With streaming services constantly releasing new content, it's difficult for a single television show to stand out. Stranger Things has done more than simply stand out, as it's become a massive success. Whether a new season has dropped on Netflix or whether it's the time in-between seasons, the show continues to generate conversation and excitement. When the third season was released in July 2019, many rejoined Netflix for the sole purpose of watching the new season.
Given the record-breaking viewership numbers and the conversation surrounding the show, it's worth exploring what makes Stranger Things so popular in the first place. Enter the Upside Down to see some of the factors that contribute to the show's enduring popularity.
80s Nostalgia
Stranger Things is the perfect show to watch for anyone craving 80s nostalgia. The show takes place in the 1980s and is filled with relevant references and an aesthetic that fits the time period.
Those looking for the nostalgia of 80s films will notice references to Back to the Future, The Terminator, Ghostbusters, and more. The 80s vibe is about more than movies, though, as fans will notice little details like Lucas drinking a can of New Coke or Steve using Farrah Fawcett spray on his hair. Plenty of 80s stars also appear in the show, such as Winona Ryder and Sean Astin.
Multi-genre Storytelling
Stranger Things is able to reach a wider audience through its multi-genre storytelling. It's a coming of age story, horror series, conspiracy thriller, and adventure tale all blended together.
The series never leans too heavily into one of these genres, and instead pulls elements from all of them to create an engaging story. Thus, many fans of these genres like Stranger Things, but the multi-genre approach also appeals to those who wouldn't normally watch a horror or conspiracy thriller story.
Easy To Binge-Watch
Binge-watching has become the standard way to watch a new season of television. Certain shows are difficult to binge-watch because there is an excessive number of episodes that fail to sustain the audience's attention.
This is definitely not the case with Stranger Things. It's an easy show to binge-watch, as there are only eight or nine episodes in a season. This not only lends itself to consuming the show quickly, but it also creates more engagement as the small number of episodes force each season to deliver economical storytelling in every episode.
Cliffhangers
Practically every episode ends with a nail-biting cliffhanger that makes it impossible to resist seeing what happens next. Nancy seeing the Demorgon for the first time is a particularly intense cliffhanger in the first season.
The cliffhangers only intensify as the series goes on, from the first season ending with Hopper leaving the Eggos out in the snow and Will still linked to the Upside Down, to Mike realizing that Will is the "spy" in the second season.
Meme Culture
Meme culture is one of the strongest contributing factors to the popularity of Stranger Things. It is particularly important in-between seasons, as the creation and sharing of memes keep the show fresh in fans' minds and keep the conversation going on social media.
Countless meme formats have been overtaken by images and jokes from the show, along with creating new and popular meme formats as well. Joyce Byers' facial expressions and Steve being a "dad" seem to be among the most common elements to appear in Stranger Things memes.
Character Development
A good story requires character development, which Stranger Things has in abundance. Steve Harrington is one of the best examples as he goes from being a stereotypically entitled high school jock to becoming a supportive, protective, and concerned "dad" for Dustin and his friends. This development has made fans deeply invested in Steve.
Nancy Wheeler is another character who has undergone rich character development. She begins as a high school girl desperate to fit in and gain her peers' approval, but she grows into a take-charge, insightful young woman who investigates and uncovers the biggest mysteries and conspiracies in Hawkins. Fans can't get enough of Steve, Nancy, and the other characters as they develop in fascinating ways.
Emotional Rollercoaster
Stranger Things is an emotional rollercoaster, and fans can't get enough of the addictive ride. The deaths of supporting characters like Barb, Bob Newby, and Alexei have left fans devastated and calling for justice on social media.
Eleven's sacrifice in the season 1 finale and Hopper's sacrifice in the season 3 finale elicited many emotional reactions from fans. There are plenty of uplifting moments as well, like when Eleven returns to Hawkins and reunites with Mike and the others in the second season. It's because fans have these strong reactions because they actually care, and it's why the show is able to create so many emotional moments.
The Group Dynamics
Stranger Things features many memorable and unique individuals, but what makes the show really special is the group dynamics that emerge when these individuals come together. There is tremendous heart, compassion, and trust in these group dynamics.
There's also a great deal of humor, as the characters' closeness means they are unafraid to make fun of one another. They may be battling monsters from the Upside Down, but what grounds the show is the relatable and authentic nature of the group's close-knit bonds.
Humor
It's not a comedy, but Stranger Things has no problem making its audience laugh. Sometimes it's a moment of hilarious contrast, like when Suzie insists that she and Dustin sing a duet together even though Dustin and his friends are in a desperate and tense situation.
Will's overenthusiastic attempts to get his friends to play Dungeons & Dragons with him in season 3, and Dustin asking the science teacher Mr. Clarke "Why are you keeping this curiosity door locked?" are among the many other amusing moments that make fans smile and laugh.
Stephen King Vibes
Stephen King is a masterful storyteller, and his stories have influenced popular culture in many ways. Stranger Things has a lot of Stephen King vibes. Hawkins, Indiana feels like one of the many small rural towns in King's stories that are idyllic on the surface, yet great darkness lies behind the peaceful facade.
The monsters, the resilience of children, problematic characters possessed by evil forces, and epic battles between good and evil are all compelling elements that can be found in Stranger Things and in many of King's best stories.