Since its release in 2016, Stranger Things has become a massive success. A considerable part of the show's success can be attributed to its nostalgic feel. The fact that this show can appeal to a younger demographic even though it is based in the 80s is impressive.
Imagine finding a show that ticks all the right boxes, showcasing the best of every genre you could imagine- action, horror, suspense, comedy, drama, even romance. The Duffer Brothers have created an evergreen piece of cinema that will continue to amaze coming generations. Even the cast of this show is unforgettable. Nobody watches this show and thinks, "Huh, they act well for their age." The show's creators went out of their way to find child actors who could keep up.
"After the war in the 60s and economic depression in the 70s, the 80s felt like paradise," recounts a Reddit user. The Duffer Brother's ability to mirror an era so perfectly is a point that can't be stressed enough. Many eagle-eyed viewers have pointed out how many scenes in the show pay homage to eventful movies in the 80s, such as Back to the Future, The Terminator, Star Wars and many more.
While we are on the topic of media, let's discuss the mind-blowing music production of this show. The music production speaks volumes and sets the tone for the entire series. Sometimes it's nostalgic; sometimes, it's terrifying. Speaking from experience, just listening to the music audio alone is enough to get the scene's vibe. The music alone is leaps and bounds ahead of any movie or TV show in its vicinity.
The writing and plot of the show feel the most organic. After re-watching it for the third time in two years, one thing is clear: this show was created to tell a story. Every episode picks up right where it left off, making it flow better than any other show. The show has been dubbed a pioneer in the entertainment industry because of its impeccable delivery. Unlike a typical show with a cliffhanger at the end, Stranger Things reels in its viewers with a cliffhanger in the beginning, which is resolved later in the episode. Now that's prime television right there.
Stranger Things' success is not only because of what it does right, but also what it does differently. The show brings out the geek culture of the 80s with age-appropriate actors (not 25-year-olds playing 15-year-olds). The show skillfully adapts itself and keeps maturing with its viewers. While other shows struggle to maintain the same viewership they once had, Stranger Things has always enjoyed a permanently dominant position in the media space. It gets talked about even when it takes more time to film than any other show.
Every character has excellent chemistry with one another. The writing and acting hit the mark. The music production is on point, and the conversations feel organic and natural. What's not to like? All in all, Stranger Things is a show that comes once, maybe twice a generation. One thing's for sure; we'll remember the tale that began with four kids playing D&D in their basement, forever.
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