, with one expected to premiere in 2026.

Also, a major follow-up to the season 5 finale is coming to Netflix on January 12.

Will, Lucas, and Mike playing Dungeons and Dragons in the Stranger Things documentary
A Stranger Things documentary is coming to Netflix soon (Credit: Netflix)

Stranger Things returns with new episode on January 12… but it’s a documentary

One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 is exactly what it sounds like.

Directed by Martina Radwan (who made Girls State), it will chronicle the filming of the show’s final, action-packed season and feature interviews with the cast and crew, including its creators, the Duffer Brothers.

“A decade after rewiring pop culture, Stranger Things returns for its final chapter,” the synopsis reads.

It’s been billed as a “sweeping behind-the-scenes chronicle that follows the cast, creators, and crew as they bring the final season to life – and say goodbye to the show that changed them forever”.

Radwan spent a full year on set to make the documentary. “Being able to get close and watching them bring this beloved show to life in real time was pure joy. I only wish I could travel back in time and document Seasons 1-4,” she said.

For the Duffers, it’s brought their Stranger Things experience (and dreams) full circle.

“Hollywood felt impossibly far away. Everything changed when we watched the behind-the-scenes documentaries for The Lord of the Rings… that kind of behind-the-scenes storytelling has largely disappeared. We wanted to bring it back.”

Eleven hugging her friends in the illustration from the Stranger Things season 5 finale credits
Stranger Things is over… for now (Credit: Netflix)

What’s next for Stranger Things and is there an episode 9?

No, there isn’t a ninth episode of Stranger Things season 5, but the franchise will return with two new TV projects.

Tales from ’85 is expected to premiere on Netflix this year. It’ll be an animated series set between seasons 2 and 3, following the crew as they “fight new monsters and unravel a paranormal mystery terrorising their town”.

However, the original stars won’t be reprising their roles. A new voice cast has been tapped for the series, including Odessa A’zion, star of 2025’s best movie, Marty Supreme.

Showrunner Eric Robles teased that it’ll capture “the magic of Hawkins in a new way… get your flashlight, get your backpack, because it’s going to be amazing”.

Even more excitingly, the Duffers are developing a live-action spin-off that’ll follow a new cast in a different location. It’ll have one connection to the flagship series: the rock Henry found in the cave.

Beyond that, there’s little we know – other than the fact it won’t be called Montauk (Stranger Things’ original title).

Read more: The 10 most unforgivable Stranger Things plot holes from seasons 1 to 5, including the finale

Stranger Things seasons 1-5 are available to stream on Netflix in their entirety now.