Stranger Things season 2 explained

Season Number:2
Bgcolour:
  1. A42C17
Showrunner:
Network:Netflix
Num Episodes:9
Episode List:List of Stranger Things episodes

The second season of the science fiction television series Stranger Things, marketed as Stranger Things 2, was released worldwide on the streaming service Netflix on October 27, 2017.[1] The series was created by the Duffer Brothers, who also serve as executive producers along with Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen and Iain Paterson.

This season stars Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Dacre Montgomery, Cara Buono, Sean Astin and Paul Reiser. Brett Gelman, Linnea Berthelsen, Matthew Modine, and Priah Ferguson also appear in recurring roles. The season received highly positive reviews, particularly for its story, character development, production values, visual effects, performances (particularly those of Harbour, Brown, Schnapp, Keery, and Astin), and darker tone compared to the previous season, but criticized the Lost Sister plotline.

Premise

In the fall of 1984, one year after his disappearance, Will Byers finds himself the target of the Upside Down as a large tentacled entity called the "Mind Flayer" possesses him and "Demogorgon dogs" or "Demodogs" terrorize the citizens of Hawkins. Will's family and friends alongside Jim Hopper, Mike's sister Nancy, Nancy's boyfriend Steve Harrington, Californian newcomer Max Mayfield and a missing Eleven, must join forces to contain the threat.

Cast and characters

Main

Recurring

Episodes

See also: List of Stranger Things episodes.

Production

Development

With the critical and viewership success of Stranger Things after its first season's release in July 2016, speculation on a possible second season was raised. The Duffer Brothers initially intended for Stranger Things to either be a standalone miniseries[7] or an anthology series.[8] They also considered the possibility of setting a potential second season (which they referred to as a "sequel") in the early 1990s and featuring an older version of the characters, along with all-new characters, who are drawn back to Hawkins after supernatural events begin occurring again.

However, following the release of the first season, they realized that the likability of the characters – especially the children – was key to the series' success, and they decided to set the second season in 1984 and focus on the same characters. By the end of July, the Duffer Brothers had outlined a plan for such a season if it was green-lit,[9] and Netflix's CEO Reed Hastings said in early August that the company "would be dumb not to" renew Stranger Things for a second season.[10] On August 31, 2016, Netflix announced it had renewed Stranger Things for a second season of nine episodes, to be released in 2017.[11] The Duffer Brothers revealed that the series had been renewed for a second season before the first was released. Regarding the decision to wait more than a month after the first season was released to announce the renewal, Matt Duffer said, "it actually ended up working because it had built up to this fever pitch. I guess that's what [Netflix] were intending to do all the time."[12]

Writing

The success of the first season led the Duffers to let their writers' room propose any idea they could come up with out of desperation for ways to expand the show. However, Ross Duffer stated in the WGFestival 2022 that thanks to the writers proposing more ideas than necessary, they were forced to drop some. Several of the unused ideas for the season were later included in the fifth and final season.[13] The Duffer Brothers wrote the second season to make the combined first and second season feel like a complete work, but set elements in place to go forward with additional seasons if they were green-lit.[14] While most of the story for the second season had been decided before the first season aired, the Duffer Brothers took in the audience reactions from the first season to adjust some of the details within the second season. They knew they would not have the same element of audience surprise as when the series aired anew and were aware fans wanted to see certain elements, but Ross said "...the point is not to give everyone what they think they want. Because I don't think they really know what they want."[15]

The Duffer Brothers felt that the second season should be treated more like a sequel rather than a continuation, and thus opted to call the second Stranger Things 2. This approach had some trepidation from Netflix, since the company felt movie sequels typically have a bad reputation, but the Duffer Brothers pointed out that there had been many successful sequels that surpassed the original film, and felt confident with this name.[16] Despite revealing episode titles for the season in the announcement teaser in order "to provide some hint of where we were going in season two without giving anything away,"[17] Matt Duffer stated that some of the titles would change since there were some things "we didn't want to put on there because we felt like it would give too much away," and because "people are smart on the fucking internet" with fan-created "videos analyzing the chapter titles... right on a lot" of how the titles related to the plot of the season.[18] In early October 2017, the Duffer Brothers revealed the final titles for the first six episodes of the season.[19]

