When Stranger Things debuted in 2016, it immediately transported audiences back to the 1980s, delivering a cocktail of nostalgia, suspense, and genuine emotional stakes. Critics were quick to recognise the series’ craftsmanship, noting its ability to evoke the era’s cinematic style while maintaining originality. With an impressive 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 76, the show became a critical darling, capturing the imaginations of viewers worldwide.
Emily Nussbaum of The New Yorker praised the series for its "astoundingly efficient storytelling," highlighting how the Duffer Brothers condensed compelling character arcs into eight tightly woven episodes, leaving audiences both satisfied and eager for more. The balance between homage and innovation is particularly evident in the series’ aesthetic, dialogue, and narrative beats. Joshua Alston of The A.V. Club described it as, “It feels like watching a show produced during the era in which it's set, but with the craft of today's prestige television.” This duality—old-school charm infused with modern sensibilities—ensured that the show would resonate with both nostalgic viewers and newcomers.
The first season’s brilliance lies not only in its plot but also in its ability to recreate a feeling. From the dusty halls of Hawkins Middle School to the flickering streetlights that hint at unseen terrors, every visual and auditory cue evokes the 1980s without feeling like a museum piece. The series invites viewers to relive childhood adventures, teenage crushes, and the thrill of uncovering secrets in quiet towns where the extraordinary hides behind the ordinary.
Critics frequently emphasised the escapist charm of the series. Dave Wiegand of the San Francisco Chronicle likened Stranger Things to a nostalgic escape, stating, “Stranger Things reminds us of a time marked by a kind of no-strings escapism.” For viewers, the town of Hawkins becomes a playground for the imagination, where the stakes are high but the world feels intimately familiar. From Dungeons & Dragons sessions in basements to bike rides down sun-dappled streets, the series captures the joy and terror of adolescence with precision.
Alan Sepinwall from HitFix noted that while the show overflows with references to ‘80s films—The Goonies, E.T., Stand by Me, and more—it transcends mere imitation. “The story and characters take on enough life of their own,” he observed, emphasising that the series thrives because its characters are fully realised, not just nostalgic placeholders. Each member of the Hawkins gang—from the pragmatic Lucas Sinclair to the impulsive Mike Wheeler—carries their own narrative weight, inviting viewers to invest emotionally.
What makes the first season especially addictive is the careful layering of suspense. The Duffer Brothers demonstrate a mastery of pacing, teasing danger from the shadows while allowing moments of humour and tenderness to breathe. The tension surrounding Will Byers’ disappearance is expertly balanced with quieter, heartwarming scenes: Joyce Byers frantically searching for her son, the kids’ awkward interactions with Eleven, and Hopper quietly navigating the chaos around him. This interplay between fear and warmth gives the show its heartbeat, reminding audiences why the supernatural elements are effective—they contrast against the human stories at the core.
Beyond monsters and government conspiracies, the series is ultimately about human connection. Mary McNamara of the Los Angeles Times noted that Stranger Things “honours its source material in the best way possible” by entwining real emotional stakes with fantastical plotlines. At the centre of this web is a story about family, friendship, and love—themes that remain universally relatable despite the show’s otherworldly context.
Brian Kelly of The Wall Street Journal highlighted the Duffer Brothers’ meticulous homage to ‘80s cinema, praising the depth and variety of influences. While the nods are plentiful, from Spielbergian wonder to the adventure ethos of The Goonies, the series consistently prioritises character-driven storytelling. Mike, Lucas, Dustin, and Will are not just retro archetypes—they are fully realised children grappling with fear, loyalty, and growing up under extraordinary circumstances.
Even the romantic subplots serve to deepen the audience’s emotional investment. The budding connection between Mike and Eleven, and the tensions among the older teenagers, provide relatable stakes that complement the supernatural horror. These relationships emphasise the show’s core belief: heroism is as much about bravery and love as it is about battling monsters. The Duffer Brothers understand that the most compelling threats are often personal, and the first season excels at intertwining emotional vulnerability with suspenseful storytelling.
The series also earned praise for its atmospheric design. The dimly lit corridors, flickering lights, and eerie synth-heavy score evoke an era-specific unease that perfectly complements the narrative. Stranger Things crafts tension through suggestion and mood rather than gore, echoing the cinematic techniques of 1980s suspense films. The balance of nostalgia, horror, and adventure gives viewers both a thrill and a warm sense of familiarity—a feat few shows manage so successfully.
The critical acclaim surrounding the first season established a strong foundation for Stranger Things as a modern television phenomenon. Its ability to marry retro homage with original storytelling, suspense with genuine human emotion, and nostalgia with forward-thinking craftsmanship ensured that audiences returned season after season. The series’ initial episodes laid the groundwork for a sprawling narrative that continues to explore friendship, heroism, and the strange intersections of ordinary life and the supernatural.
Season 1’s success also sparked discussions around the enduring appeal of ‘80s pop culture. By honouring classics like E.T. and The Goonies, the Duffer Brothers invited audiences to revisit and reinterpret the decade’s cinematic milestones, blending past and present in a way that feels celebratory rather than derivative. It’s a rare achievement: a show that operates as both a thrilling narrative and a cultural conversation piece.
As anticipation builds for Stranger Things Season 5, the legacy of the first season remains firmly intact. Its deft balance of suspense, heart, and nostalgia continues to draw new viewers while satisfying long-time fans. The Duffer Brothers demonstrated early on that they could craft a world both fantastical and grounded, thrilling and tender, frightening and heartfelt.
In the eerie glow of Hawkins’ streetlights and the shadows of the Upside Down, the first season reminds us why we fell in love with these characters and their strange world. The monsters may haunt the town, but it is the bonds of friendship, courage, and love that illuminate it. Stranger Things Season 1 is more than television; it is a shared cultural touchstone, an addictive homage to an era, and a thrilling ride into the unknown that continues to captivate audiences across generations.
