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The ‘80s were loud, colorful, and unapologetically bold. But why is everyone suddenly obsessed with it again? The answer lies in a little town called Hawkins. When Stranger Things first hit Netflix in 2016, it wasn’t just a supernatural horror show — it was a love letter to the ’80s. And it sparked a massive wave of nostalgia that hasn’t died down since.
A quick introduction to Stranger Things and why it got popular
At its core, Stranger Things is about a group of kids battling supernatural forces in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana. But it’s so much more than that. With its mix of adventure, horror, comedy, and drama, it offers something for everyone. And the best part? It feels like it was plucked straight from the ‘80s. The authentic feel, the brilliant storytelling, and the emotional depth of the characters all work together to create a show that’s both thrilling and heartfelt.
How Does Stranger Things Capture the Essence of the 1980s?
One thing Stranger Things gets right is the insane attention to detail. Everything from the bikes the kids ride to the walkie-talkies they use feels like a trip back in time. The show doesn’t just nod to the ‘80s — it lives in it. Brands like Eggo waffles, Coca-Cola, and Radio Shack are everywhere, and the clothes? Pure ‘80s goodness. But it’s not just about looking the part; it’s about capturing the spirit of the decade.
Authentic Recreation of the ’80s Atmosphere: Many viewers appreciate the show’s meticulous attention to period details, from fashion and technology to cultural references, which effectively transport them back to the 1980s.
Nostalgic Resonance Across Generations: Both those who lived through the ’80s and younger audiences feel a strong sense of nostalgia. While older viewers reminisce about their youth, younger fans express a yearning for the perceived simplicity and adventure of that era.
Influence on Modern Preferences: The series has sparked an interest in ’80s culture among younger generations, leading to a newfound appreciation for the music, fashion, and overall atmosphere of the decade.
Desire for ’80s Lifestyle: Some viewers express a longing to experience the ’80s firsthand, inspired by the depiction of close-knit friendships, small-town dynamics, and a life less dominated by digital technology.
Impact on Personal Nostalgia: The show’s portrayal of ’80s elements, such as malls and carnivals, evokes personal memories for viewers who experienced the decade, reinforcing their connection to the series.
These discussions underscore how Stranger Things has not only rekindled fond memories for those who experienced the 1980s but also introduced the charm of that era to new audiences.
Also read: Stranger Things vs. Other 80s-Inspired Shows
Impact of Stranger Things 80s nostalgia on branding & marketing
Eggo Waffles: The character Eleven’s fondness for Eggo waffles led to a notable increase in their popularity. Kellogg’s, the parent company, experienced a surge in sales and embraced the association by collaborating with Netflix for promotional campaigns.
New Coke: Coca-Cola reintroduced its 1985 product, New Coke, in conjunction with the third season of Stranger Things, which is set in the same year. This limited-time release allowed consumers to experience a piece of the 1980s, blending nostalgia with modern marketing.
Fashion Collaborations: Brands like Levi’s, Converse, Nike, and Quiksilver partnered with Stranger Things to launch clothing lines inspired by the show’s 1980s setting. These collaborations introduced vintage styles to new audiences, merging retro fashion with contemporary trends.
Baskin-Robbins: The ice cream chain transformed select locations into “Scoops Ahoy,” the fictional ice cream parlor from the series, offering themed flavors and products. This immersive experience connected fans directly with the show’s universe.
Burger King: Embracing the show’s alternate dimension concept, Burger King introduced the “Upside Down Whopper,” served in inverted packaging. This creative marketing tied the brand to the show’s themes and delighted fans.
Polaroid: Capitalizing on the show’s retro appeal, Polaroid released a “OneStep 2: Stranger Things Edition” camera, blending classic instant photography with the series’ branding. This product bridged the gap between nostalgic technology and modern fandom.
Stranger Things and 80s music
Didn’t we all just start vibing to some gold music from the 80s again? Thanks to Stranger Things for introducing us to them – from should I stay or should I go to the never-ending story.
All 80s music tracks from Stranger Things
| Song Title | Artist | Original Album |
| “Should I Stay or Should I Go” | The Clash | Combat Rock (1982) |
| “Time After Time” | Cyndi Lauper | She’s So Unusual (1983) |
| “Hazy Shade of Winter” | The Bangles | Less Than Zero Soundtrack (1987) |
| “The NeverEnding Story” | Limahl | Don’t Suppose (1984) |
| “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)” | Kate Bush | Hounds of Love (1985) |
Did the 80s references go well for Stranger Things – Criticisms ST faced for milking 80s nostalgia
Of course, not everyone loves the nostalgia overload. Some critics argue that the show leans too heavily on ‘80s references, using them as a crutch rather than a storytelling tool. But most fans would disagree. For them, the nostalgia is just icing on an already delicious cake.
There are other comments about 80s nostalgia being overused on Stranger Things to the point that overshadowed creativity & storytelling.
The instances where people felt tired of the ST nostalgia overload.
Overemphasis on Homages: Some viewers feel that the series’ frequent nods to ’80s media can disrupt immersion, serving as constant reminders of its derivative nature. Hear from this Reddit user who wrote about this – “constant barrage of homages and pastiche actually breaks immersion,” making them acutely aware of the show’s reliance on nostalgia.
Predictable Plotlines: The incorporation of familiar ’80s tropes has led some to perceive the storyline as foreseeable. The same Redditor goes on mentioning that, in their opinion, “the story is average at best; it’s pretty predictable,” implying that nostalgic elements might overshadow innovative storytelling.
Potential for Reproducing Harmful Patterns: Critics caution that an overdependence on nostalgia can inadvertently perpetuate outdated or detrimental conventions. Pop Culture Detective discusses the “dangers in leaning too heavily on nostalgia,” noting that media creators might “end up reproducing harmful patterns along with their retro aesthetics.
Also read: Eleven’s outfits in Stranger Things
To conclude
Stranger Things didn’t just reference the ‘80s — it redefined it for a whole new generation. By blending genuine nostalgia with compelling storytelling, it has inspired countless creators and brought the decade’s vibe back into the mainstream. Whether it’s fashion, music, or storytelling, Stranger Things has left a permanent mark on pop culture. And it doesn’t seem like that influence will fade anytime soon.