Stranger Things (2016 — 2024)

Stranger Things (2016–2024) is an acclaimed American science fiction horror drama series on Netflix, helmed by the talented Duffer Brothers. The duo, professionally known as the Duffer Brothers, also serve as showrunners, head writers and directors for many of the episodes. Before their success with Stranger Things, they wrote and produced a film called Hidden in 2015, drawing inspiration from M. Night Shyamalan’s signature style. Despite their initial uncertainty about future projects due to changes at Warner Bros., the brothers were approached by television producer Donald De Line who was impressed by Hidden’s script. Under Shyamalan’s mentorship during their work on Wayward Pines, the Duffer Brothers gained valuable experience and felt confident in producing their own series. The concept for Stranger Things stemmed from their desire to expand upon elements seen in the 2013 film Prisoners- exploring a father’s moral struggles when his child goes missing- over multiple episodes in a serialized format. As they delved deeper into the story of a missing child, they wanted to incorporate ‘childlike sensibilities’ and played with the idea of a man-eating monster. For the brothers, this combination was nothing short of perfection.

In November 1983, the first season of the show begins with Will Byers being taken by a creature from the Upside Down. His mother Joyce, police chief Jim Hopper, and a group of volunteers search for him. Eleven, a young psychokinetic girl who has escaped from the laboratory, is found by friends of Will and joins in their efforts to find him. Skipping ahead a year to October 1984, the second season sees Will being rescued, but he starts having visions of a creature from the Upside Down causing destruction in Hawkins. As his loved ones realize that Will is still under possession by this entity, they discover that their world is facing an even bigger threat.

The third season of the show takes place during the days leading up to the 1985 Fourth of July celebration, several months after the events of the previous season. The new Starcourt Mall has become a popular spot for residents of Hawkins, causing many local stores to go out of business. Hopper becomes increasingly protective of Eleven and her relationship with Mike, while keeping a close eye on them. Unbeknownst to the town, a secret Soviet laboratory beneath the mall is planning to open a gateway to the Upside Down. Meanwhile, Billy is under mind control by the Mind Flayer. Moving forward in time, we find ourselves in March 1986 for the fourth season. Joyce, Will, Eleven, and Jonathan have relocated to Lenora, California for a fresh start. However, Eleven is struggling with losing her powers and being bullied at school in their new home. Back in Hawkins, an entity from the Upside Down called Vecna begins killing residents and opening gates between worlds. Dr. Sam Owens steps up to help Eleven regain her powers at a facility while Joyce and Murray travel to Russia to rescue Hopper from his imprisonment in Kamchatka’s Gulag.