8 Reasons You NEED To Watch Stranger Things

What do you get when you combine Winona Ryder, a bunch of up-to-mischief kids and a cooler than cool ‘80s playlist? One of the most popular shows in Netflix history.

Stranger Things has developed a dedicated following since its initial release in 2016 and every subsequent season has bested the one before it. Season 4 of the loved Netflix show hits the streaming service today and we’re expecting more monsters, more excitement, and more “OMG” moments than ever before.

In the spirit of celebrating the show’s new and final era we’re asking the question: what makes Stranger Things so good? And why do you need to watch?

In a world where everything can feel uncertain (thanks to a certain global pandemic), nothing comforts us more than a dose of nostalgia. And Stranger Things is full of it.

From the costumes to the set design to the dialogue, Stranger Things is a 1980s wonderland. The show’s creators, the Duffer brothers, do an amazing job at convincing the viewer (us) that they’ve travelled back a few decades.

Pay attention and you’ll notice references to Back to the Future, The Terminator, Ghostbusters, and more. The devil’s ‘80s is in the finer details too, like Lucas drinking out of can of New Coke and Steve using Farrah Fawcett spray to tame his luscious locks.

On paper Stranger Things is a show about a group of young teenagers who get swept into a multi-universal battle for Earth. As you do.

But there’s a lot more nuance to the show than just being an adventure tale. Within the sci-fi narrative and beyond the aliens lies lessons of loyalty, friendship and bravery. At its core, Stranger Things is story of how fighting for what you believe in, even when others might not agree, is empowering.

Like to sit down and watch your shows in one sitting? Then you need to add Stranger Things to your watch – or re-watch – list.

It will have you hooked from the outset (pinkie promise) and has just the right number of episodes per season (around 8) so you feel entertained but not bored by the end. The short number of episodes per season also keeps the plot fast paced and engaging. Just what we like in a TV show.

Stranger Things is a great way to introduce yourself to a genre you may not otherwise consume – like horror – without leaning too heavily into the one genre. The show pulls elements from a range of genres and has something for everyone.

Stranger Things is a coming-of-age story, horror series, conspiracy thriller, sci-fi adventure and ‘80s drama blended together.

Unless kids like monster aliens, jump scares, bloody fights and Soviet spies trying to take over the world.

Stranger Things brings as much darkness as it does light. The show gets deep and dark at times, with themes of horror, mental illness, corrupt governments, and illegal testings.

From what we’ve seen of Season 4, things are only going to get darker. Eleven has lost her powers, a supernatural war is brewing, Hopper is being held captive by the Russians, and Robert England is here to add some horror movie gravitas with his portrayal of the mysterious (and murderous) Victor Creel.

Every good story needs some fulfilling character development, and Stranger Things doesn’t disappoint.

Steve Harrington goes from being a stereotypical high school jock to a supportive and caring older brother.

Nancy Wheeler goes from being a desperate-to-fit-in teenage girl to an empowered and insightful young woman.

Hopper goes from being a cynical and overbearing local police chief to being a loving and nuanced father figure.

Character development is a key theme explored in Stranger Things and is truly a joy to witness and explore. Two-dimensional characters make for a two-dimensional plot, and that’s not fun for anyone.

Just when you think you’ve figured out what’s happening, Stranger Things chucks another plot twist your way.

From Seasons 1 to 3 (and Season 4, we bet) the show is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Pro tip: don’t hold anything while watching. You will probably spill it on the floor from jumping around so much.

Any show with 6 successful years under its belt has made it this far for a reason.

If all the above isn’t enough to convince you that Stranger Things is a must watch, then let’s talk entertainment value.

From the costumes to the sets to the humour, the show is enjoyable to consume from start to finish. Every detail is carefully considered and even more carefully executed, and you can tell.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to step into a world of adventure, monsters, and mayhem. See you in the
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