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Stranger Things Final Season Arrives This Holiday Season with a Surprising Release Plan

Netflix sets a staggered drop schedule for Stranger Things Season 5, splitting episodes across Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve

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Netflix unveils staggered release dates for Stranger Things Season 5 across the holiday season.

Netflix has finally revealed the release schedule for the much-anticipated fifth and final season of Stranger Things, and fans are gearing up for an unusual viewing experience this holiday season. At the Tudum event on May 31, the streaming giant announced that Season 5 will premiere in three separate batches rather than all at once — a strategy that has sparked both excitement and confusion among viewers.

The new season will launch in three parts: Volume 1 drops on November 26 with four episodes, Volume 2 follows a month later on Christmas Day with three episodes, and the grand finale airs on December 31. This means fans will be revisiting Hawkins and facing the chilling threat of Vecna throughout the holiday season, instead of binge-watching the entire season in one sitting as they might expect from Netflix’s traditional release style.

Netflix describes the season as a return to the darker days of 1987, with Hawkins under military quarantine and Eleven forced into hiding. The stakes have never been higher as the gang bands together for what’s been called their “final battle” against a powerful new darkness.

While this staggered release gives viewers multiple opportunities to discuss and digest the show during the festive period, it has raised eyebrows — especially since the gaps between releases fall on major holidays when many people are busy with celebrations and family gatherings. Critics and fans alike question the wisdom of dropping episodes at 5 p.m. Pacific Time instead of the usual midnight release, as well as the long waits between volumes. For instance, the month-long gap between Volume 1 and Volume 2 could leave eager watchers frustrated.

Some argue that the schedule may be designed to maximize viewer engagement and conversation around the show across multiple social events, while others feel Netflix could have simply released weekly episodes starting earlier in November to maintain momentum and avoid a year-end crunch.

Netflix’s move away from the binge-release model — especially for a flagship show like Stranger Things — mirrors broader industry trends seen on platforms like Disney+ and Amazon Prime, which blend weekly and batch releases depending on the content. Yet, many wonder why Netflix didn’t adopt a more consistent weekly rollout for the season’s eight episodes.

Despite the unconventional schedule, anticipation remains sky-high. The final season promises to tie up loose ends and deliver the thrilling conclusion fans have waited for since the show’s debut. With release dates spanning Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, Stranger Things Season 5 will certainly be the centerpiece of many holiday viewing parties.

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Asia Celebrates Eid al-Adha 2025: A Festival of Sacrifice and Unity

From Indonesia to India, Muslims commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion with prayers, feasts, and acts of charity

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Muslim devotees gather for Eid al-Adha prayers at a mosque in Hyderabad, India, on June 7, 2025.

Today, Saturday, June 7, 2025, Muslims across Asia are celebrating Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid, one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar. The date of the celebration varies globally due to differences in moon sightings; while countries like Saudi Arabia and Indonesia observed the festival on June 6, nations including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are marking it today.

Eid al-Adha commemorates the unwavering faith of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. In remembrance of this act of devotion, Muslims perform the ritual of Qurbani, the sacrifice of an animal, and distribute the meat among family, friends, and those in need.

In Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, the celebrations began with congregational prayers at mosques and open fields. Communities gathered to perform the sacrificial rites, emphasizing the spirit of sharing and compassion.

In India, vibrant markets in cities like Hyderabad have been bustling with activity as families prepare for the festivities. The day commenced with special prayers at mosques and Eidgahs, followed by the Qurbani ritual. Traditional dishes such as biryani, kebabs, and sheer khurma are being prepared, and the meat from the sacrifices is shared with neighbors and the underprivileged, embodying the festival’s essence of generosity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the nation, highlighting Eid al-Adha as a festival that inspires sacrifice and unity. He emphasized the importance of coming together in harmony and reflecting on the values that the festival promotes.

As the celebrations continue, the festival serves as a reminder of the virtues of faith, obedience, and charity, bringing communities together in a shared spirit of devotion and goodwill.

