Stranger Things season 3 doesn't have an official release date yet, but we can narrow it down to a few possibilities. The 1980s set sci-fi drama has introduced us to the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, as well as the paranormal Upside Down. Fans have watched, gripped, as young Will Byers was taken away, while Eleven entered a world she knew nothing about as the show developed into a story about a group of misfit kids and their trusted adults as they do battle with a Demagorgan and other dark forces, and we're now eagerly waiting for more.

Unsurprisingly, Stranger Things season 3 is coming, and filming is underway. While the exact nature of the story is obviously tightly under wraps, we do know that a new evil will rear its head, and Eleven, Mike, and company will continue to do battle with the powerful special forces of the government, who are eager to keep the existence of the Upside Down a secret. Season 3 is also said to be a coming of age story for Eleven, adjusting to life as a regular teenager. The main cast of young teens are confirmed to return, including season 2 additions Dacre Montgomery and Sadie Sink as Billy and Max, respectively. Also returning are Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers and David Harbor as Sheriff Hopper, but when can we actually expect Stranger Things season 3 to arrive on Netflix?

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Stranger Things season one arrived in July 2016, quietly and without fanfare. When the show became exceedingly popular very quickly, season 2 was ordered, and made its debut on Netflix in October 2017 - perfect timing for its Halloween themed episode. With the cast growing up quickly, the pressure is on showrunners Matt and Ross Duffer to get a third season completed as quickly as possible, but at the same time, they need to focus on the quality of the show. Filming for season 3 started back in April, and therefore it seems likely to expect a new season of Stranger Things in 2019.

It's likely to be earlier in 2019 rather than later - possibly even very early like January or February, but that estimate might still be disappointing for many, who were hoping it would arrive around Halloween this year. It's worth bearing in mind, though, that Stranger Things has never held a regular release date pattern and also, Netflix is not beholden to the Fall/ Spring schedules of other TV networks. As for an exact date confirmation, that's likely to be some way off yet; you may recall that the exact release date for Stranger Things season 2 wasn't given until a few weeks prior to release.

When Stranger Things season 3 does release, though, fans can look forward to at least 4 new characters. Maya Hawke joins as an 'alternative' teen, which could mean a trouble-maker, or it could mean one of Eleven's many siblings. Cary Elwes joins as Hawkins' mayor, and Jake Busey will play an unsavory reporter. Finally, Francesca Reale joins Stranger Things as a Lifeguard, who will be at the center of a new, dark mystery. How the other characters will tie into the narrative of season 3 remains to be seen, but we'll find out more in 2019.

Next: Stranger Things Season 3: Every Update You Need To Know

Stranger Things seasons one and two are available on Netflix now. Season 3 is expected in 2019.