Love Hawkins? From behind‑the‑scenes secrets to spin‑off surprises, Stranger Things is packed with hidden gems. Here are 10 fun facts that even die‑hard fans might have missed. 😲

Netflix rejected Stranger Things 15+ Times they finally said ‘yes’

Believe it or not, the iconic show was rejected over 15 times by networks who thought a kids‑focused sci‑fi show was too risky. They didn’t want to center the story on kids unless it was a children’s show. Netflix finally took the leap and said yes in 2015, and the rest became history.

Not just Stranger Things, iconic shows (and books) like Harry Potter, Breaking Bad, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and The X-Files are also rejected multiple times, mainly stemming from reasons: underestimating audiences, misreading genre potential, and wanting to play it safe.

The journey of Stranger Things started as “Montauk”

The Duffer Brothers originally set the story in Montauk, Long Island, basing it on real 1980s conspiracy rumors like the Montauk Project. They later switched to a fictional Hawkins, giving them creative freedom and keeping the vibe that every small town could hide a portal.

Those who have heard about Montauk project already, might be aware of the real-life conspiracy theory that sounds like straight-up sci-fi—almost similar to what we saw on Stranger Things:

  • It involves secret U.S. military experiments on mind control, time travel, and teleportation.
  • Allegedly took place at Camp Hero, a decommissioned Air Force base in Montauk.
  • Subjects were reportedly abducted kids’ with psychic powers—just like Eleven.

Duffer brothers didn’t continue the Montauk plan, as filming in Long Island was expensive and weather-dependent, though in some early pitch materials and scripts, “Montauk” still appears.

3. Eleven almost didn’t survive

According to the original plot, Eleven was meant to sacrifice herself at the end of Season 1—ending the story there. But Netflix convinced the Duffers to continue, and Eleven lived on. Imagine Hawkins without her!

4. The Upside Down was called the “Nether”

In early scripts and on set, the alternate world went by “the Nether”. But when the kids rolled their D&D board and flipped it over, “Upside Down” just stuck—catching on faster than you can say Demogorgon.

5. Demogorgon are real people in a suit. 

Yes. Demogorgons aren’t the work of CGI. In Season 1, the terrifying Demogorgon was practical effects all the way. Actor Mark Steger donned a suit with stilts and invisible green sleeves—no CGI until later seasons. Retro horror magic at its best.

6. Milly Bobby Brown ate all the Eggos

Yes, Eleven’s waffle obsession was real. Millie ate a lot of those syrupy breakfast treats—and it wasn’t easy for her, which she has admitted in interviews too.

“The amount I eat is actually really hard to digest,” - Millie Bobby Brown, after having all the Eggos during season 2.

7. Lucas’s bandana was Caleb’s idea

Lucas rocks a camo headband in Seasons 2–3, and that was Caleb McLaughlin’s own idea. The Duffers loved it so much it became part of the official wardrobe. Stylish—and authentic.

Many styling tips to dress like Lucas Sinclair include this stylish bandana too. 

8. They used 20 tons of ice for fake snow

For the snowy sequences in Season 1, the crew shipped in 20 tons of ice from Florida and layered it over Wilkes‑Barre sets. Talk about dedication to that ’80s winter aesthetic.

In Season 1, most of the floating particles were made using:

  • Practical effects: bits of shredded paper, foam, or light plastic blown with fans on set.
  • Visual effects (VFX): The particles were also digitally added in post-production to create that weightless floaty vibe.

By Season 3 and 4, VFX fully took over:

  • The team used CGI spores created using particle simulation.
  • These were carefully composited into each shot to make them look like they were gently falling… but not melting or evaporating.

9. The title uses a Stephen King font

The 80s touch feels ethereal in Stranger Things. For example, Skip Kimball added retro film grain to recreate that 1980s texture. Similarly, the “Stranger Things” team uses the classic 80s style font – ITC Benguiat, in the Stranger Things title card. This is the same 1980s style serif font you’d find on Stephen King novels. It feels like a mini homage to the King’s world.

10. The Upside Down has a 30‑page bible

The Duffers created a 30‑page world bible explaining the Upside Down—its rules, ecosystem, origin, and what makes it tick. That’s why it feels so rich on screen… yet packed with still‑unexplored mysteries.

Created by the Duffer Brothers and Stranger Things writer Paul Dichter, this big bible has answers to everything:

  • Maps the science and supernatural rules
  • Vecna and Henry Creel were always there (But hidden)
  • The timeline of Hawkins + Upside Down, a deliberate move
  • The connection to MKUltra and Hawkins lab
“There’s a lot we haven’t told viewers yet about the Upside Down. We’ve had a bible for this world since day one… and we’ve only scratched the surface.” - Duffer Brothers during an interview with Variety…

How about one final fun trivia?

Many fans spread rumors about the show leads being in a ‘no-dating’ pact, as they were all around the same age in their teenage years. But the cast and the team have confirmed that this isn’t true. Millie Brown has once shared that they all are like one big family and it feels awkward to do romantic scenes.

As of recent years, most cast members have dated people outside the show (Millie is now engaged to Jake Bongiovi).

Final thoughts

Stranger Things is more than a show for its fans—it’s a living, breathing piece of retro‑powered art, built on dedication to detail. Next time you binge Hawkins, you’ll see those snowy streets, Upside Down vines, and Eggo-packed kitchens through new eyes—because you now know just how weird—and wonderful—things really were behind the scenes.