If you’re a Stranger Things fan living in or around London, consider yourself lucky. Netflix has just confirmed that the first episode of Stranger Things Season 5, titled “Chapter One: The Crawl,” will screen in the UK two weeks before the global premiere.

This means some fans will get to experience the start of the final season ahead of everyone else in the world. But how exactly can you watch it early? Here’s everything you need to know, from ticket details to eligibility and screening times.

Stranger Things Season 5 Episode 1 Early Release

Netflix has announced two exclusive late-night fan screenings of Stranger Things Season 5 Episode 1 on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at a central London location (yet to be revealed). The screenings are timed perfectly for die-hard fans who love a late-night adventure:

Screening 1: Doors open at 9:30 p.m., screening starts at 10:15 p.m.

Screening 2: Doors open at midnight, screening starts at 12:30 a.m.

Each showing will feature “Chapter One: The Crawl”, the first episode of the highly anticipated final season.

How to Get Tickets for the Stranger Things 5 London Premiere

The best part? Tickets are completely free. The catch? They’re extremely limited and only available via a ballot system hosted by ApplauseStore — not a typical first-come, first-served sale.

Here’s exactly how to apply:

1. Create an ApplauseStore account

• Visit ApplauseStore.com and sign up.
• Make sure your account is activated via email before proceeding.
• (Tip: If you don’t activate it, you’ll get stuck trying to use the promo code.)

2. Go to the Stranger Things Season 5 screening page

• Search “Stranger Things 5” on ApplauseStore or follow the link here.

3. Enter the promo code “ST5FANS”

• This code officially enters you into the draw for a chance to win tickets.

4. Choose your preferred screening time

• Either the 10:15 p.m. or 12:30 a.m. session.

5. Submit and wait for confirmation

• Winners are selected randomly from the ballot. If you’re chosen, you’ll receive an email with your ticket and exact venue details.

6. Show up on the night

• Bring your ticket (digital or printed), a valid photo ID (18+ only), and your best Hawkins-inspired outfit.

Dress Code: Bring Back the ’80s

Netflix is encouraging attendees to embrace the “Fall of 1987” theme — the same era in which Stranger Things Season 5 takes place. That means 80s-inspired attire is highly encouraged.

Think colorful windbreakers, big hair, Walkmans, and vintage Hawkins High vibes. It’s not just a screening — it’s a full-on retro celebration for fans to immerse themselves in the world of Stranger Things before the season officially drops.

This exclusive UK event is one of Netflix’s most limited fan experiences to date. Not only will attendees be the first in the world to watch The Crawl, but the atmosphere promises to be unforgettable — packed with fellow fans, themed surprises, and the thrill of seeing the story unfold before its worldwide release.

Official Screening Guidelines and Entry Rules

Please note: Holding a fan zone ticket does not guarantee entry to the screening itself. However, there’s a chance that a limited number of last-minute seats may become available on the night, giving some fans the opportunity to join the viewing at the venue.

Important Notice: To protect the content and prevent spoilers, all attendees will be required to place their phones and electronic devices in secure, lockable pouches before entering the screening room. You’ll keep the pouch with you during the event, but your devices will stay locked and inaccessible until the screening concludes.

For Everyone Else — Global Release Details

If you don’t live in London or don’t get selected in the ballot, don’t panic. Stranger Things Season 5 will debut globally on Netflix on November 26, 2025 (US date), which translates to November 27 at 1:00 a.m. GMT for the UK. Volume 1 will have four episodes, including “The Crawl”.

So even if you can’t attend the London screening, the global drop is right around the corner and Netflix has promised it will be worth the wait.

You can check out our complete guide to the Volume 1 release time in your country right here.

What’s Next for UK Fans

Netflix has also teased a “mysterious fan activation” happening in London this December. While details are still under wraps, past Stranger Things campaigns have featured immersive experiences — from themed pop-ups to Demogorgon Pizza and Hawkins-inspired arcades. This new event is rumored to be “on another level of immersion,” so UK fans should definitely keep an eye on @NetflixUK on Instagram for updates.

So if you live in the UK, don’t wait — create your ApplauseStore account, enter that promo code, and get ready to relive the ’80s one last time. The final chapter of Hawkins begins November 13.

Meanwhile, Netflix has just released the first five minutes of Stranger Things 5 Episode 1 and it has already left fans buzzing with excitement.