It’s been almost 10 years since Netflix dropped an original series that io9 took an interest in because of its overt riffs on Steven Spielberg and Stephen King. Initially, though, we weren’t sure if it was “io9” enough to cover. Would it actually contain bona fide sci-fi horror elements, or would it just be a fun little show about ’80s kids on their bikes having adventures?
Obviously, five seasons later, we know that Stranger Things is very much a supernaturally focused series, and it’s become a massive cultural phenomenon that regularly transcends its burnished spot on Netflix’s Top 10. Not only has it launched careers (remember when Winona Ryder and Matthew Modine were the biggest names in the cast?), its popularity has trickled into the realms of music, games, and even food.
Along with a fresh set of stats trumpeting Stranger Things‘ ever-rising ratings—boosted by its fifth and final season, which drops a fresh trio of episodes this week—Netflix has shared a press release examining the show’s impact beyond its staggering view count. (Though if you’re curious, seasons 1-4 “have garnered more than 1.2B views to date, the most views for any Netflix show”; meanwhile, the first volume of season five “has already reached 102.6M views globally, and all five seasons still remain in the Top 10 this week.”)
A fun note in the release calls out the show’s most-rewatched scenes, which are Nancy’s possession by Vecna in season four, episode seven (which contains some important details about Vecna’s future plans), and the big “NeverEnding Story” duet between long-distance sweeties Dustin and Suzie in season three, episode eight.
We already knew Kate Bush’s 1985 song “Running Up That Hill” enjoyed chart-topping success after its repeated use in season four; it’s also already been reused in season five. Another song getting a boost specifically from season five is Diana Ross’ “Upside Down,” which “saw a 1,250% increase in global Gen Z streams.”
While every other generation waits in terror to see if a full-on disco comeback will follow, there have also been noticeable upticks in streams of Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now” (because pop stars do know about monsters, Holly!), the Chordettes’ “Mr. Sandman” (already a horror staple thanks to Halloween II), and ABBA’s “Fernando,” which is exactly the right song for a wine mom’s bubble bath before she has to fight a Demogorgon.
Netflix would also like you to know that “between the debuts of season one in 2016 and season four in 2022, the Dungeons & Dragons universe, which is a favorite of Eddie Munson and the Hellfire Club, saw a meteoric growth of 673%,” a claim that doesn’t mention, as Variety pointed out, that D&D has “made many big strides of its own over the last nine years, including a 2023 feature film, expansions to the game itself, and more,” though that does include some Stranger Things collaborations.
Netflix’s press release also touts the success of Stranger Things‘ many tie-in releases, including those red-filled Chips Ahoy cookies (the release doesn’t mention Peanut Butter Boppers or, oddly, Eggo waffles), Nike’s subtle-by-comparison Dunk Low sneakers featuring an upside-down logo, books and comics, and the immersive Stranger Things: The Experience.
As the show winds down (three episodes arrive on Christmas, then the grand finale hits New Year’s Eve), it seems likely that the merch train will continue to chug along for Stranger Things (have you seen the Creel House Lego set?)—and that Netflix will probably break some more viewership records before we see the last of Vecna. No doubt there will be more retro songs resurfaced in the remainder of the season. Plus, that animated spin-off arriving next year will surely also help keep Stranger fever alive.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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