50 Facts About Stranger Things (TV Show)

The Origins of Stranger Things

The creation of Stranger Things is a fascinating journey filled with unique inspirations and behind-the-scenes stories. Let’s dive into some intriguing facts about how this beloved series came to be.

1. The Duffer Brothers, Matt and Ross, created Stranger Things. They were inspired by 1980s pop culture, including movies, books, and TV shows.
2. The show was originally titled “Montauk” and set in Montauk, New York. The location was changed to the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana.
3. Stephen King’s works, especially “It” and “Firestarter,” heavily influenced the show’s themes and characters.
4. The Duffer Brothers pitched the show to 15 networks before Netflix picked it up.
5. The character Eleven was inspired by E.T. and was initially supposed to die at the end of the first season.

The Cast and Characters

The cast of Stranger Things has become iconic, with many actors gaining fame through their roles. Here are some interesting facts about the actors and their characters.

6. Millie Bobby Brown, who plays Eleven, shaved her head for the role, inspired by Charlize Theron’s look in “Mad Max: Fury Road.
7. Finn Wolfhard, who plays Mike Wheeler, was cast while he was sick in bed. He recorded his audition tape from home.
8. Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin, has a condition called cleidocranial dysplasia, which affects the development of bones and teeth. This was written into his character’s storyline.
9. Winona Ryder, who plays Joyce Byers, was a major 1980s star, appearing in films like “Beetlejuice” and “Heathers.
10. David Harbour, who plays Chief Hopper, initially auditioned for the role of Eleven’s father.

The Upside Down and Its Mysteries

The Upside Down is a central element of Stranger Things, filled with eerie and mysterious occurrences. Here are some facts about this parallel dimension.

11. The Upside Down was inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft and the Silent Hill video game series.
12. The Demogorgon, the show’s primary monster, was named after a creature from Dungeons & Dragons.
13. The Upside Down’s visual design was influenced by the 1982 film “Poltergeist.
14. The show’s creators used practical effects and CGI to bring the Upside Down to life.
15. The Upside Down’s eerie atmosphere was created using a combination of blue lighting and fog machines.

Music and Soundtrack

The music of Stranger Things plays a crucial role in setting the show’s nostalgic and eerie tone. Here are some facts about the soundtrack and score.

16. The show’s synth-heavy score was composed by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein of the band Survive.
17. The opening theme was inspired by the music of John Carpenter and Tangerine Dream.
18. The soundtrack features numerous 1980s hits, including songs by The Clash, Joy Division, and Toto.
19. The Duffer Brothers created a Spotify playlist of songs that inspired the show’s soundtrack.
20. The show’s sound design includes subtle references to classic horror films, such as “A Nightmare on Elm Street.

Filming and Production

The production of Stranger Things involves meticulous attention to detail, from set design to special effects. Here are some behind-the-scenes facts about the show’s filming and production.

21. The show’s creators built the Byers’ house and Hawkins Lab on a soundstage in Atlanta, Georgia.
22. The iconic alphabet wall in Joyce Byers’ house was inspired by a scene from the 1973 film “The Exorcist.
23. The show’s creators used practical effects, such as prosthetics and animatronics, to create the Demogorgon.
24. The cast and crew filmed many scenes in real locations around Atlanta, including the Hawkins Middle School and Hawkins High School.
25. The show’s creators used a combination of CGI and practical effects to create the Mind Flayer in Season 2.

Fan Theories and Easter Eggs

Stranger Things is filled with Easter eggs and hidden references that fans love to uncover. Here are some interesting facts about fan theories and Easter eggs in the show.

26. The show’s creators included numerous references to 1980s pop culture, such as “Ghostbusters,” “The Goonies,” and “Stand by Me.
27. Fans have speculated that the character of Dr. Brenner is inspired by the real-life MKUltra experiments conducted by the CIA.
28. The show’s creators included a hidden reference to Stephen King’s “The Dark Tower” series in the form of a poster in Mike’s basement.
29. The character of Bob Newby, played by Sean Astin, was a nod to Astin’s role in “The Goonies.
30. The show’s creators included a hidden reference to the video game “The Last of Us” in the form of a poster in Will’s room.

Awards and Recognition

Stranger Things has received critical acclaim and numerous awards since its debut. Here are some facts about the show’s accolades and recognition.

31. The show has won several Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series and Outstanding Main Title Design.
32. Millie Bobby Brown received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for her role as Eleven.
33. The show won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.
34. Stranger Things has been nominated for multiple Golden Globe Awards, including Best Television Series – Drama.
35. The show’s creators received the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Stranger Things has had a significant impact on popular culture and has left a lasting legacy. Here are some facts about the show’s cultural influence.

36. The show’s popularity led to a resurgence of interest in 1980s pop culture, including music, fashion, and movies.
37. Stranger Things has inspired numerous merchandise lines, including action figures, clothing, and board games.
38. The show’s success has led to the creation of a Stranger Things-themed maze at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights.
39. The character of Eleven has become a cultural icon, with her shaved head and pink dress becoming a popular Halloween costume.
40. The show’s creators have announced plans for a Stranger Things spin-off series and a stage play.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Stranger Things is filled with fun facts and trivia that fans love to learn about. Here are some interesting tidbits about the show.

41. The show’s creators included a hidden reference to the movie “Jaws” in the form of a poster in Mike’s basement.
42. The character of Steve Harrington was originally supposed to be a minor antagonist, but the creators expanded his role due to Joe Keery’s performance.
43. The show’s creators included a hidden reference to the movie “E.T.” in the form of a toy in Dustin’s room.
44. The character of Max Mayfield, played by Sadie Sink, was inspired by the character of Sarah Connor from “The Terminator.
45. The show’s creators included a hidden reference to the movie “The Thing” in the form of a poster in Will’s room.

Future of Stranger Things

The future of Stranger Things is filled with exciting possibilities and potential storylines. Here are some facts about what fans can expect in the upcoming seasons.

46. The show’s creators have announced that the fifth season will be the final season of Stranger Things.
47. The Duffer Brothers have hinted at exploring new dimensions and creatures in the final season.
48. The show’s creators have teased that the final season will feature a time jump to the 1990s.
49. The character of Eleven is expected to play a central role in the final season’s storyline.
50. The show’s creators have promised that the final season will provide a satisfying conclusion to the story of Hawkins and its residents.

The Final Countdown

Stranger Things” has captivated audiences with its mix of nostalgia, supernatural elements, and compelling characters. From the mysterious Upside Down to the quirky town of Hawkins, the show offers a rich tapestry of intriguing facts and hidden details. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer, there’s always something new to discover. The Duffer Brothers have crafted a world that’s both familiar and unsettling, making it a cultural phenomenon. As we await the next season, these 50 facts provide a deeper appreciation for the show’s complex narrative and creative genius. So, next time you binge-watch, keep an eye out for those Easter eggs and subtle nods to ’80s pop culture. “Stranger Things” isn’t just a show; it’s an experience that continues to fascinate and entertain.