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Saudi Arabia Celebrates Eid al-Adha 2025: A Day of Devotion and Unity

Kingdom observes the Festival of Sacrifice on Friday, June 6, with prayers, Qurbani, and acts of charity

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Worshippers gather at the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca for Eid al-Adha prayers on June 6, 2025.

On Friday, June 6, 2025, Saudi Arabia observed Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant festivals in Islam. The date was determined following the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon on May 27, marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah on May 28. Consequently, Arafat Day was commemorated on Thursday, June 5, followed by Eid al-Adha on June 6.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” honors Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and obedience to Allah. According to Islamic tradition, Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail in submission to God’s command. However, Allah intervened and provided a ram to sacrifice instead, symbolizing divine mercy and the importance of devotion.

The day commenced with congregational prayers held at mosques and open grounds across the Kingdom, including the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. Worshippers, dressed in traditional attire, gathered to perform the special Eid prayers, seeking blessings and expressing gratitude.

Following the prayers, Muslims performed the ritual of Qurbani, the sacrifice of livestock such as sheep, goats, cows, or camels. The meat from the sacrifice was distributed in three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the less fortunate, embodying the spirit of sharing and compassion.

Eid al-Adha also coincides with the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Pilgrims in Mecca engaged in the stoning of the devil ritual in Mina, symbolizing the rejection of evil and reaffirming their commitment to faith.

The Saudi government declared public holidays from June 6 to June 8, allowing citizens and residents to partake in the festivities and spend time with family and friends.

As the Kingdom celebrated Eid al-Adha, the values of sacrifice, obedience, and charity were at the forefront, reinforcing the principles that underpin the Islamic faith and fostering a sense of unity and spiritual renewal among the Muslim community.

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28 Years Later Unleashes Chilling First Look with Jump-Scare-Packed Trailer

Danny Boyle and Alex Garland return to the post-apocalyptic world with a haunting new vision, set to terrify audiences this summer

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Jodie Comer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson navigate a perilous post-apocalyptic landscape in 28 Years Later.

The long-awaited sequel to the iconic 28 Days Later franchise, 28 Years Later, has released its first official trailer, sending shivers down the spines of horror enthusiasts. Directed by Danny Boyle and penned by Alex Garland, the film marks their return to the universe they created over two decades ago. Set to hit theaters on June 20, 2025, the movie promises a fresh yet terrifying continuation of the Rage Virus saga.

The trailer opens with a haunting recitation of Rudyard Kipling’s 1903 poem “Boots,” setting an eerie tone that permeates the entire preview. Viewers are introduced to a desolate world, where survivors cling to hope on a quarantined British island. The narrative follows a young boy’s perilous journey to the mainland in search of medical aid for his ailing mother, only to encounter mutated infected and sinister human factions. The trailer is replete with jump scares, including a particularly unsettling scene featuring a towering infected wielding a makeshift weapon, hinting at the evolved threats that await.

The film boasts a stellar cast, with Jodie Comer portraying Isla, a woman grappling with memory loss; Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Jamie, a resourceful scavenger; and Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Ian Kelson, a survivor with a mysterious past. Jack O’Connell takes on the role of Sir Jimmy Crystal, a cult leader shrouded in darkness. Notably, Cillian Murphy, who captivated audiences as Jim in the original film, serves as an executive producer. While he doesn’t appear in this installment, fans can anticipate his return in the sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, slated for release on January 16, 2026.

The trailer’s release has ignited fervent discussions among fans, particularly regarding a fleeting scene that appears to show a zombified figure resembling Murphy’s character. This glimpse has fueled speculation about Jim’s fate and potential involvement in the new trilogy. The film’s marketing campaign has been lauded for its atmospheric approach, with the trailer amassing over 10 million views within 48 hours of its release. Its success was further cemented at the Golden Trailer Awards, where it clinched accolades for Best of Show, Most Original Trailer, and Best Voice Over.

28 Years Later not only revives the harrowing world of the Rage Virus but also sets the stage for an ambitious new trilogy. With its blend of psychological horror, intense action, and thought-provoking themes, the film is poised to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike. As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be one of the most chilling cinematic experiences of the year.

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