When Stranger Things premiered on Netflix in 2016, few could have predicted that the show set in the 1980s would become an insane experience for a generation of young viewers who weren’t even alive during that decade. For many current students today, the series has become more than entertainment to them. The show has marked growth, time, and memories.
For current students, the show entered their lives during childhood and stayed through adolescence. Cain Melius, 12, began watching in 2019 when season three was released.
“I watched everything up to season three, and then I had to wait until season four came out,” they said, describing the anticipation that defined the experience for many other viewers.
Others associate the show with family traditions.
“My parents and I watch it every time together. When the last season came out, we watched every episode together,” said Brooklyn Love, 12. That shared experience deepened their emotional connection to the series.
Across the student body, viewers consistently describe a nostalgic feel as the dominant emotion, even for a decade they never lived in.
Melius explained that season one feels “more realistic” because of its limitations.
“The color grading wasn’t as good, and that’s what made it feel more ‘80s,” they said.
In contrast, season three’s bright visuals stood out.
“Everything’s so colorful. I love it for that,” Melius added.
Love also tied nostalgia to personal growth.
“Season three was the most nostalgic because that was the newest season at the time,” they said. “I felt like the characters were growing up at the same time as me.”
Masyn Bracket, 11, connected the show to a specific moment in recent history.
“It was in 2021 after season four came out. I got COVID, so I was locked in my room,” they said. For Bracket, the series reminds them of 2020, blending the comfort of the show with an isolating feel.
Several viewers said the show became comforting over time, especially on rewatch.
Lily Meek, 12, described the shift clearly.
“It’s kind of comforting because I’ve already seen it so many times that I know what’s going to happen,” they said, adding that the first watch is much different.
“The first time I’m watching it, it’s not a comfort show. I’m locked in.” said Meek.
Audrey Schoening, 12, emphasized how waiting for new seasons made the show feel formative.
“It’s one of the first shows where I had to wait for seasons to come out,” they said. “I feel like I kind of grew up while I was with my season.”
Despite strong emotional ties, opinions on the final season were a critical topic.
“The last scene is really great and heartwarming, so much better,” said Melius. They also spoke on the unresolved storylines asking, “Where’s Murray? What about the two parents?”
“I’m really disappointed honestly. The ending being open to interpretation was trash,” Brackett said.
Schoening also noted that the expectations were overhyped.
“Everyone’s gonna die. No one’s safe,” they said.
Sophia Tysver, 10, criticized the show’s shift in scale.
“By season three, it gets more like an Avengers movie,” they said. “Sometimes you can have small, compelling stories instead of this big thing.”
Still, even with its flaws, Stranger Things left a lasting impact. For its audience, the show wasn’t just about the monsters or mystery, it was about growing up as a fanbase, waiting for the next season, and finding comfort in a show that changed as they also changed.
