Stranger Things Logo by Apins on DeviantArt. CC BY-NC-ND 3.0
https://www.deviantart.com/apins/art/Stranger-Things-logo-725554828

Written by Jessica Chui

The summer of 2016 introduced audiences to a small town sci-fi show, Stranger Things, and suddenly, it’s not so small anymore. A hot topic for years, the Netflix TV series has officially ended this year – ten years after its first release (or has it?) – leaving the fandom divided. However, it is undeniable that the show left a lasting impact through its highly relatable themes, brilliant marketing strategies, and cultural authenticity. 

Set in the ‘80s, the production team of Stranger Things played a huge role in ensuring accurate portrayal of the time. From the choice of music, to language and fashion, the crew worked down to the nitty gritty to recreate the atmosphere of the “good ol’ days”. This allowed the show to appeal not only to sci-fi and adventure loving teens, but it also attracted adults to watch the series with their children. The cinematic experience of Stranger Things evoked nostalgia for older fans, and sparked the curiosity of youngsters, serving very well as a family bonding activity and “back in my day” talks. Moreover, the universal themes of relationships, growing up, facing one’s fears, and feeling like an outcast deeply resonated with the audience and truly set the show apart as an exceptional series.

The show’s success was the result of unwavering determination by the Duffer brothers. In an interview with the brothers on the Tonight Show, they revealed that the idea of Stranger Things faced continuous rejections, with only Netflix seeing its potential in the end. However, the series’ popularity was also driven by Netflix’s global reach and strategic episode releases. Netflix decided to release Stranger Things 5 into three sections to “amplify the cliffhangers at the end of each volume,” says the entertainment news outlet The Direct. Moreover, the time in which each volume was released was thoughtfully considered: the first on the American Thanksgiving long weekend, the second on Christmas Day and the last on New Year’s Eve, all at 8pm Eastern Time (Rouse). These times are when viewers have days off, and are more likely to dedicate their time watching the show. 

When it comes to Stranger Things, its cultural impact is impossible to ignore. One of the most praiseworthy parts of the series is no doubt the music played. The Stranger Things playlist includes iconic bands of the 1980s such as Wham! and Duran Duran, as well as artists like Madonna and Kate Bush (Harrison), all inserted perfectly to capture underlying emotions. Closely behind are the wardrobe choices. Sourced from vintage archives, estate sales, and actual 1980 yearbooks, the costume department have outdone themselves! All aspects were considered, from the way a shirt fits, to the fade of denim. Fun fact: Winona Ryder wore a pair of jeans from her real-life childhood on screen (Punjabi). Tightly connected is the hair and makeup department. Hair plays such a big role for characters as it could make or break their appearance. Sarah Hindsgaul, the show’s hairstylist studied yearbooks and beauty magazines to ensure era-accurate hairstyles. Some fan favorites are Nancy’s soft curls, and of course, Steve “The Hair” Harrington’s voluminous blowout. The setting of the 80s is so impeccable that even the slang characters say are taken into account. Insult terms like “douchebag,” Mike’s iconic “mouthbreather,” and the frequent use of “like” in casual conversations (Kelly). Altogether, the music, fashion and language is a true reflection of the show’s commitment to detail and realism. 

Although the show faced mixed reactions following its final episode, “Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up”, the series was ultimately well received by audiences worldwide. Beyond commercial success, Stranger Things true accomplishment lies in its ability to connect generations through nostalgia and universally relatable themes. By combining strategic marketing and meticulous attention to the 1980s culture, the show became more than a sci-fi series, but a shared cultural experience. Even though its ten year journey came to a close, the legacy of Stranger Things will continue to live on for years to come.

Works Cited

Apins. “Stranger Things logo by Apins on DeviantArt.” DeviantArt, 14 January 2018, https://www.deviantart.com/apins/art/Stranger-Things-logo-725554828. Accessed 8 February 2026.

Harrison, Olivia. “Stranger Things Series, Seasons 1-5 Soundtrack, Song List.” Netflix, 31 December 2025, https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/stranger-things-every-song. Accessed 26 January 2026.

Kelly, John. “Mental douchebags, chill wastoids: How ’80s is the slang in Stranger Things?” Slate Magazine, 23 August 2016, https://slate.com/human-interest/2016/08/mental-douchebags-chill-wastoids-how-80s-is-the-slang-in-stranger-things.html. Accessed 26 January 2026.

Punjabi, Vishakha. “Here’s How ‘Stranger Things’ Became An ’80s Style Time Machine.” Elle India, 18 July 2025, https://elle.in/fashion/stranger-things-fashion-is-a-tribute-to-the-80s-9502029. Accessed 26 January 2026.

Rouse, Lauren. “Why Stranger Things Season 5’s Release Got Split Into 3 Parts.” The Direct, 1 June 2025, https://thedirect.com/article/stranger-things-season-5-release-parts-why-split. Accessed 26 January 2026.