Casting

In October 2016, it was announced that Schnapp and Keery had been promoted to the main cast for the second season, after each recurring in the first season, and that Sadie Sink and Dacre Montgomery would join the main cast as Max and Billy, respectively.[20] In order to get the role, Sink told to the crew while auditioning that she knew about rollerblading and skateboarding; Sink actually knew how to do the latter but not the former, reflecting years later during an appearance in Jimmy Kimmel Live why did she think lying would help her nail the part as the two things weren't quite the same as she thought.[21] Ryder, Harbour, Wolfhard, Brown, Matarazzo, McLaughlin, Dyer and Heaton also return for the season.[22] Sean Astin as Bob Newby and Paul Reiser as Sam Owens are also part of the main cast in the season.[23] For Owens, The Duffer Brothers had referred to the character in their pitch to Netflix for the season as "Paul Reiser", and specifically alluded to Reiser's character Carter J. Burke in Aliens, with Ross referencing James Cameron's casting choice for that film, saying, "[Cameron] thought people would inherently trust [Reiser] and it would be a twist". Reiser's son was a fan of Stranger Things, and gave his father an early appreciation of the series so that by when the production called his agent about the role, Reiser was excited for the part.[24] Joining them in recurring roles are Linnea Berthelsen as Kali / Eight[25] and Brett Gelman as Murray Bauman.[26]

Filming

In the first week of November 2016, table reads for the season started.[27] The season was officially confirmed to be in production on November 4, 2016 in a social media post. It was accompanied by a photo of some of the cast members at a table read.

Filming of the season started on November 7, 2016.[28] On November 14, 2016 photos of the cast on set in Atlanta were published. Seen in the photos were the main cast of kids and teens from the previous season, minus Millie Bobby Brown and Natalia Dyer, though who appeared to be a body double for Nancy was present. Chelsea Talmadge, who portrays the recurring character Carol, was also present. None of the new cast members were spotted, but the names Max and Billy were seen on the cast trailers, implying that newcomers Sadie Sink and Dacre Montgomery were present that day.[29]

By early April, the final two episodes had commenced filming, shooting scenes in Woodland, Georgia seen previously in Season 1.[30] Filming for the season officially wrapped on June 3, 2017.[31]

Music

See main article: ''Stranger Things 2'' (soundtrack). The soundtrack album for the second season was released digitally on October 20, 2017, via Lakeshore and Invada Records.[32] [33] The soundtrack was composed by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein of the electronic band Survive. On the soundtrack's composition, Dixon and Stein together said that the score for the season introduces "new styles of composition, while still revisiting old themes when appropriate ... We've created new elements that are necessary to support the story, but still want to remain true to the sound of Season 1." The first track from the soundtrack, "Walkin' in Hawkins", was released on October 12.[33]

As was customary with the first season, the second season utilized period music primarily from the 1980s to evoke a sense of nostalgia amongst viewers while further solidifying the story's setting.[34] In all, over fifty pieces of music were used for Stranger Things 2, with release dates spanning from 1936 all the way until 1985.[34] [35] [36]

Release

The second season, which consisted of nine one-hour-long episodes, was released worldwide on Netflix on October 27, 2017,[37] in Ultra HD 4K and HDR.[38]

Marketing

A teaser for the second season, which also announced the release date, aired during Super Bowl LI.[39]

Beyond Stranger Things

With the release of the second season of the series, Netflix also released Beyond Stranger Things, an aftershow hosted by Jim Rash. The guests of the aftershow are composed of cast and crew from the series, including the Duffer Brothers and the series' stars, to discuss the development and behind-the-scenes production of the series and its larger mythology. Unlike previous after-shows created by Embassy Row, such as Talking Dead and Talking Bad, Beyond Stranger Things is intended to be watched after a screening of the entire current season.[40]

