Top Qs
Timeline
Chat
Perspective
Stranger Things (franchise)
American science-fiction horror drama franchise From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Remove ads
Stranger Things is a multimedia franchise centered on the popular American science-fiction horror Netflix series created by The Duffer Brothers. The titular series, Stranger Things, debuted in July 2016, attracting record viewership and widespread critical acclaim. Set in the 1980s, the original show follows supernatural events in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. Its blend of government-lab conspiracy, child protagonists, and 1980s pop culture nostalgia has earned praise for its writing, atmosphere, ensemble cast, and homage to 1980s genre films. The first four seasons garnered multiple award nominations (including 12 Primetime Emmy Awards) and numerous accolades.
The franchise encompasses the television, a stage play, planned spinoff series, a line of novels and comics, several video games, and extensive licensed merchandise.
Remove ads
Television series
Summarize
Perspective
Stranger Things (2016–present)
Stranger Things was created, written, and directed by the Duffer Brothers, produced in association with Shawn Levy's 21 Laps Entertainment and Duffers' Monkey Massacre Productions. The Duffers conceived the show as a blend of 1980s Spielbergian adventure and Stephen King–style horror.[4][5] After failed pitches to other networks, Netflix ordered the series in late 2014. The first season (set in 1983) premiered on Netflix on July 15, 2016. It introduced the disappearance of young Will Byers and the appearance of a telekinetic girl named Eleven escaping from a secretive government lab.[6] Season 1 consists of eight episodes. In October 2017, Netflix released Season 2, which focuses on the aftermath of Will's time spent in the alternate "Upside Down" dimension alongside a new entity known as the Mind Flayer. Season 3 arrived on July 4, 2019. It is set in the summer of 1985, focusing on the heroes' battle with the Mind Flayer at the new Starcourt Mall and culminating in a dramatic confrontation that changes the town's status quo.[7][8] Season 4 (split into two volumes released on May 27 and July 1, 2022) follows the group in early 1986 as the Upside Down's influence resurfaces via the new villain Vecna, even as the characters face challenges separated across multiple locations.
Netflix officially renewed Stranger Things for a fifth and final season in early 2022. Season 5 is scheduled to be released in three parts throughout November and December 2025, and will conclude the main storyline according to The Duffer Brothers.
Season 3 broke Netflix records with over 64 million households watching within its first month. The series holds high scores on review aggregators (Rotten Tomatoes approvals in the 85–97% range per season) and numerous award nominations for its acting and production.
Stranger Things: Tales from '85
In July 2022, it was revealed that a spin-off series was in the works.[9] In April 2023, Netflix greenlit a straight-to-series order for an animated series that is set in the Stranger Things universe. The animation for the series is being provided by Flying Bark Productions with Eric Robles, the Duffer Brothers, Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen as executive producers on the show.[10] The Duffer Brothers said the series would be in the vein of the Saturday-morning cartoons they grew up with.[11] In 2025, it was revealed that the animated spin-off will be titled Stranger Things: Tales from '85, and as the title implies, it is set in the winter of 1985, between the second and third seasons of the main series. The series will introduce a new character named Nikki Baxter who is said to be "a tinker", and who has pinkish hair that's short on the sides.[12] On November 6, 2025, Netflix released a first look teaser for Tales from '85, also revealing its voice cast. Tales from '85 is set to release in 2026.[13][14]
Future
In December 2022, reports of an anime series spinoff titled Stranger Things: Tokyo came out.[15] However, the existence of this alleged series has not been officially acknowledged by Netflix or the Duffer Brothers.[16]
A live-action spin-off of Stranger Things, separate from any animated version, is still in development.[10] In an article published on August 5, 2025, Finn Wolfhard described the planned spin-off as being "like David Lynch's 'Twin Peaks.' Sort of an anthology and different tones but similar universe or same universe. I think set in different places and all tied together through this mythology of the Upside Down. Don't even talk about Hawkins. Don't have any mention of our characters. They were toying around with ideas in case Netflix wanted them. I'm sure they do, and I'm sure it will happen, but there's nothing official. I think the coolest way, the way that I would do it, there has to be labs everywhere. If there was one in Hawkins, there's one in Russia. Where else could they be?".[17]
