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Ever since the world witnessed Stranger Things 80s nostalgia, that’s all it can only talk about—from big hair to synth music, the vibe is all around. And the TV world is loving it. If you’ve watched Stranger Things, you know it’s all about that ’80s nostalgia. But it’s not the only show playing with this retro theme. How does Stranger Things compare to other ’80s-inspired shows like The Goldbergs, Red Oaks, and Hysteria!? Let’s break it down.
For those who haven’t caught up with the show: here’s a quick description about this show—giving out Stephen King and Steven Spielberg vibes.
Stranger Things is a popular sci-fi Netflix series set in the 80s. Following a group of kids in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, it captures strange, supernatural events they all encounter when one of them goes missing—entering Eleven into the real world.
Why are we so obsessed with the ’80s?
The ’80s were colorful, bold, and creative. It was the era of arcade games, cassette tapes, and epic movies like E.T. and The Goonies. The Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, grew up during this time. They poured their love for ’80s culture into the show. And fans? They can’t get enough.
But Stranger Things isn’t the only series playing the nostalgia game. There are many best ’80s-themed TV shows other than Stranger Things, like The Goldbergs, Red Oaks, and Hysteria, managing to tap into the ’80s charm, despite being shot post millennial years. But do they do it as well?
Also read: Why the Upside Down remains in 1983
What makes ’80s-Inspired shows feel so authentic?
These shows nail the ’80s vibe through:
- Themes and Motifs:
- Friendship, adventure, teenage struggles, and supernatural weirdness.
- Kids fighting against evil or just trying to survive high school life.
- Visuals and Music:
- Bright clothes, vintage hairstyles, and synth-heavy soundtracks.
- Retro technology like walkie-talkies and arcade games.
- Pop Culture References:
- Movie shoutouts, old commercials, toys, and fashion trends.
Why ’80s nostalgia works so well
The ’80s were a crazy decade. It was a time of wild creativity and cultural shifts. People love looking back because it was daring and weird in all the best ways. Shows like Stranger Things mix that retro magic with fresh, modern storytelling. And it’s a hit every time. But, did Stranger Things gain popularity only because it is based on 80s nostalgia? We will see to that part in detail at last with a comparison table of Stranger Things vs. other 80s themed shows.
Comparing the top ’80s-Inspired shows
Let’s break down how Stranger Things compares to other popular ’80s-themed shows.
Stranger Things:
- Blends horror, friendship, and supernatural adventure.
- Inspired by E.T., The Goonies, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Firestarter.
- Dungeons & Dragons references? Total gold for old-school nerds.
- Intense but heartfelt. Emotional connections drive the story.
Hysteria! (2024):
- Focuses on the late ’80s and the Satanic Panic.
- Teens forming a rock band while dealing with paranoia and rebellion.
- Less about monsters, more about the madness of the era.
- Music and societal fears are central themes.
The Goldbergs:
- Comedy about family life in the ’80s.
- Pure nostalgic fun with tons of pop culture references.
- Light-hearted and humorous, not dark or supernatural.
- It’s the go-to show if you want laughs without the chills.
Red Oaks:
- Coming-of-age comedy-drama set in 1985.
- Follows a college kid working at a country club.
- Focuses on relationships, career struggles, and personal growth.
- More about real-life ’80s drama than horror or fantasy.
Which modern show captured the 80s theme the best way?
So, which show does it best? Stranger Things is the king of ’80s-inspired TV. But The Goldbergs, Hysteria!, and Red Oaks are solid contenders. Each one captures a different piece of the decade’s magic. The ’80s are here to stay—at least on our screens.
A detailed explanation on why Stranger Things is better than Freaks and Geeks, Red Oaks, and other 80s shows.
| Aspect | Stranger Things | Other 80s inspired shows |
| Authentic ’80s Atmosphere | Genuinely recreates the era through brands like Eggo waffles, Coca-Cola, Radio Shack, arcade games, and tabletop RPGs like D&D. | Shows like Freaks and Geeks and Red Oaks showcase suburban life and teenage culture, but with less immersion. |
| Genre Blending | Masterfully combines horror, adventure, government conspiracy, and emotional drama (E.T., The Goonies, Stand By Me). | Most shows stick to one genre: Freaks and Geeks focuses on high school life, Glow on wrestling and comedy. |
| Emotional Core | Builds strong emotional connections with viewers through relationships, friendships, identity struggles, and personal growth. | Many shows nail the aesthetics but miss the deep emotional storytelling. |
| Respectful Homages | Pays tribute to Firestarter, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Aliens, Carrie, and others through creative storytelling rather than cheap references. | Often leans on throwback references without blending them meaningfully into the plot. |
| Visual Storytelling | Captures the ‘80s feel with Spielberg-esque cinematography, mood-setting visuals, and that perfectly eerie synth score. | While some shows use retro styles, they often lack the cinematic polish that makes Stranger Things feel genuine. |
| Music & Soundtrack | Integrates music purposefully, like Should I Stay or Should I Go and Running Up That Hill, enhancing the emotional weight of scenes. | Many shows use popular songs just to evoke nostalgia, not to actually drive the story. |
| Plot Depth & Originality | Balances nostalgia with fresh storytelling, creating something that feels new yet familiar. | Others tend to rely more heavily on nostalgia as a gimmick without offering something original. |
| Cultural Impact | Became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring fashion trends, merchandise, memes, and even fan theories worldwide. | Few ‘80s-inspired shows have achieved such massive cultural influence. |
| Mystery & Suspense | Keeps viewers hooked with cliffhangers, character arcs, and the constant looming threat of the Upside Down. | Most shows lack the mystery-driven storytelling that Stranger Things excels at. |
To answer the question of which 80s inspired show captures the 80s best, It all comes down to personal taste. Stranger Things nails the creepy, adventurous side of the decade. It’s got monsters, secret labs, and psychic powers. But most importantly, it has heart. The friendships and emotional bonds feel genuine, even when the world turns upside down—literally.
Hysteria! brings in the music and paranoia of the late ’80s. It’s fresh and exciting but lacks the emotional depth of Stranger Things.
The Goldbergs deliver endless comedy gold. It’s perfect if you want pure nostalgic fun without the supernatural edge.
Red Oaks offers a mature, grounded take on the ’80s. It’s all about personal struggles and growth, making it feel more like a classic drama.