As fans flood social media with theories, countdowns and watchparties, Stranger Things continues to smash streaming records and unite millions of viewers around the world. Netflix reports that the cultural phenomenon has surpassed 1.2 billion total views, cementing its place as one of the most-watched shows in platform history.
Following a group of friends in the 1980s uncovering government secrets and alternate dimensions, the sci-fi horror series continues to shape cultural trends. The 12-time Emmy winner stars Millie Bobby Brown, Sadie Sink and Noah Schnapp, launching many of its youngest cast members into mainstream status.
After nine years of the show’s run, Stranger Things Volume 2 released three episodes on Christmas Day, laying the groundwork for the Volume 3 finale set to premiere on New Year’s Eve. Netflix data also reveals that, in just over a month of its release, Season 5 amassed over 100 million views.
Band member and junior Anna Denson first began to watch the show during the pandemic.
“The biggest thing about Stranger Things to me is the soundtrack,” Denson said, “I love learning more songs, and now I have playlists for the 1980s…I know it’s not fully a happier time, but it seems like it was.”
Songs like Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” have been popularized by the show nearly four decades after release. Since the song’s use in Season 4, the iconic single has reached #1 on worldwide music charts and surpassed 1.5 billion listens on Spotify.
Despite not being into fiction writing, Denson still enjoys the element of relatability from the show. Characters like Hopper exemplify evergreen themes of hope and resilience that resonate with contemporary audiences.
“I find real experiences more interesting,” Denson said. “And I think that’s why I like Stranger Things, because it definitely has some real experiences that go along with the fictional stuff.”
Critics of the fifth season have highlighted an inflated cast and weak plot twists as reasons the finale has not met fan expectations. Season 5 episode 7 is now the lowest rated episode of the series with an IMDB rating of 5.4/10.
“I’ve seen so many negative things on Instagram for the second volume, but I think it’s lived up to expectations,” Denson said. “I think it’s hard because the other seasons are so hard to beat.”
Social media plays a major role in the show’s continued success. Continuum singer Penny Harris observes that the sheer abundance of fan-generated content brings new viewers in.
“ On TikTok, there’s just all sorts of stuff,” Harris said. “I like the theories, and people have funny videos and memes. There’s kind of everything. It helps you to love the show, but it can also change your opinion on things.”
According to Variety, the prelaunch marketing campaign for Season 5 gained 5.8 billion impressions. The show, in all, has created over 8,000 jobs in the U.S. and contributed over $1.4 billion to the economy.
While the rise of “background TV” has incentivized writing simple dialogue for viewers scrolling on their phones, Stranger Things continues to be known for its surprise twists. The elaborate worldbuilding, ‘80s nostalgia and high-stakes drama create a cinematic experience that leaves fans wanting more.
“You have to pay attention,” Harris said. “There’s little Easter eggs in the show, things that are important and things people say that come into play later.”
Freshman Margaret Stone only began watching at the beginning of the year, but likes the community aspect of the fanbase most.
“It’s fun to talk about with your friends,” Stone said. “If I’m in class and someone talks about Stranger Things, and it’s someone I wouldn’t normally talk to, you find out that you have a common thing you like.”
Stone thinks that the show’s appeal lies in its longevity and ability to grow alongside its audience.
“The characters have kind of grown up with us,” Stone said. “When we started watching it we were probably their age. Now they’ve grown up as their viewers have grown up.”
The long-awaited finale to the series will be released to hundreds of theaters across the U.S. and Canada. On Netflix, the episode airs at 7 p.m. Central.
