Could a show that has vanished from screens for 3 years still be relevant today? The entertainment industry is a fast paced environment and it is hard for the media to keep up. However, Stranger Things has repeatedly shown the answer is an outstanding yes!
As tension was built with the wait for the much anticipated season 5, it made its break on November 26th, the day before Thanksgiving. After being off air since 2023, Stranger Things has proven that cultural relevance isn’t always about visibility and more about impact. The story lines and cliffhangers from the previous seasons left to live within fans minds for the long break between the releases.
Since the series debut in 2016 the show has been a cultural phenomenon, with an entire generation growing up alongside the cast and characters. As each season premiered, the emotional connection to the show deepened with the audience. For many young adults Stranger Things is not just a show it is a marker of their youth and childhood. That type of impact is extremely rare and with that connection it keeps the show relevant despite the gaps between the seasons.
Steven Spielberg has paved the way for Stranger Things in many ways, and his influence within the show is undeniable. The early seasons of the show have parallels to Spielberg’s movie E.T. with the adventure and wonder displayed through a childlike perspective.
Steven King has also had a great impact on the show, with the creators of the show, Duffer Brothers, have also admitted to drawing inspiration from King’s use of children as central characters and using the child narrative within the storylines.
To recap: Stranger Things opens in the seemingly quiet and normal town of Hawkins, Indiana. Centered around a close group of friends; Mike Wheeler, played by Finn Wolfhard; Lucas Sinclair, played by Caleb McLaughlin; Dustin Henderson, played by Gaten Matarazzo; and Will Byers, played Noah Schnapp; following their daily routine of school, biking, and Dungeons and Dragons. Suddenly Will goes missing which sparks the start of the series and the many problems the group faces.
As the show goes on we are introduced to Eleven, played by Mille Bobby Brown, an iconic character that the show is centered on. When facing the struggles throughout the show working alongside the kids; a devoted mother Joyce Byers, played by Winona Ryder; police chief Jim Hopper, played by David Harbour; and teens Jonathan Byers, played by Charlie Heaton; Nancy Wheeler, played by Natalia Dyer and Steve Harrington, played Joe Keery. Throughout the seasons group battles start growing as they start uncovering more secrets within the town and the dark past of Hawkins, Indiana.
While the battles get more intense the group expands with many characters getting involved in many different ways like; Max Mayfeild, played by Sadie Sink; Robin Buckley, played by Maya Hawke; Erica Sinclair, played by Priah Ferguson; and Murray Bauman, played by Brett Gelman.
As the story develops through the episodes we see the characters change with the things they experience. People find the characters relatable in many ways and even though this show has unreal elements some of the audiences can see their struggles represented within the show.
Music has always played a big part in the show, with the help of Kyle Dixson and Michael Stein, from the band SURIVE, who played the background music setting the tone for most of the scenes throughout the series. Stranger Things is known for its iconic use of classic songs from the late 70’s and 80’s.
Music has always been a big part of the show; it is not just used for background music but instead a tool for storytelling. Each season usually comes with a rediscovered love for 80’s songs, the show calling fans back to the classic music.
The first season brought new fans to the song “Should I stay or Should I go? “By The Clash, it was a symbol of comfort and connection between the Byer brothers. The song also reflected an internal struggle for the main character, between giving into fear or finding strength. In the season two finale Cyndi Lauper’s song Time After Time was played during a moment of vulnerability for the characters representing a transition for the character as they grow up reflecting young love and the loyalty they have to each other.
Throughout season three the song “Never Ending Story” is sung multiple times by the characters giving a sense of childlike nostalgia and lightheartedness. During the finale of season three we see how the song also symbolizes love for the characters, a love so strong it gives a moment of peace even in a chaotic moment. Finally arguably one of the most iconic moments through all of Stranger Things, and an unforgettable moment for the audience surrounds the Kate Bush song “Running Up the Hill.” The song is an escape for the characters from death, and finding inner strength and resilience. It shot to number one on the billboard charts after the finale was aired.
With season 5 premiering the song “I Think We’re Alone Now” by Tiffany gained popularity before the episode was even released, many making TikTok’s and social media posts to the song. With many episodes yet to come out it’s still unclear what the song of the season will be for season 5.
Stranger Things much like Amazon’s The Boys or HBO’s House of Horrors, symbolizes a shift in sci-fi fantasy genre. Instead of conforming to the idea that sci-fi fantasy is only meant for children, these shows focus on detailed storytelling designed for people of all ages. These shows are complex and layered allowing for all ages to connect to the characters below the surface on an emotional level.
Audiences have watched shows come and go, losing the buzz and attention and usually end up being canceled. It seems that now more than ever anything in the media is ever changing and it is hard to keep an audience captive. However, with the massive fan base Stranger Things has obtained, even through the writers strike, covid, and three presidents the show has defied the odds. Time has only proven that with the wait of the final season the audience has only grown stronger and more entranced by the show. The Duffer Brothers managed to create a show that captured the attention of a whole generation, with detailed storytelling, heartfelt characters and remarkable song use, creating a profound bond between the audience and the show.
Edited by Macey Smith
