The final season of Stranger Things drops this year on November 26th!

(Pixabay)

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a decade since its debut in 2016. The show’s unique storyline and amazing cast, who were destined for stardom, made it an instant sensation. It seemed like everyone was talking about it, and despite focusing on a group of kids, it appealed to all ages. 

The show’s success was partly due to its media buzz. Each new season brought a wave of references. After season one, Eleven’s pink dress and Eggo waffles became a popular Halloween costume. Seasons two and three revived “Material Girl,” inspiring 80s fashion trends with “Max” and “Eleven’s” outfits, while the most recent season brought back “Running Up That Hill.” 

The way the actors were off screen also played a role, leading to hilarious moments and iconic talk show appearances. For example, Millie Bobby Brown’s rap recap of season one on Jimmy Fallon. Or when Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, and Noah Schnapp wowed everyone performing “I Want You Back” on James Corden.

However, I can’t forget about the older cast members. Joyce and Hopper played by Wiona Ryder and David Harbour had an incredible relationship storyline, along with Nancy and Jonathan played by Natalia Dryer and Charlie Heaton. Both of these couples had a ton of chemistry not just on the show but out of it as well and they were both speculated to even be in a real relationship. Later it was confirmed that Natalia and Charlie were indeed dating in real life and still continue to to this day! 

I’m sad to see it end, especially since I feel like I grew up with the show and its characters. I was 11 when it started and now I’m 20, so I could relate to the kids age group each season. Now they are all grown up and paving their individual paths. For example, Finn Wolfhard is in a successful band called the Aubreys, Millie Bobby Brown has starred in plenty of successful movies, married, and with a kid, and Gaten Mazzeroto as on Broadway in “Sweeny Todd”.

Regardless, I’m glad to see they got back together to give this incredible series an ending. There’s so much to look forward to this season. Will Eleven defeat Vecna? Will any characters die? While it’s tough to say goodbye, I’m glad they’re not dragging it out and will hopefully give it a satisfying conclusion.