The sci-fi series Stranger Things has played a pivotal role in elevating Netflix into a cultural phenomenon since its launch in 2016. Initially, several traditional studios passed on the series, which featured first-time showrunners and a cast of mostly unknown young actors. Set in the 1980s, the show follows a group of children in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, as they confront supernatural forces. Over nine years, it has become one of Netflix’s most significant series, contributing to the platform’s growth and reputation as a leader in original content.
The impact of Stranger Things is evident in its viewership numbers. The fourth season alone attracted 140.7 million views within the first three months of release, positioning it third among Netflix’s top English-language series. Its success has led to the creation of various business ventures, including live events, a Broadway production, and a surge in licensed merchandise partnerships. According to estimates from Parrot Analytics, the series generated over $1 billion in global streaming revenue and was responsible for more than 2 million new subscriber acquisitions from 2020 to the second quarter of 2025.
The creators, brothers Matt and Ross Duffer, expressed their astonishment at the show’s trajectory, especially during the final season premiere at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, a venue synonymous with cinematic milestones like the original Star Wars premiere in 1977. “For me, as a nerd, this is a dream come true,” Matt Duffer remarked to the audience.
Netflix’s executives have recognized the significance of the series. Bela Bajaria, the chief content officer, highlighted its influence, stating, “You could take a bet on an original story and grow it into a major franchise with massive global appeal.” Co-CEO Ted Sarandos emphasized that Stranger Things is more than just a television show; it has become a cultural touchstone that has driven live events, consumer products, and numerous spin-offs. “This was a lot closer to a ‘Star Wars’ moment,” he explained.
Beyond its entertainment value, Stranger Things has had a substantial economic impact. The series has reportedly created around 8,000 production-related jobs in the U.S. and contributed over $1.4 billion to the U.S. GDP since its inception. In California alone, the show is estimated to have contributed more than $500 million to the state’s economy.
As the series nears its conclusion, Netflix is launching an extensive marketing campaign, including fan events in 28 cities across 21 countries. Recently, a bike ride event in Los Angeles invited 50,000 fans to dress in 1980s attire or as characters from the show. Additionally, a float representing Stranger Things appeared in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, further highlighting its cultural relevance.
The final season is set to be released in phases, with four episodes already available, followed by three more on December 25, 2023, and a two-hour finale on December 31, 2023. The finale will also be screened in over 350 movie theaters in the U.S. and Canada on the same dates.
In addition to the live-action series, Netflix is expanding the Stranger Things universe with an animated series titled Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85, which will debut next year. Earlier this year, the stage play Stranger Things: The First Shadow successfully opened on Broadway, reinforcing the franchise’s potential for expansion.
The show’s influence extends beyond the screen, as artists featured in the series have experienced a resurgence in their music careers. For instance, Kate Bush‘s song “Running Up That Hill” reached the top of the Billboard Global 200 after being prominently featured in Season 4, while Metallica‘s 1986 track “Master of Puppets” also gained renewed popularity following its inclusion in the season finale.
Despite the challenges ahead for Netflix, particularly following the conclusion of flagship series like Stranger Things and Squid Game, the company continues to innovate. Analysts suggest that Netflix must maintain a steady flow of popular original programming to keep its subscriber base engaged. The successful expansion of franchises like Squid Game into reality competition series demonstrates Netflix’s potential for adaptation.
As the Duffer brothers move forward with projects at both Netflix and their new agreement with Paramount, they remain a crucial part of Netflix’s creative landscape. Bajaria expressed optimism about their ongoing collaboration, stating, “They’re always going to be part of the Netflix family, and I’m excited we still have more things with them.”
In conclusion, Stranger Things has not only redefined Netflix’s business model but has also left an indelible mark on popular culture. As it prepares to conclude its journey, the series stands as a testament to the power of original storytelling in the streaming era.