Remove ads
Aftershows
Summarize
Perspective
Beyond Stranger Things
With the release of the second season of the series, Netflix also released Beyond Stranger Things, an aftershow hosted by Jim Rash. The guests are cast and crew from the series, including the Duffer Brothers and the series' stars, who discuss the development and production of the series and its larger mythology. Unlike previous aftershows created by Embassy Row, such as Talking Dead and Talking Bad, Beyond Stranger Things is intended to be watched after a screening of the entire second season.[18]
Stranger Things: Unlocked
For the fourth season, Netflix released a two-part aftershow on YouTube titled Stranger Things: Unlocked. It was hosted by Felicia Day, with the first part releasing on June 9, 2022, to accompany the season's first volume, and the second part one month later for the second volume.[19][20][21]
Remove ads
Literary works
Summarize
Perspective
Books
Beginning in late 2018, Penguin Random House partnered with Netflix to publish a series of books based on Stranger Things. These include How to Survive in a Stranger Things World,[22] a children's book released on November 13, 2018, which features advice and insights inspired by the show. Other releases include Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down: The Official Behind-the-Scenes Companion, published on October 30, 2018,[23] and a combined Hawkins Middle School Yearbook / Hawkins High School Yearbook, released on March 26, 2019.[24]
Several additional Stranger Things tie-in books have been released in collaboration with Netflix. Visions from the Upside Down: Stranger Things Artbook was published on October 15, 2019,[25] followed by Will Byers: Secret Files on September 24, 2019.[26] Stranger Things: The Official Sticker Album came out on June 15, 2021,[27] and Stranger Things: The Official Coloring Book was released on June 28, 2022.[28] A Little Golden Book titled Stranger Things: We Can Count on Eleven was published on July 5, 2022.[29] A Choose Your Own Adventure-style book titled Stranger Things: Heroes and Monsters was released on April 18, 2023.[30] A second coloring book, themed around the show's fourth season, was published on August 29, 2023.[31] Another Little Golden Book titled Inside, Outside, Upside Down was released on July 9, 2024,[32] with a third entry, Hawkins ABCs, releasing on July 8, 2025.[33] Stranger Things Official Activity Book released on September 2, 2025,[34] followed by Stranger Things: The Official Color-with-Stickers Book and Stranger Things: The Complete Coloring Book, which released on September 30, 2025.[35][36] A themed cookbook, Stranger Things: The Official Cookbook – Recipes from Hawkins and Beyond by Joshua David Stein, is expected to be released on February 3, 2026.[37]
An official Stranger Things Mad Libs book written by Gabriella DeGennaro was released on May 3, 2022.[38] An updated edition is scheduled for release on September 16, 2025.[39]
Random House will publish books compiling the scripts of the series, beginning with Stranger Things: The Complete Scripts – Season 1 and Season 2, both set for release on September 2, 2025.[40][41] Season 3 will follow on October 7, 2025,[42] with Season 4 scheduled for release on November 4, 2025.[43]
Insight Editions released Stranger Things Tarot Deck and Guidebook on August 16, 2022,[44][45] followed by Stranger Things: The Ultimate Pop-up Book on August 30, 2022.[46][47]
Thunder Bay Press is set to release Stranger Things World of Stickers: Art Inspired by the Series, a keepsake sticker book, on September 30, 2025.[48]
The Stranger Things Annual 2026 will be released on September 30, 2025.[49]
In the second quarter of 2019, UK publisher Obverse Books released a book of Stranger Things Season 1, written by Paul Driscoll, as part of its Silver Archive series.[50]
Spanish publisher Monsa Publications released Stranger Things: Tribute on May 1, 2020,[51][52] followed by Stranger Things: Tribute 1983/1986 on January 1, 2024.[53][54] Both books feature artwork inspired by the series, with accompanying text presented in both Spanish and English.
Novels
A series of licensed novels tie into the television narrative. Key titles include:
- Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds (2019) by Gwenda Bond – A prequel novel set in 1969, focusing on Eleven's mother Terry Ives and her experiences with Dr. Brenner in the Hawkins laboratory in 1969.[55] The novel was released on February 5, 2019.
- Stranger Things: Darkness on the Edge of Town (2019) by Adam Christopher – Released May 28, 2019, this novel follows Chief Hopper as he recounts his 1977 New York past to Eleven,[56] including his case involving missing children and his experiences after Vietnam.
