How Stranger Things, the Star Wars of Netflix, changed the streaming service forever
The sci-fi series was instrumental in growing new branches of business for Netflix, from spin-offs to live events to merchandise and more
Before the sci-fi series Stranger Things premiered on Netflix, several traditional Hollywood studios had already passed on it. Its creators were first-time producers, and unknown young actors were cast in lead roles. Although the show starred kids, it was not for children.
That was nine years ago. The 1980s-set show about a monster wreaking havoc in the fictional town of Hawkins, in the US state of Indiana, has since struck a chord with Netflix’s global subscribers.
Stranger Things is now one of the streamer’s most culturally significant shows, with its fourth season garnering 140.7 million views in its first three months and ranking third among its top English-language series.
The show helped build Netflix’s reputation as a place that makes big bets on original ideas and, if they are a hit, can create a large fandom for such programmes with its worldwide subscriber base.
