Stranger Things is a series that’s been on everyone’s minds lately. Whether you watch the show or not, it represents a pivotal moment in Netflix’s history: it skyrocketed the platform’s popularity, helped redefine originality in streaming and changed how we “binge” TV shows–ultimately generating an abundance of streaming services. When many people think of Netflix, they think of Stranger Things; they think of originality. But what about this show in particular makes it so popular– so genre-defining? And are there unintended pitfalls that come along with this show?
Part of Stranger Things’ appeal comes from its ability to evoke nostalgia, even for those who never lived through the 1980s. It mixes supernatural mystery, humor, and friendships that draw viewers in. Students at Boulder High (and Gen Z as a whole) seem to be talking, tuning in to the much-anticipated final season as it releases across the winter season.
When asked why they watch Stranger Things, Leah Moscou ‘26, Annabelle O’Neil ‘26, Bella Norris ‘26, Alexandra Rao ‘26, and Tatum Humphrey, ‘26, had a shared sentiment: “We love this show because watching it now as seniors is full circle since it came out when we were so young. We all get together to watch it, and it’s probably one of the greatest shows of all time.”
This type of joint “hype” is what makes Stranger Things so exciting. It fosters a sense of community among those of us who have grown up alongside the show. However, Stranger Things has had an impact that’s reached even further than its viewers hearts. After being featured in Season 4, Kate Bush’s song “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” saw an exponential rise in popularity: streams on platforms like Spotify increased by thousands of percent, pushing the song past one billion—and later 1.5 billion—total streams. The song also re-entered global music charts decades after its original 1985 release, proving just how influential the show truly is.
Its widespread popularity has cemented Netflix’s reputation for creating must-watch original series. Other series like Wednesday, Adolescence, Heartstopper, Young Royals, and My Life With the Walter Boys saw huge spikes in popularity after Stranger Things, capturing teen audiences with compelling stories, relatable characters, and binge-worthy plots. This wave of teen-focused content shows how Stranger Things not only shaped Netflix’s brand but also paved the way for a generation of streaming-only series that resonate with teen audiences.
However, the series also highlights the US’s drastic shift from traditional movie theaters to sticking strictly to streaming platforms. Netflix recently announced plans to acquire Warner Bros.’ studio and assets, including HBO Max, which is a deal valued at $82.7 billion. Once completed, this could expand Netflix’s access to films and TV properties, though the company has said it will honor Warner Bros.’ current theatrical releases. There is no confirmation yet that all future films will premiere exclusively on Netflix.
While Stranger Things didn’t “cause” the decline of theaters, its success is symbolic of a broader trend: streaming is changing how audiences consume media. Many theatres and movie rental stores have long been facing foreclosures because of this inevitable streaming monopoly. Big, popular series like Stranger Things demonstrate the appeal of instant at-home access. How this will affect theaters and the industry as a whole remains uncertain, though experts are keeping a close eye on Netflix’s next moves.
Ultimately, Stranger Things has endured not just because of nostalgia or genre, but because it captures the imagination of a generation. Whether binge-watching from home or debating plot twists in the hallways of high school, audiences continue to connect with its world from home, showing just how powerful – and threatening to a night at the movies – a story can be in the age of streaming.