- Stranger Things: Runaway Max (2019) by Brenna Yovanoff – A young-adult novel (June 4, 2019) about Max Mayfield's life in San Diego, California before moving to Hawkins in 1984. It explores Max's family and early challenges.[57]
- Stranger Things: Rebel Robin (2021) by A.R. Capetta – Published June 29, 2021, this YA novel details Robin Buckley's coming-of-age and struggle with her identity as a teenager in Hawkins prior to Season 3.[58]
- Stranger Things: Hawkins Horrors (2022) by Matthew J. Gilbert, a collection of short scary stories told from the perspective of the Party.[59]
- Stranger Things: Lucas on the Line (2022) by Suyi Davies Okungbowa – Released July 26, 2022, this novel picks up after Season 3 and is told from Lucas Sinclair's viewpoint, exploring his teenage life, social struggles, and newly deepening friendship as a Black youth in Hawkins.[60]
- Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus (2023) by Caitlin Schneiderhan – A novel released October 31, 2023, about Eddie Munson's backstory before he arrived in Hawkins, shedding light on the Hellfire Club singer's past.[61]
- Stranger Things: The Dustin Experiment (2024) by J.L. D'Amato – Published October 29, 2024, this novel follows Dustin Henderson in Fall 1985 (between Seasons 3 and 4). It depicts Dustin's freshman year, a science competition road trip, and his adventures with new friends (including Eddie) as he copes with changes in Hawkins.[62]
- Stranger Things: Starcourt Mall Escape (2025), a novel by Jennifer Brody expanding on Eleven and Max's story arc from the third season.[63]
For younger readers, Netflix Publishing also announced "junior novelizations" of the Season 1[64] and 2[65] TV scripts released on July 8, 2025[64] and September 9, 2025[65] respectively.
Upcoming novels include One Way or Another (subtitled "A Nancy Wheeler Mystery"), a novel by Caitlin Schneiderhan focusing on Nancy and Robin investigating corruption in Hawkins, will be released on December 5, 2025.[66][67]
All of these books are officially licensed tie-ins (published by Random House and its imprints) and expand the franchise's storyline around the main series events.
Comics
In 2018, Dark Horse Comics announced a partnership with Netflix to publish a multi-year line of Stranger Things comics. The first release was a four-issue miniseries written by Jody Houser, with artwork by Stefano Martino. Set during the events of the first season, the story follows Will Byers' experiences while trapped in the Upside Down.[68] The first issue was released on September 26, 2018.[69]
On May 4, 2019, Dark Horse Comics released a special Stranger Things story titled The Game Master as part of Free Comic Book Day. Featured in the Dark Horse FCBD 2019 General issue, the story is set a few days after the events of the first season. It was written by Jody Houser and illustrated by Ibrahim Moustafa.[70]
The second Stranger Things comic miniseries, titled Stranger Things: Six, was also written by Jody Houser, with interior art by Edgar Salazar. The four-issue series centers on Francine, a precognitive test subject who was part of the experiments that preceded Eleven. The first issue was released on May 29, 2019.[71]
An original graphic novel titled Stranger Things: Zombie Boys was released on February 19, 2020. Written by Greg Pak and illustrated by Valeria Favoccia, with colors by Dan Jackson, letters by Nate Piekos of Blambot, and cover art by Ron Chan, the 72-page story is set shortly after the events of the first season.[72]
A third comic miniseries, Stranger Things: Into the Fire, began publication in January 2020. Also consisting of four issues, the series serves as a sequel to Stranger Things: Six and is set before the events of the third season. It was written by Jody Houser, with pencils by Ryan Kelly and inks by Le Beau Underwood.[73]
Another Stranger Things one-shot was released as part of Free Comic Book Day 2020. Written by Greg Pak, the story is set shortly after the Battle of Starcourt Mall, following the events of the third season.[74]
A second original graphic novel, Stranger Things: The Bully, was released on October 13, 2020. Written by Greg Pak and illustrated by Valeria Favoccia,[75] the story follows Troy and James during the events of the second season, with a focus on Troy's struggle with PTSD after his encounter with Eleven.
