Let’s face it, when Stranger Things first dropped, Steve Harrington wasn’t exactly the character we were all rooting for. He was the stereotypical high school jock who looked like he had it all — the looks, the popularity, and, of course, the hair that probably had a personality of its own. But fast forward to a few seasons later, and Steve is the fan favorite. Seriously, who would’ve thought? But here we are, obsessed with the guy who went from ‘King of Hawkins High’ to the unofficial ‘mom’ of the group.

But what exactly turned Steve from a jerk into a lovable, protective figure we all adore? Let’s break it down, shall we?

1. The best character arc you’ve ever eeen

Steve Harrington’s character arc is nothing short of incredible. In Season 1, Steve was a typical high school bully. He was dating Nancy Wheeler (cue the “perfect couple” vibes) and making questionable decisions (like picking on Jonathan). Honestly, he didn’t win any popularity contests at first. But something changed.

Enter Season 2 — Steve becomes an unlikely hero. He goes from being the high school jock we didn’t really care for to being the big brother we never knew we needed. He starts bonding with Dustin, the adorable nerd of the group. Their dynamic? Pure magic. Steve, the guy who once seemed so self-absorbed, is now babysitting the kids, giving them pep talks, and even helping them fight off demodogs. His journey from bad boy to the lovable, awkward, and fiercely protective figure is chef’s kiss. Seriously, it’s the most satisfying redemption arc ever. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love an underdog story?

2. Why do we love steve? Because he’s real, that’s why

You know what makes Steve such a fan favorite? He’s so freaking relatable. Sure, he’s handsome, he’s got the car, and yeah, we all probably thought he was that guy in high school. But as the show goes on, we see him drop the ego and get down to business — protecting the kids, showing that he can be vulnerable, and honestly, just being a good person.

And it’s that vulnerability that makes Steve such a relatable character. He admits when he messes up (like with Nancy), he’s willing to grow and change, and let’s not forget how adorably awkward he gets when hanging out with Dustin. Those moments are the ones that made Steve. He’s funny, he’s genuine, and he’s not afraid to own up to his flaws. Who wouldn’t want a friend like that? Plus, there’s something so heartwarming about watching a guy who was once the popular, self-absorbed high schooler turn into a full-on “big brother” for the kids. We just can’t get enough.

Also read: Moments when Steve almost were about to die

3. Steve & billy: the ship we didn’t know we needed

Here’s the thing. If you watched Stranger Things and didn’t at least consider shipping Steve and Billy, I need to know your secret. Their dynamic in Season 3 was pure, chaotic energy. When Billy, the brooding new guy in town, and Steve, the former high school king, crossed paths, there was instant tension. They didn’t like each other, at all. But as the show progressed, that tension turned into something fans couldn’t help but notice.

Some fans started shipping Steve and Billy because of how opposite they were. Billy was all about being tough and unpredictable, while Steve had settled into this caring, responsible role. But somehow, these two could have had one of those “opposites attract” moments. People saw potential for a deeper connection between them. Sure, it didn’t happen, but that didn’t stop fans from speculating about what could have been. Honestly, just the idea of them bonding (or not bonding) was enough for fans to go wild with theories and fan art. Sometimes, the “what if” is all it takes to create a perfect ship.

4. What’s Steve’s personality type?

You can totally guess Steve’s personality type by watching how he interacts with the other characters. I’m going to go out on a limb and say he’s probably an ESFJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging). Why? Because Steve is the kind of guy who just loves making people feel welcome. He’s warm, supportive, and has this natural ability to connect with others — even when they’re not like him.

He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t mind being the clown in the group if it means making someone laugh, and he’s always there when the kids need him. But Steve also has that side where he can’t help but care deeply for the people around him. He’s not just in it for the fun — he’s in it for the long haul. When things get tough, you can count on Steve to be there, making sure everyone’s okay, no matter what. He’s the ultimate “protector” personality, and that’s why we love him even more.

Also read: Fan-favorite characters who might return in Season 5

5. Robin’s obsession with Steve: What was that about?

Okay, let’s talk about Robin. In Season 3, Robin has this thing for Steve, and at first, it seems like she’s just really into him. But as the season progresses, we realize that it’s not his looks she’s after — it’s his personality. Robin admires Steve’s ability to be open and vulnerable in a way that’s rare for most guys, and she clearly values that friendship more than anything else.

Robin and Steve’s dynamic was one of the highlights of Season 3. Their back-and-forth banter and the way they supported each other made for one of the most entertaining (and heartwarming) duos on the show. As it turns out, Robin didn’t have a romantic crush on Steve; she was just genuinely drawn to his selflessness and authenticity. Who knew that Steve Harrington would end up with such a close friendship that fans would totally fall in love with?

Also read: IT Stranger Things crossover theory

6. Does Robin end up liking Steve?

So, to answer the big question: Does Robin end up liking Steve? Not in the way we might’ve thought. While she’s definitely infatuated with him at first, as the season progresses, we realize it’s not romantic love — it’s deep, platonic affection. Robin doesn’t end up liking Steve in a “will they or won’t they?” kind of way, but instead, their bond evolves into one of the purest friendships on the show. And honestly? That’s pretty special in itself.

Conclusion: Steve Harrington is the hero we didn’t know we needed

Let’s wrap it up — Steve Harrington went from being the quintessential high school jerk to one of the most beloved characters in Stranger Things for a reason. His evolution from a self-centered popular kid to a selfless protector of the kids was one of the most satisfying character arcs we’ve seen on the show. His humor, vulnerability, and undeniable charm are the key ingredients to why fans love him so much.

So, the next time you find yourself laughing at one of Steve’s awkward moments or shedding a tear over his growth, just remember — this is a guy who earned every bit of our affection. Steve Harrington is a reminder that people can change, and sometimes, those changes are what make the best characters. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to see him continue his hero’s journey?

Also read: Cast evolution since season 1