'Stranger Things' is worth all the hype

Chances are you’ve at least heard of “Stranger Things,” even if you aren’t one of the fans of the popular Netflix series.

I remember hearing that title everywhere before I even knew what it was back when it first came out in 2016. With the recent release of the fourth season, the name is on everyone’s lips again. In fact, so many people tried to watch the last two episodes of season 4 when they released July 1 that they actually crashed Netflix.

Needless to say, it’s popular, and with the popularity comes the hype and the endless questions of “have you watched it?” and “what did you think about that part?”

(Don’t worry if you haven’t seen it — there will be no spoilers in this column!)

“Stranger Things” is the kind of show I typically am skeptical of at best, both because of how popular it is and because of the nature of the show as an intense, scary, monster-filled, gore-filled, and (this latest season at least) horror-filled series. I tend to wonder if popular shows are really worth the hype, and scary or violent shows are never my favorite. In both cases, I question whether the show is worth watching.

“Stranger Things,” however, is absolutely worth it.

I probably wouldn’t have started watching “Stranger Things” back in 2016 if it weren’t for the recommendation of my brother, whose opinion I trust. I’m glad he got me to start watching it then, because I’ve been faithfully keeping up with it ever since, excited for every new season.

As soon as I started watching the show, I realized it was something special. Each season had its ups and downs, but always remained worth it.

The first episodes of this new season again had me questioning how much the show was worth keeping up with, especially when it crossed the line into traditional horror more than it ever had before. But I decided to stick with it since I’ve come this far.

And I’m so glad I did. The season only got better as it went, and it had me cheering, laughing, sobbing, and once again blown away by how incredible the show is.

For me, “Stranger Things” not only lives up to its hype but is worth putting up with the elements I don’t usually like in other shows because of how well-made the series is, how well-told the story is, and how endearing the characters are.

“Stranger Things,” as far as I’m concerned, put Netflix on the map and changed the game for streaming services making original series. It gave us something in between the realms of a big-budget film and a television series with multiple episodes and multiple seasons, bringing the quality of films to a longer format. The cinematography is beautiful, the special effects are incredible, and the acting is top-notch.

Working with a longer format is also beneficial for the incredible and unique story crafted by the Duffer Brothers. They planned out an intricate plot from the beginning, so everything connects together, builds on itself, and feels cohesive throughout. The writing is also excellent in each episode, with dialogue feeling natural and everything keeping the story moving.

For me, though, the best part about “Stranger Things” that keeps me coming back and makes me fall in love with the series again every season is the characters. Each person you get to know in the show is intriguing and complicated, and the main characters are incredibly lovable. You get so attached to each of them, especially throughout the seasons as you watch the kids grow up and watch everyone learn and grow and develop.

Fair warning, you do often lose characters you get attached to, but their deaths are usually meaningful, powerful and important for the rest of the story and the development of the other characters. 

Another thing worth noting about the series is its ability to appeal to a broad spectrum of people. It’s one of the only shows that almost everyone in my family likes, which is an accomplishment.

If you’re a fan of “Stranger Things” like me, can we agree it’s a masterpiece and this last season was possibly the best yet? (I might just be excited about it since it just came out, but I think that statement will hold up. I’m open for debate on it though and always happy to discuss)

And if you still haven’t watched “Stranger Things,” I’d encourage you to give it a try and see if you agree with me that it’s worth it.

 

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