Interesting facts about the Duffer-bros' hit series, "Stranger Things"

Stranger Things is a popular sci-fi horror series that has captivated audiences with its nostalgic 80s setting, sci-fi and supernatural mysteries, and lovable characters. Season 1 was released in Netflix in 2016. Now, with over 14 million viewers, it is topping the Netflix most-watched series of all time. As we are eagerly waiting and direction already being in progress, for season 5, let's explore some interesting elements of the Strangers Things Universe.

1. Homage to 80s Culture: "Stranger Things" is known for its homage to 80s pop culture, including references to iconic movies like "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," "The Goonies," and "Stand by Me." The show's creators, the Duffer Brothers, drew inspiration from their own childhoods and love for 80s classics.

2. Unexpected Success: The show's success took everyone by surprise, including Netflix. It quickly became a cultural phenomenon and gained a massive fan following worldwide. The blend of sci-fi, horror, and heartfelt storytelling resonated with audiences of all ages.

3. The Upside Down: The mysterious parallel dimension known as the Upside Down is a central element of the show. It was inspired by the real-life Montauk Project conspiracy theories, which speculated about secret government experiments and portals to other dimensions.

4. Casting Choices: The casting of the show was meticulous, with many actors chosen for their resemblance to 80s stars. For example, Millie Bobby Brown, who plays Eleven, was cast because of her resemblance to a young Natalie Portman.

5. Winona Ryder's Comeback: "Stranger Things" marked a significant comeback for actress Winona Ryder, who plays Joyce Byers. Her portrayal of the determined and emotional mother searching for her son earned critical acclaim and reignited her career.

6. Unexpected Chemistry: The camaraderie and chemistry among the young cast members, often referred to as the "Stranger Things Kids," contributed greatly to the show's success. Their off-screen friendship translates into the genuine bond portrayed on screen.

7. Hidden References: The show is filled with iconic references and Easter eggs for eagle-eyed fans. For example, in Season 1, a drawing of the Demogorgon can be seen in Will's room before he encounters the creature in the Upside Down (More Easter eggs coming soon!). From Dungeons & Dragons references to nods to classic movies and music, each episode is packed with hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

8. Cult Following: "Stranger Things" has inspired a devoted fanbase that eagerly anticipates each new season. Fans analyse every detail, theorize about plot twists (particularly on Reddit, with 1.7M redditors following this sub-reddit), and create fan art, cosplay, and merchandise based on the show.

9. Influence on Pop Culture: The show's impact on pop culture is undeniable, influencing everything from fashion trends and Halloween costumes to music playlists ("Running up that hill" playing in our mind) and nostalgic revivals of 80s styles.

10. Award-Winning: "Stranger Things" has received numerous awards and nominations, including Emmy Awards for its outstanding cast performances, writing, and visual effects. It continues to be a favourite among both critics and viewers.

11. Eleven's Origins: The character Eleven was initially named "Eleanor" and was meant to have a more violent and sinister personality. However, the Duffer Brothers changed her name and softened her character after casting Millie Bobby Brown.

12. Real-Life Locations: While the show is set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, many scenes were actually filmed in real-life locations in Georgia, USA. The iconic Hawkins National Laboratory, for instance, is a former armory in Atlanta.

13. Retro Technology: To maintain the 80s aesthetic, the show's creators used authentic retro technology in the set design. This includes old-school rotary phones, bulky televisions, and classic arcade games like "Dragon's Lair" and "Dig Dug."

14. Musical Soundtrack: The show's soundtrack is a major part of its appeal, featuring iconic 80s tracks alongside original synth-heavy compositions by composers Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein. The haunting theme song has become instantly recognizable.

15. Cultural Impact: "Stranger Things" has had a significant impact on modern culture, inspiring fan theories, podcasts, and academic analyses. It has also led to an increased interest in 80s nostalgia and a resurgence of retro fashion trends.

16. Spin-Offs and Merchandise: Due to its immense popularity, "Stranger Things" has inspired spin-off novels, comics, video games, and a variety of merchandise, including clothing, toys, and collectibles. The franchise continues to expand its universe beyond the TV series.

Stranger Things has a huge fandom with fans over all age categories. I will soon be posting more blogs related to this hit series. Be sure to check it out! Comment below which season is your favourite!

Image source: Alicia Quan on Unsplash, Venti Views on Unsplash, Max Kukurudziak on Unsplash, Adi Goldstein on Unsplash