We’re now fully ensconced in the streaming era, where most shows worth watching are available on one of the major streaming services. And there have been some phenomenal releases during this period, from "Severance" and "Slow Horses" to "Squid Game" and "The Witcher." Yet, for me, one show stands out above all others, becoming the defining series of the streaming era, and one that everyone should watch at least once in their lifetime.
The show I’m talking about is, of course, "Stranger Things."
"Stranger Things" is truly epic, with a storyline spanning multiple years and a production process that has taken even longer to complete. "Stranger Things" season 5 part 1 just dropped after a long three-plus-year wait. But it’s precisely the epic nature of the show that makes "Stranger Things" so remarkable. The gaps between seasons have allowed the writing, directing, editing and special effects to reach the highest possible quality. Each season stands on its own while simultaneously building an exquisitely detailed world.
'Stranger Things' is epic in every sense
By the time it concludes this New Year's Eve, "Stranger Things" will have five seasons and taken nine years to produce and air. In television terms, that’s practically a lifetime. The big sitcoms of the 1990s, along with some serialized dramas, used to churn out 26 episodes a year, making the 42 episodes of "Stranger Things" over almost a decade feel deliberate and painstakingly crafted.
And that’s exactly the beauty of it. Each episode feels like a chapter in a book, with a smaller plotline driving the overarching story. In another universe, this show could easily have been a 10-movie mega-franchise in the same league as "Fast & Furious" — but with a genuinely good storyline, solid acting and a memorable script.
Production values are second to none
The writing, acting, directing and cinematography are all flawless. I’ve watched the entire series (through season 4) multiple times and have searched for weaknesses, yet I haven’t found one. This is undoubtedly a direct result of the time, budget, and care afforded to the creators.
In short, the epic nature of "Stranger Things" is precisely what has made it so exceptional. It could so easily have been rushed to a disappointing conclusion, as "Game of Thrones" was, or had its budget slashed, undermining the quality of the special effects. Thankfully, neither scenario happened.
A masterclass in genre blending
One element that could have fallen apart is the way the Duffer Brothers weave together multiple genres. "Stranger Things" is not just one thing. Each season — and often individual episodes — seamlessly blend coming-of-age drama, science fiction, horror, comedy and even romance.
Typically, a season begins with the kids navigating the trials of school and adolescence, only for things to go spectacularly wrong as the Upside Down infiltrates Hawkins. The show pays loving homage to 1980s classics such as "The Goonies" and :Stand By Me," making the blend of genres feel both nostalgic and fresh.
A legacy that will last
Even though "Stranger Things" is approaching its finale, its impact on television and pop culture will endure for years. The town of Hawkins, its teenage inhabitants and the eerie Upside Down are now permanent fixtures in our cultural landscape. Merchandise, memes and potential spinoffs ensure the show’s influence extends far beyond its episodes.
Even side characters like Barb from season 1 or Eddie in later seasons have broken free from the confines of the show, becoming cultural icons and fan favorites in their own right.
To conclude, "Stranger Things" is the show of the streaming era. No other series has matched it in terms of cultural impact, production values or world-building. And because it is endlessly rewatchable, it continues to gain new fans, ensuring that even long after the finale leaves us exhausted and longing for more, the world of Hawkins will live on.
Stream "Stranger Things" on Netflix
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