
The fifth and final season of Stranger Things starts with things looking grim in Hawkins, Indiana. Following the dramatic events of season four, the town is under quarantine, though not completely isolated. The 1980s vibe remains strong, with familiar fashion, snacks, and movie nods, but this season features more references to older pop culture. Set in the fall of 1987, the new episodes pick up over a year after the last season’s finale. While not a massive time jump, the show is packed with references to 1987, alongside classic favorites. This guide, with plenty of spoilers, breaks down the pop culture moments from each episode to help you figure out which are just fun Easter eggs and which might become this season’s breakout hit like “Running Up That Hill.”