Home media

The second season was released on a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack exclusively to Target retailers on November 6, 2018, in vintage CBS-FOX VHS-inspired packaging.[41]

Reception

Audience viewership

Nielsen ratings

Nielsen ratings records viewership data for those who viewed the series on a TV set, the data does not account for mobile, tablet or PC devices.[42]

Nielsen ratings
TitleRelease dateThree day viewership
18-49 viewers (millions)Total viewers (millions)
1"Chapter One: MADMAX"11.015.8[43]
2"Chapter Two: Trick or Treat, Freak"9.613.7
3"Chapter Three: The Pollywog"8.111.6
4"Chapter Four: Will the Wise"6.69.3
5"Chapter Five: Dig Dug"5.68.0
6"Chapter Six: The Spy"4.56.4
7"Chapter Seven: The Lost Sister"3.75.3
8"Chapter Eight: The Mind Flayer"3.44.9
9"Chapter Nine: The Gate"3.24.6

Other data

The second season has been recognized by Parrot Analytics as the most in-demand digital original series of the world in 2017 and is included in the 2019 edition of Guinness World Records.[44] In August 2017, the marketing analytics firm Jumpshot determined the season was the seventh-most viewed Netflix season in the first 30 days after it was released, garnering slightly more than 20% of the viewers that the second season of Daredevil received, which was the most viewed season according to Jumpshot. Jumpshot, which "analyzes click-stream data from an online panel of more than 100 million consumers", looked at the viewing behavior and activity of the company's U.S. members, factoring in the relative number of U.S. Netflix viewers who watched at least one episode of the season.[45]

Critical response

On Rotten Tomatoes, the second season has an approval rating of 94% based on 151 reviews and an average rating of 7.8/10. The site's critical consensus states, "Stranger Things slow-building sophomore season balances moments of humor and a nostalgic sweetness against a growing horror that's all the more effective thanks to the show's full-bodied characters and evocative tone."[46] On Metacritic, the second season has a normalized score of 78 out of 100, based on 33 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[47]

In a review for Rolling Stone, journalist David Fear praised the second season's character development, going so far as to say it shined more than the narrative: "...By the time you get to the John Hughes finale, in which the school's winter dance ties up numerous loose ends, you realize that Stranger Things 2 has not only been crafting a story about kids fumbling through and finding their way into young adulthood, but that those parts feel more interesting than any Upside Down, et al. shenanigans ... if the second season has anything on the first, it's that these characters now feel less like they stepped out of E.T. outtakes and more like the actual teens who were in the audience watching it and dreaming."[48]

Linda Holmes of National Public Radio also praised the season's character development, saying in her review, "There is much to be grateful for in the work given to the returning cast. Dustin and Lucas have the opportunity to be fleshed out a bit more — which is especially welcome with Lucas, who wasn't given a lot of solo time in the first season to demonstrate exactly what role he plays in what Dustin calls the "party" made up of the boys and Eleven. Perhaps the most unexpectedly successful move on this front, though, is to continue to build out Steve beyond Obstacle Boyfriend, in part by giving him some contact with people besides Nancy to work with."[49] Holmes also expressed misgiving, noting that the narrative structure was at times copying from the first season's plot line, but overall found this iteration to be enjoyable despite its shortcomings.[49]

Commentary

One of the most notable impacts of the series has been an increased demand for Eggo waffles, as they are shown to be Eleven's favorite food in several episodes and are seen as a representation of the series.[50] The Kellogg Company, which manufactures Eggo, had not been part of the production prior to the first season's release, but recognized the market impact of the series. It provided a vintage 1980s Eggo television advertisement for Netflix to use in its season two Super Bowl LI commercial, and is looking to become more involved with cross-promotion.[51]

Accolades

See main article: List of awards and nominations received by ''Stranger Things''.

