This week’s episode drops a day early so you can catch up before Stranger Things Season 5 officially begins. I’m breaking down everything from Seasons 1 through 4 — the characters, the key plot points, the heartbreaks, the twists, and the fan-favorite moments that made this show a phenomenon.

I walk through the early days in Hawkins with Will’s disappearance, Eleven’s escape, and the rise of the Demogorgon; the widening mystery of the Upside Down in Season 2; the neon-soaked paranoia and body-horror invasion of Season 3; and the massive emotional and world building payoff of Season 4 with Vecna, Max’s arc, the Creel House, and the origin story that reshaped the entire mythology.

Along the way, I spotlight fan favorites like Steve Harrington, Dustin Henderson, Max Mayfield, Eddie Munson, and Hopper — plus some cool behind-the-scenes tidbits and details casual viewers might’ve missed.

If you need a full refresher before the final chapter arrives, this episode has you covered.