While many shows fade after a season or two, Stranger Things has managed to maintain a massive worldwide following as we welcome Season five to our screens. By mixing 1980s nostalgia with supernatural horror and romance, the series has become a cultural phenomenon. The show draws inspiration from elements found in Dungeons & Dragons, its’ true appeal rests in on the obstacles the characters must overcome. To understand why this series continues to resonate, we interviewed people on campus about their favorite moments and why they keep coming back to Hawkins, Indiana.
The Fan Favorite
When asked about his favorite character, seventh-grader Alexander Yannuzzi points to the show’s “take-charge” character as the highlight. “Steve is my favorite character because he is funny and always gets a lot of action in major fight scenes,” Yannuzzi says. He also mentioned, “Steve has a lot of cool moments that stand out. For example, when he walks out during a scene with a chainsaw as they attempt to save Nancy. It’s a typical Steve move; he does whatever he wants to do and doesn’t abide by any agenda.” Steve is one of the many eccentric characters that pull in viewers every episode.
A Show That Grows With You
Senior Renata Gallo shares a common journey for many fans. “I started watching the show because my sisters were watching it, and I thought it was goofy and not a good show. They tried to prove me wrong, so I watched the first episode —and now I love it.”
Gallo enjoys the high stakes of the series. “I like that it’s suspenseful and every season aims to solve another problem,” she explains. “With each season you see the characters grow up as you yourself grow up. It feels as if it’s a show that grows with you, bringing comfort.” When asked to identify a moment that stood out, she points to the final episode of Season one when Eleven disappears on a major cliffhanger. “I couldn’t wait to watch the next season to see what happened to her.”
Gallo’s experience highlights a common trend: while first-time viewers may not initially understand the hype, they quickly become attached to the characters and the storyline once they give it a chance.
Not Just for Kids: The Universal Pull of Hawkins
Not only does Stranger Things attract young viewers, but it also appeals to many adults. When interviewed about her take on the show, Ms. Jimenez stated, “I think the first season was my favorite because it was a new story. It takes inspiration from movies and TV shows from the ’80s while infusing a new perspective on horror. It’s also a coming-of-age story.” This emphasizes one of the show’s main appeals: it provides a twist on traditional horror while maintaining a character-driven plot and comedic charm. Ultimately, it is this balance of nostalgia and modern storytelling that ensures the show has something for everyone.
Stancy vs. Jancy: The Great Debate
A major draw to the show is romantic elements between characters. Through the seasons, there has been controversy over who Nancy Wheeler should end up with.
Representing the #TeamStancy fanbase, freshman Chloe Raynaud argues that growth makes him the clear winner. “Steve changed for Nancy and became a better person; you can tell that Steve still loves and cares for her, Reynaud states. Unlike Jonathan, Steve has become a more stable presence in Nancy’s life. He’s just the better option. He stopped being rude and became kind and helpful, peaking in Season 5. Steve will go above and beyond to make sure everything goes Nancy’s way.”
On the other hand, there is a strong pull for those hoping to see #TeamJancy fulfill the connection they’ve been building towards since Season one. Freshman Giuseppe Palanda shares his thoughts: “Steve doesn’t like Nancy for who she really is, Jonathan is much more loving and unique in comparison to Steve. Jonathan and Nancy’s development leads to the ending up together because they’ve survived so much angst and chaos together.” Palanda believes that once the supernatural threat to Will and the town is over, they can finally be happy. “Jonathan doesn’t care what other people think, which Nancy enjoys about him. They’re free together and they don’t have to worry about other people’s opinions.”
The Final Countdown
As we wait for the story to wrap up, Stranger Things remains the main topic of conversation in the halls. While every student has a different favorite character, almost everyone agrees on two things: the hype for Season 5 is real, and Vecna is easily the series’ most terrifying villain. Whether they are predicting the ultimate defeat of Vecna or worrying about which major character might not make it to the end, students are clearly all-in. One thing is for sure: we’ll all be watching when the final episode finally drops.