Even though Stranger Things takes place in Hawkins, Indiana, in the 1980s, it still has managed to feel like it was meant for teens today. Half of the time, people watch it for the action and even the mysteries, but if you really pay close attention you will see that this show is more than meets the eye. It shows how being different and also being scared is okay as long as you have your family and close friends by your side. That’s why it connects so deeply with teens today in our generation.
Many students say that they were influenced by others to start watching this incredible show. For example, junior Logan Pavlovic said, “My parents watched it, which then influenced me to watch it myself.” Substitute teacher James Manuel said, “I loved the 80s film vibe it gave.”
People wonder, “So who is this show really for?”, and honestly, it’s meant for teens. Despite this show being set back decades ago, the characters deal with the same things teens do now. For instance, feeling as if you don’t belong, trying to figure out who you are, and also wanting to be accepted without changing yourself. In the beginning of the show, Eleven was being treated like she was “too weird” or even being “too much”, but she still chose to be brave and remain to be herself despite being different from the others.
Students were asked which character they related to the most, the common answer was Steve Harrington. Pavlovic said that he relates to Steve the most because “He is charismatic, likeable, and is determined to keep everyone safe no matter what.” Sophomore Brady Austin said Steve as well because of how caring and passionate he is. Lastly, junior Bryson Hedrick also said Steve because of how he is so determined to protect his little “nuggets” (that’s what Steve calls all the kids) despite the dangers he puts himself in. Sophomore Camden Joyner chose Mike Wheeler because “he feels things deeply”, which is something that a lot of teens can relate to, even if they are too afraid to admit it outloud.
One reason this show stays so popular is because it mixes entertainment with meaning. Some students said it’s because of the “80s vibe”, while others have said it’s because of social media. However, Manuel said, “The real reason is deeper. The kids in this generation relate highly to the kids in high school that are presented in the show.” A huge reason for that is because of how the show treats the misunderstood people. Pavlovic said he believes Billy Hargrove is misunderstood the most because while everyone thinks he’s this bad person, he really deep down is just in a lot of pain and feels alone. Austin says, “Eddie Munson is misunderstood the most because people judge him before getting to know how truly loyal and kindhearted he really is once you get close to him”. Manuel said, “Will is misunderstood because people thought he wasn’t brave, when really he ended up being braver than most.”
The scenes in this show that stick to people the most aren’t just the fights or the “lovey dovey” moments, but the moments that feel real. Pavlovic says he will always remember Will Byers “coming out” speech because “nobody judged him, they just sat and listened, and when he finished they hugged him because he is their family no matter what.” That kind of love is what teens want. To be heard and seen is what kids in this generation crave the most.
In the end, Stranger Things teaches us lessons we didn’t know we needed. Joyner says, “It teaches you to be yourself despite what others think or say.” Steve Harrington is the perfect example for this. In the beginning of the show he was this “popular” “too cool to talk to anyone” kind of guy because he wanted to fit in with the ‘cool’ jocks. Over time, he evolves into someone who’s more genuine and authentic. Being with the kids helped him realize it’s okay to be yourself.
Manuel says, “It shows that you can get through dark times as long as you have your friends and family by your side.” When the group is fighting the mind flayer (Vecna’s destructive weapon) in the last season, everyone is terrified, scared they’re going to lose, and even scared they’re going to lose someone close to them. Despite the fear that lingers inside of them, they held their heads high, stuck by each other’s side, and fought their absolute hardest. By having each other’s backs and never giving up they defeated the mind flayer in the end.
Hedrick said, “It shows us that we don’t need to fit in to be considered ‘cool’, just stay true to who you really are.”
That’s why this show resonates so heavily with teens; it reminds them that it’s okay to be scared and to be different, but that you aren’t alone while feeling like that. It’s about growing up while everything is falling apart, but still choosing to fight and keep going. It’s about the “weird kid”, the “quiet kid”, the “misunderstood kid”, and even the kid “who feels too much”. This show tells stories that are deeper than people realize and this is something our generation needs.