On June 18, 2020, it was announced that IDW Publishing and Dark Horse Comics would co-publish a crossover miniseries titled Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons.[76][77]
A fourth miniseries from Dark Horse Comics, titled Stranger Things: Science Camp, began in September 2020 and ran for four issues.[78] On July 23, 2020, Dark Horse also announced a prequel one-shot titled Stranger Things: Halloween in Hawkins.[79]
A third original graphic novel, Stranger Things: Erica the Great!, was released on January 26, 2022.[80]
In April 2023, Dark Horse Comics and IDW Publishing announced a crossover miniseries featuring Stranger Things and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.[81]
Collected editions
Remove ads
Games
Summarize
Perspective
Mobile games
Stranger Things: The Game, also known as Stranger Things: 1984, is a free mobile game developed by BonusXP in collaboration with Netflix. It was released for iOS and Android devices on October 4, 2017. The game features retro-style pixel art reminiscent of Super Nintendo-era titles and is loosely based on the events following the first season. Players begin as Chief Jim Hopper and can unlock additional characters—each with unique abilities—as the game progresses.[135][136]
BonusXP had under a year to develop the game and chose a gameplay style inspired by The Legend of Zelda, citing similarities in exploration and tone between the two franchises. The in-game map of Hawkins was based on Google Street View imagery of Jackson, Georgia, where the show is filmed. To maintain secrecy, the development team avoided hiring outside testers, instead relying on feedback from family members, which contributed to the game's two difficulty settings.[137]
Completing the game rewards players with a clip from the first episode of the second season.[138] Within its first week, the game was downloaded over 3 million times, becoming one of the top mobile downloads and receiving positive reviews from critics. Following the release of season two, an update added Max as a playable character and introduced support for Amazon Fire TV, including controller compatibility.[137] The game was nominated for "Mobile Game" at the 14th British Academy Games Awards.[139][140]
A second mobile game developed by BonusXP, Stranger Things 3: The Game, was announced during The Game Awards 2018 and released on July 4, 2019, as a tie-in to the show's third season.[141] The game features isometric action gameplay, allowing players to control characters such as Joyce, Hopper, Max, and Eleven through various levels inspired by 1980s video games. While closely following the narrative of season three, the game also includes additional story content developed in collaboration with the Duffer Brothers.[142][143] Unlike the first game, it was released on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.[144]
Both Stranger Things: The Game and Stranger Things 3: The Game were among the launch titles for Netflix's mobile gaming service, which debuted in November 2021.[145]
A third mobile game, titled Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales, was developed by Next Games. Initially announced as a location-based role-playing game,[143] it was instead released in 2021 as a story-driven puzzle role-playing game.[146]
VR games
Sony Interactive Entertainment announced a Stranger Things game for PlayStation VR, exclusive to PlayStation 4. A teaser trailer featured the iconic Christmas lights scene from the first season.[147] The game, titled Stranger Things: The VR Experience, was released on December 12, 2017.[citation needed]
A separate, episodic VR game titled Stranger Things VR, developed and published by Tender Claws, was released across major virtual reality platforms beginning on February 22, 2024.[148]
Cancelled Telltale game
In June 2018, Netflix announced a partnership with Telltale Games to develop an episodic adventure game based on Stranger Things, alongside plans to adapt other Telltale titles into interactive experiences for the Netflix platform. The Stranger Things game was intended to be set in the spring of 1985, bridging the gap between the second and third seasons of the series. However, the project was cancelled after Telltale Games laid off the majority of its staff in September 2018.[149][150][151][152][153] A companion title, Kids Next Door, which was being developed by Night School Studio as a narrative precursor, was also cancelled following Telltale's closure.[154]
Tabletop games
In May 2019, Hasbro released a licensed Stranger Things-themed Dungeons & Dragons starter set. The kit includes rulebooks, character sheets, dice, and a campaign titled The Hunt for the Thessalhydra, which is based on the adventure played by the characters in the show's first season. The set also features Demogorgon miniatures and is presented as though written by the character Mike Wheeler.[155]
In 2021, Magic: The Gathering introduced a set of Stranger Things-themed crossover cards as part of its limited-edition Secret Lair series.[156]
Remove ads
Other mediums
Summarize
Perspective
Stage play
