Obviously, after five seasons, we know this stranger things It’s a supernaturally-focused series, and it’s become a huge cultural phenomenon that regularly surpasses its illustrious spot in Netflix’s top 10. Not only has it launched careers (remember when Winona Ryder and Matthew Modine were the biggest names in artists?), its popularity has reached into the realms of music, sports, and even food.
A new set of statistics is also ringing in stranger things‘ With ever-growing ratings — boosted by its fifth and final season, which released a new trio of episodes this week — Netflix has shared a press release examining the show’s impact beyond its staggering viewing numbers. (Though if you’re curious, seasons 1-4 “have received over 1.2 billion views so far, the most for any Netflix show”; meanwhile, the first volume of season five “has already reached 102.6 million views globally, and all five seasons are still in the top 10 this week.”)
A funny note in the release mentions the show’s most overrated scenes, which are Nancy’s capture by Vecna in season four, episode seven (which includes some important details about Vecna’s future plans), and the big “NeverEnding Story” duet between long-distance sweethearts Dustin and Suzie in season three, episode eight.
We already knew that Kate Bush’s 1985 song “Running Up That Hill” was enjoying chart-topping success after its repeated use in season four; It has already been reused in season five. Another song that received a particular boost from season five is Diana Ross’s “Upside Down”, which “saw a 1,250% increase in global Gen Z streams.”
While every other generation is stoked to see if there will be a full-on disco comeback, there’s also been a notable increase in streams of Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now” (because pop stars to do Learn About Monsters, Holly!), Chordettes’ “Mr. Sandman” (already a horror staple thanks to the material) halloween ii), and ABBA’s “Fernando,” which is the perfect song for a wine mom’s bubble bath before fighting the Demogorgon.
Netflix would also like to let you know that “between the start of season one in 2016 and the start of season four in 2022, dungeons and dragons Universe, a favorite of Eddie Munson and the Hellfire Club, saw a whopping 673% increase,” a claim which did not mention, as Variety reported, D&D “has made several major developments of its own over the last nine years, including a 2023 feature film, game expansions, and more,” though it includes some stranger things Collaboration.
Netflix’s press release also touts the success stranger things‘ Multiple tie-in releases, including red-filled Chips Ahoy cookies (the release makes no mention of Peanut Butter Boppers or, strangely, Eggo Waffles), Nike’s subtle-by-comparison Dunk Low sneakers featuring the Ulta logo, books and comics, and immersive Strange Things: Experience,
As the show winds down (three episodes arrive over Christmas, then the grand finale arrives on New Year’s Eve), it looks like the freight train will keep rolling for a long time stranger things (Have you seen the Creel House Lego set?) -And before we see the last of Vecna, Netflix will likely break a few more viewership records. There will no doubt be more retro songs resurfacing throughout the remainder of the season. Plus, the animated spin-off coming next year will definitely help keep up Stranger The fever is alive.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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