What's Hot in Entertainment This Week Dec 28 2025 to Jan 3 2026
- Justin Floyd
- Dec 27, 2025
- 3 min read
As 2025 winds down, entertainment is heating up like never before. This week marks a rare moment where the calendar feels blurry—caught between Christmas and New Year’s—but the content is crystal clear and absolutely stacked. From the epic conclusion of a beloved Netflix series to blockbuster movies smashing box office records, there’s no shortage of must-see moments. Here’s your executive briefing on everything popping off in entertainment from December 28, 2025, through January 3, 2026.
The End of Hawkins: Stranger Things 5 Finale
The biggest TV event of the decade lands this week with the final episode of Stranger Things 5 on Netflix. After the emotional rollercoaster of Volume 2 dropping on Christmas Day, fans have been counting down to the grand finale.
Release Date: Wednesday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve)
Format: Movie-length Episode 8, wrapping up the entire series
Special Event: Netflix is offering limited theatrical screenings on December 31 and January 1. If you missed tickets, streaming at home is your fallback.
This finale isn’t just the end of a show; it marks the close of the streaming era’s first blockbuster franchise. Expect intense spoilers to flood social media by early evening on release day, so plan your viewing accordingly.
The storylines, character arcs, and Hawkins’ fate will be dissected for years. For fans, this is the ultimate watercooler moment of 2025, a cultural milestone that defines the decade’s TV landscape.
Box Office Watch: Avatar and More
Theaters are buzzing with crowds eager to catch the latest hits. If you’re near an AMC or any major cinema, expect packed houses and long lines.
Avatar: Fire and Ash (Avatar 3)
Status: Dominating the box office in its second weekend
Release Date: December 19, 2025
Why It’s a Must-See: The visuals continue to set new standards. The introduction of the "Fire Na’vi" villains adds fresh tension and depth to the story.
IMAX Experience: If you haven’t seen it in IMAX yet, you’re missing the full impact of the breathtaking visuals and sound design.
The film is breaking records and proving that the Avatar franchise still commands massive audience attention. Its blend of cutting-edge technology and compelling storytelling keeps moviegoers coming back.
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
Status: Holding steady with family audiences
Release Date: December 21, 2025
Why It’s Popular: This animated adventure appeals to kids and nostalgic adults alike. Its humor and heart make it a solid choice for holiday outings.
Box Office: While not breaking records like Avatar, it’s performing well in multiplexes, especially during daytime showings.
This movie offers a lighter, fun contrast to the intense drama of Stranger Things and the epic scale of Avatar.
Streaming and Binge-Worthy Picks
While theaters draw crowds, streaming platforms continue to release fresh content to keep viewers hooked during this limbo week.
New Releases: Several limited series and documentaries dropped this week, perfect for those who want to stay in and binge.
Trending: Nostalgia-driven reboots and holiday specials are trending, as viewers seek comfort and familiarity.
Tips: If you want to avoid spoilers for Stranger Things, consider holding off on social media until you watch the finale.
Streaming remains a key player in how audiences consume entertainment, but the theatrical experience is proving it still has a strong pull.
What to Watch Next Week
Looking ahead to early January, several new titles are set to debut:
Sci-Fi Thriller: A new original series exploring AI and ethics launches January 2.
Documentary Spotlight: A deep dive into the making of Avatar hits streaming platforms January 3.
Indie Film: A critically acclaimed drama about family dynamics opens in select theaters January 1.
These releases promise to keep the momentum going as the new year kicks off.
Entertainment this week offers a rare mix of endings and beginnings. The Stranger Things finale closes a major chapter in TV history, while Avatar continues to redefine blockbuster cinema. Whether you’re streaming at home or heading to the theater, there’s no shortage of great stories to dive into.
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