Netflix’s Stranger Things has become well known for integrating 1980s and early 1990s pop culture into its storytelling, often using subtle references that reward attentive viewers. One such nod appears in Season Two, linking the show to the 1993 cult film Hocus Pocus. The connection comes through a brief line of dialogue that highlights both character development and a playful engagement with nostalgic material.
In episode two of Season Two, titled Trick Or Treat, Freak, the Hawkins gang is navigating Halloween festivities when the series introduces newcomer Max Mayfield, played by Sadie Sink. Max’s California background and interest in skateboarding are central to her early characterization. During a conversation between Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) and Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), Dustin comments on her skater culture, using the term “tubular.” This slang, commonly associated with 1980s and early 1990s California skateboard culture, functions on two levels: it establishes Max’s personality and serves as a cultural reference that fans of Hocus Pocus will recognise.
The connection to Hocus Pocus lies in the similarities between the characters and setting. In the film, a character also named Max is introduced as a recent transplant from California. The movie features scenes in which Max interacts with local bullies and the Sanderson sisters, incorporating slang terms like “tubular” to signal his outsider status and familiarity with West Coast youth culture. By using the same word in Stranger Things, the writers create a subtle, playful bridge between two narratives, situating the Hawkins story within a broader nostalgic context.
Screenwriter Matt Duffer has commented on the series’ approach to pop culture, explaining that references are intended to immerse viewers in a specific time period while adding depth to characters. The use of “tubular” in this scene does exactly that: it signals Max’s California identity, hints at her outsider perspective in Hawkins, and rewards fans familiar with both Hocus Pocus and 1980s/90s slang. The dialogue is brief but deliberate, demonstrating the writers’ strategy of layering nostalgia with storytelling.
In addition to establishing character, this reference contributes to the series’ broader approach to nostalgia. Stranger Things consistently blends supernatural drama with cultural touchstones from the era, whether through music, fashion, or slang. Terms like “tubular” function as Easter eggs, creating a shared cultural connection between viewers who recognise the reference and those who simply understand it in the context of Max’s character.
The line also illustrates the show’s attention to dialogue detail. By embedding a culturally loaded term within a natural conversation, the scene avoids feeling forced or purely referential. Instead, it integrates seamlessly into the plot, highlighting the writers’ balance between character development and homage to the era that inspires the series. This approach allows the show to maintain its narrative momentum while rewarding viewers who notice the cultural nods.
Fans have identified and discussed this reference in online forums and social media platforms, noting the cleverness of connecting Max’s character to a recognizable element from another piece of popular media. The discussion demonstrates how subtle references can enhance audience engagement, inviting viewers to make connections across different cultural texts while deepening their understanding of individual characters.
The reference also fits within a broader pattern in Stranger Things, where period-appropriate slang, objects, and media serve multiple purposes. They provide context for the story’s temporal setting, enrich characterisation, and create opportunities for intertextual play. In Max’s case, her Californian identity, skateboard culture, and casual use of slang immediately differentiate her from other Hawkins residents while reinforcing the show’s thematic use of nostalgia.
This example shows that the creators’ attention to detail extends beyond visual style and plot into dialogue. Small moments, like the use of “tubular,” reflect the careful calibration between setting, character, and audience engagement. They demonstrate that the series’ cultural references are not merely decorative but functional, supporting narrative objectives while celebrating the era that informs the show’s world.
Ultimately, the “totally tubular” reference is a concise illustration of Stranger Things’ layered storytelling. It operates as a character cue, a nostalgic nod, and a fan-oriented Easter egg all at once. By incorporating this line into Max’s introduction, the show establishes her personality, signals her cultural background, and strengthens the connection between Hawkins’ fictional universe and the real-world media of the time.
As Season Five approaches, moments like this continue to show how the series balances homage with original storytelling. Pop culture references, slang, and minor Easter eggs contribute to a sense of immersion and continuity across seasons, creating a consistent, recognisable universe that rewards attentive viewing. In this way, the dialogue in episode two of Season Two exemplifies the thoughtful integration of nostalgia and narrative, illustrating why Stranger Things remains both culturally resonant and narratively compelling.
