Stranger Things
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Stranger Things returns for final series
Thursday, 11 December, 2025The final season of Stranger Things has arrived and is already breaking records. The horror-fantasy show reached 59.6 million global viewers in its premiere week, a record for an English-language series on Netflix. Stranger Things has become such a cultural phenomenon, and has captured the essence of the 80s, from the music, the cinematography, and even the gaming aspect.
Speaking with Sam Wilkins, Senior Lecturer in Film and Television, about why Stranger Things has been so culturally significant:
“All of the elements which make it such a great show were there at its inception; the nostalgic 80’s references including (nods to Spielberg, Stephen King and The Goonies), the tone and style of the show, emphasis on great characters and importantly its understanding of genre tropes and great story structure (it was originally intended to complete the story within this first season). On the Film, TV and Digital Production course we use the original Duffer brothers pitch deck (known as a series bible) as a fantastic teaching aid.”
He continued:
“Because of its success it was obvious that it would continue. It appeals to both gen x’ers and their kids and it has become a cultural phenomenon bringing new audiences to music such as Kate Bush and The Clash. It’s also been a real shared experience and has a life of its own online with hundreds of examples of fan fiction, memes and shared references. But at its core is great characterisation and great villains - timeless filmmaking techniques that are surprisingly difficult to achieve, especially over such a long stretch of time!”
The music of Stranger Things has become vital to the success of the show, as it sets the tone of the overall series, as well as reminding viewers of the period it is set. It has brought classic songs from the 80s back into the charts, which has helped bring new viewers to the show, and help create the nostalgic atmosphere that makes the show so popular.
Sam Hunt, Senior Lecturer in Commercial Music, discussing the song ‘Running Up That Hill’ by Kate Bush, that re-entered the charts in 2022 after being featured in Stranger Things:
“The song accompanies a massive moment in the series, capturing the hearts of many. Some rediscovered this classic pop gem, whereas younger generations were introduced (alongside other definable 80’s sounds) to a stark sound in pop music that, though has long since passed, is frequently revisited in small doses in wider culture. Familiar, but still quite distant.”
He continued:
“Simply put, the song worked then, and it works for people now - not because of that sense of vintage - but because it’s a great song. Great songs stay in the cultural consciousness, transcending through different eras. If not featured in Stranger Things, there would have been some other force that reaffirmed “Running Up That Hill” in the cannon of popular music, but perhaps not in such a monumental fashion as we experienced it in 2022.
“Good songs need to be released at the ‘right time’ to be societally impactful, so it’s both rare and fascinating that this Kate Bush track has had the fortune of having more than one ‘right time’.”
Stranger Things not only captured the 80’s nostalgia through TV and music, but also games too, through the series being heavily inspired by tabletop role-playing game, Dungeons and Dragons.
Speaking with James Newman, Professor and Senior Lecturer in Film, Media, and Creative Computing, about the renewed popularity of D&D:
“There is no doubt that Stranger Things has led to an increase in awareness of D&D, but it’s also changed the way many people think about it and its players. D&D has been popular for many decades but featuring so heavily in such a popular show has really propelled it into the mainstream.
“The depiction of D&D and its players in the show is also extremely important. These D&D players are likeable and relatable characters which is quite a contrast to other media representations of role-playing gamers, and the game helps them make sense of strange things happening in their world. The show and game are so closely intertwined, you could think of Stranger Things as a dramatisation of a D&D campaign.”
He continued:
“On the Games Development course, we spend a lot of time thinking about what we can learn from the design, systems and mechanics of D&D and how, in recent years with the latest version of the rules, the game has become more accommodating for new players while retaining and developing its core qualities. Part of the appeal of the game comes from its focus on creativity and storytelling and because the gameplay is so collaborative, it becomes a real social experience.”
Whilst the series is coming to an end, it’s legacy will live on because of its impact on TV, music, and gaming. If you would like to learn more about the Commercial Music, Film, TV and Digital Production, or Creative Computing courses, then more information can be found on our website.