Dear Matt and Ross Duffer,
You did it. Thank you. You somehow managed to create one of the first hits of the streaming era and keep us engaged with it for a decade. You gave us something that never wavered in quality. Something we’ll be able to enjoy for the rest of our lives. You should be proud.
There’s never been a cultural phenomenon quite like Stranger Things, and it’s hard to imagine there ever will be again. Of course, there will always be stories about triumphing over evil, stories about kids who don’t fit in, found family, and interdimensional psychic spider monsters (okay, maybe not that last one). However, Stranger Things came and went during some difficult times, which is what makes it so important, and probably why it’s so hard to say goodbye.
Thank you for the escapism.
The world has changed significantly since 2016, but Stranger Things has remained a constant. The show debuted right before the 2016 election, and ended as the consequences of that election reached their most terrifying peak (so far). We’re living in dark times. The darkness of Stranger Things often mirrored how we were feeling, but despite its literal horror elements, the show’s core was always filled with hope and heart.
We know the series wasn’t meant to last a decade. It was one of many projects affected by the pandemic and Hollywood strikes, but we’re ultimately grateful for the extra time we had with Hawkins. The delays gave us something to look forward to. No matter what was happening in our lives, the time we spent watching Stranger Things was always a welcome reprieve from reality.
Every time a new season or volume was released, it was a gift. The excitement, the nerves, the laughs, the tears. Stranger Things was a much-needed form of escape.
Thank you for bringing us together.
You blended your artistic originality with your genuine affection for a bygone era so beautifully that you connected multiple generations. We never knew what was going to happen, but the nostalgic undertones were like a warm blanket we could all share.
As fans, we didn’t always agree, and we didn’t always root for the same outcome. However, we still tuned in with trust in our hearts. Our eyes were glued to the screen because we wanted to see your ideas unfold. Our individual experiences differ, but we will always be linked through the magic you created.
Thank you for giving us five thrilling seasons of television.
Ultimately, we tuned into Stranger Things to be entertained, and we were from start to finish. With Season One, you introduced us to an enthralling world as well as the talents of Millie, Finn, Gaten, Caleb, and Noah. That initial outing easily could have been a one-off, so thank you for continuing the story.
For five seasons, we were on the edge of our seats every time you put a character in danger. We held our breath when new monsters were introduced; we lost our minds when secrets were revealed. We hooted and hollered for the kids’ outrageous plans, and we clapped and cheered every time they won.
Thank you to every single member of the cast and crew for helping to make Stranger Things a worthwhile journey.
Thank you for these characters.
It wasn’t just the captivating story or scary moments that kept us coming back for more Stranger Things… it was the characters. We were given characters we could relate to, and characters to look up to. Eleven’s bravery. Mike’s leadership. Dustin’s intelligence. Lucas’s loyalty. Max’s coolness. Joyce’s protectiveness. Hopper’s endurance. Nancy’s determination. Jonathan’s thoughtfulness. Steve’s charm. Robin’s creativity. Erica’s wit. Holly’s valor. There’s someone for everyone.
Thank you for letting nerds be heroes; Thank you for showing how important it is to accept each other; Thank you for letting your queer characters be themselves and for not burying them. These people may be fictional, but we cared for them deeply. We all screamed, “Justice for Barb;” we all cried when Eddie died; we all rooted for our favorite romances, and collectively begged you not to kill Steve Harrington (thank you for that, too, by the way).
Thank you for Henry. With this villain, you reminded us that humans are complex. Everyone has traumas, but being evil is still a choice. Thank you for not shying away from that fact. Not everyone deserves – or wants – to be redeemed.
Thank you for the perfect ending.
When it came time to say farewell to the show that has given us so much, you did the impossible… You stuck the landing. The final episode is genuinely one of the best series finales in TV history. It was intense, beautifully written, and beyond cathartic.
Thank you for giving these kids a happy ending. Thank you for trusting us to come to our own conclusions on certain things. You reminded us to be hopeful. You gave us something to connect over. Something to believe in.
Thank you for Stranger Things.
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