In July 2022, it was revealed that a prequel stage play set in the Stranger Things universe was in development,[157] produced by Sonia Friedman and Stephen Daldry.[158] In March 2023, the play was officially announced as Stranger Things: The First Shadow, written by Kate Trefry. It premiered on December 14, 2023, at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End. The production received five Olivier Award nominations and won two.[159] In August 2024, it was announced that the play would transfer to Broadway, with previews beginning at the Marquis Theatre on March 28, 2025, and an official opening set for April 22, 2025.[160]
Behind The Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow
A Netflix documentary titled Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow premiered on April 15, 2025, offering a behind-the-scenes look at developing and staging the prequel play Stranger Things: The First Shadow.[161] Directed by Jon Halperin and produced by Angus Wall, Kent Kubena, Terry Leonard (with Matt Bell as executive producer), the film chronicles the creative journey—and logistical hurdles—faced by the cast and crew from West End rehearsals to Broadway previews.[162]
Podcasts
In July 2019, Netflix released a three-episode podcast titled Behind The Scenes: Stranger Things 3, hosted by Dan Taberski. The podcast explores the making of the show's third season through interviews and production insights.[163][164][165]
A six-episode scripted podcast companion to the Rebel Robin novel, entitled Rebel Robin: Surviving Hawkins, was released in mid-2021.[166] Maya Hawke reprises her role as Robin, Sean Maher plays her favorite teacher Mr. Hauser, and Lauren Shippen writes and directs.[167]
Stranger Things Store
Starting in November 2021, Netflix has opened pop-up Stranger Things Stores, which blend both retail and immersive experiences, in several cities.[168] As of January 2024, the locations in New York City, Chicago, Paris, Miami, and Dallas had closed, and locations in Las Vegas and São Paulo were open.[169]
Stranger Things Experience
From June 16 to 19, 2022, Netflix South Africa partnered with Fourways Mall to operate the Stranger Things Experience.[170] The Experience previously operated at the Canal Walk Mall in Cape Town.[171]
Come to Fourways Mall and immerse yourself in this epic, mysterious & fantastic world! The terror and excitement of heroes Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas and Eleven, as you make your way through the unbelievable, interactive moments, from the most-watched English series to hit screens in May!
— Fourways Mall & Netflix SA, June 2022
Remove ads
In other media
Summarize
Perspective
Lego introduced a Stranger Things set called "The Upside Down", based on a version of the Byers' home and its replica in the Upside Down, in May 2019.[172][173][174] In 2020, The Upside Down set was awarded "Toy of the Year" and also "Specialty Toy of the Year" by the Toy Association.[175] Netflix partnered with Epic Games to include some elements of Stranger Things as cosmetics in Fortnite Battle Royale in the weeks preceding the show's third season launch.[143] Stranger Things DLC for the VR game Face Your Fears was also released.[176][177][178]
Within a September 17, 2019, update for the asymmetric multiplayer horror game Dead by Daylight, the Demogorgon was released as one of the killers, along with Nancy Wheeler and Steve Harrington as survivors. The chapter was later removed on November 17, 2021,[179] before being returned to the game on November 6, 2023.[180] Stranger Things-themed vehicles and cosmetics were added to Rocket League for its 2019 Halloween event.[181] In the MOBA SMITE, a number of Stranger Things-themed character skins were created and released as part of a crossover Battle Pass, such as Starcourt Eleven Scylla, Hopper Apollo, The Demogorgon Bakasura and The Mind Flayer Sylvanus.[182]
As part of its release on Netflix on April 14, 2017, the cast of the rebooted version of Mystery Science Theater 3000 riffed on the first part of "Chapter 1" of Stranger Things.[183] Google used augmented reality (AR) "stickers" of Stranger Things characters to introduce its ARCore technology announced alongside its Pixel 2 phone in October 2017.[184] Sesame Street created a young audience-appropriate spoof of Stranger Things, called Sharing Things, released in November 2017; it featured Cookie Monster as the "Cookiegorgon", Grover as Lucas, Ernie as Dustin, and included several nods to the narrative of the second season.[185]
The Simpsons episode "Treehouse of Horror XXX", which aired on October 20, 2019, included the segment Danger Things, a parody of Stranger Things.[186] The classic 1980s bicycles used in the series have been produced in limited runs that sell out quickly.[187] The mobile game The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross had a Stranger Things crossover event and the story followed the characters being transported to the universe of the anime. The Stranger Things characters could be unlocked for a limited time.[188] Stranger Things would also get a crossover with Transformers releasing a figure of Autobot Code Red.[189][190]
Remove ads
References
Wikiwand - on
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Remove ads