Everything Netflix takes credit for thanks to the success of ‘Stranger Things’

It’s been almost 10 years since Netflix released an original series that io9 was interested in because of its obvious riffs on Steven Spielberg and Stephen King. Initially, however, we weren’t sure if “io9” was enough to cover it. Would it actually contain true sci-fi horror elements, or would it just be a fun little show about 80s kids on bikes having adventures?

Obviously, five seasons later, we know that Stranger Things it’s a lot a series focused on the supernaturaland it became a massive cultural phenomenon which regularly transcends its polite place on Netflix’s top 10. Not only did it launch careers (remember when Winona Ryder and Matthew Modine were the biggest names in casting?), but its popularity spread to music, gaming, and even food.

With a new set of statistics trumpeting Stranger ThingsWith audiences steadily increasing – boosted by its fifth and final season, which releases a new trio of episodes this week – Netflix has shared a press release examining the series’ impact beyond its staggering viewership numbers. (But if you’re curious, seasons 1-4 “have garnered over 1.2 billion views to date, the most views for any Netflix show”; meanwhile, the first volume of season five “has already reached 102.6 million views worldwide, and all five seasons still remain in the Top 10 this week.”)

A fun note in the release recalls the show’s most-rewatched scenes, which are Vecna’s possession of Nancy in season four, episode seven (which contains important details about Vecna’s future plans), and the great “NeverEnding Story” duet between long-distance sweethearts Dustin and Suzie in season three, episode eight.

We already knew Kate Bush’s 1985 song “Running Up That Hill” achieved resounding success after its repeated use during the fourth season; it was also previously reused in season five. Another song that specifically benefits 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 disco comeback will follow, there has also been a notable increase in streams of Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now” (because pop stars TO DO I know monsters, Holly!), “Mr. Sandman” by Chordettes (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 debut of season one in 2016 and season four in 2022, the Dungeons & Dragons The universe, which is a favorite of Eddie Munson and the Hellfire Club, has grown by a whopping 673%”, a claim that does not mention, as Variety emphasized that D&D has “made many great strides over the past nine years, including a 2023 feature film, expansions to the game itself, and much more,” although that includes some Stranger Things collaborations.

The Netflix press release also praises the success of Stranger Things‘ many related versions, including these red-filled Chips Ahoy cookies (the version doesn’t mention Peanut Butter Boppers or, oddly enough, Eggo waffles), Nike’s comparatively subtle Dunk Low sneakers with an upside-down logo, books and comics, and the immersive Stranger Things: The Experience.

As the series draws to a close (three episodes arrive at Christmas, then the grand finale takes place on New Year’s Eve), it seems likely that the freight train will keep moving for Stranger Things (did you see the Lego Creel House Set?) – and that Netflix will probably break even more audience records before seeing the last of Vecna. No doubt other retro songs will resurface in the rest of the season. More, this animated spin-off arriving next year will surely also help to keep Stranger living fever.

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