Why Do We Love Stranger Things?

I was one of the lucky ones who got to watch Stranger Things the first week it was released and it was love at first sight. The thing that was so strange was at the time I couldn't tell you exactly why I loved it; I mean, sure it's a great story with awesome casting and stellar visual effects, but really I feel like it's more than that. When the first season came out my family and I must have watched it fifteen times and we would tell any and everyone about it. I don't just do that with every show I watch. What makes this show so different?

I really do believe it isn't just any one thing but a recipe of sorts. I feel that this show has elements that are similar to food that make it so good; good like a home cooked meal. The first ingredient is nostalgia; the setting and music brings a lot of us back to our childhood for a number of reasons. Those reasons are laced within the details. Everything from cars, hairstyles, board games, TV sets, rotary phones with cords to that new wave sound the theme song has. It really takes us back. It also has this Goonies meets Stand by Me mixed with the X-Files vibe. This also brings us back.

The next ingredient it has is that it is sweet. There is something enduring about the three nerdy boys trying to find their friend. It is also sweet how they all fall for Eleven in one way or another. Especially, the young love between her and Mike. We also have the triangle between Nancy, Steve, and Jonathan that gives the show drama. I have noticed that the story-line has someone for everyone and a wide range of characters and personality types. I feel that this variety is also what makes the show.

Finally, I believe that the final ingredient that makes this show great is team work. Humans fighting together for a cause that is bigger than themselves. Making friends and learning to trust one another and standing up for what is just. It also means friends never give up on each other and will see things through even to the end.

If you haven't had a chance to watch Stranger Things I encourage you to do so. It's not just hype, it is genuinely a good show that has a lot of flavor.