Notes and References

  1. Stranger Things Season 2 Is Your Halloween Binge. Here's What to Know Now. Hoffman. Ashley. Time. October 13, 2017. November 3, 2017. June 22, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180622165845/http://time.com/4971206/stranger-things-season-2-release-date/. live.
  2. News: Ausiello. Michael. Scoop: Winona Ryder to Headline Untitled Netflix Supernatural Thriller. August 24, 2015. TVLine. June 15, 2015. August 16, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150816073504/http://tvline.com/2015/06/15/winona-ryder-montauk-cast-netflix-series/. live.
  3. News: Andreeva. Nellie. Duffer Bros. Netflix Supernatural Drama Series Sets Young Cast, Gets Title. August 24, 2015. Deadline Hollywood. August 20, 2015. August 22, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150822215815/http://deadline.com/2015/08/duffer-bros-netflix-series-stranger-things-young-cast-1201502552/. live.
  4. News: Stranger Things S2 Casting Announcement. October 14, 2016. Netflix Media Center. February 8, 2019. July 13, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190713055823/https://media.netflix.com/en/press-releases/stranger-things-s2-casting-announcement. live.
  5. Web site: Cara Buono Joins Netflix's 'Stranger Things'; Dean Cain In 'Lady Dynamite'. Denise. Petski. Deadline Hollywood. September 1, 2015. July 17, 2016. September 2, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150902154424/https://deadline.com/2015/09/cara-buono-cast-netflix-stranger-things-dean-cain-lady-dynamite-1201511834/. live.
  6. Web site: Netflix's 'Stranger Things' Adds Matthew Modine to Cast (Exclusive). October 27, 2015. TheWrap. July 17, 2016. October 30, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151030055024/https://www.thewrap.com/netflixs-stranger-things-adds-matthew-modine-to-cast-exclusive/. live.
  7. Web site: How to Sell Your TV Series the Stranger Things Way . Miyamoto . Ken . Screencraft . October 26, 2017 . February 10, 2018 . February 10, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180210180208/https://screencraft.org/2017/10/26/how-to-sell-your-tv-series-the-stranger-things-way/ . live .
  8. Web site: 'Stranger Things' Was Pitched as an Anthology Series . Giroux . Jack . SlashFilm . August 2, 2017 . February 10, 2018 . February 10, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180210180428/http://www.slashfilm.com/stranger-things-was-pitched-as-an-anthology-series/ . live .
  9. Web site: Stranger Things creators tease 'darker' second season . Nigel . Smith . July 28, 2016 . February 6, 2017 . . February 14, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210214060607/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/jul/28/stranger-things-second-season-teaser-tca . live .
  10. Web site: Stranger Things: Netflix boss says it would be 'dumb' not to do season two . Jasper . Jackson . August 5, 2016 . February 6, 2017 . . November 8, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201108142849/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/aug/05/stranger-things-netflix-season-two-winona-ryder-us . live .
  11. Web site: Stranger Things Renewed at Netflix, Season 2 to Premiere in 2017 . . Elizabeth . Wagmeister . August 31, 2016 . August 31, 2016 . September 2, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160902002822/http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/stranger-things-season-2-renewed-netflix-1201840420/ . live .
  12. Web site: The Duffer Brothers Are Reading Your 'Stranger Things' Reddit Theories . O'Connell . Michael . . October 12, 2016 . October 13, 2016 . October 13, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161013140026/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/stranger-things-season-2-duffer-937408 . live .
  13. Web site: November 21, 2022 . The Duffers Just Shared Something About the 'Big Ending' of 'Stranger Things' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221122155159/https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/duffer-brothers-stranger-things-season-5-wgfest-interview . November 22, 2022 . November 26, 2022 . Esquire.
  14. Stranger Things: How many seasons will the Netflix series go? . Time . Stack . February 13, 2017 . February 13, 2017 . . February 13, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170213222517/http://ew.com/tv/2017/02/13/stranger-things-how-many-seasons/ . live .
  15. Web site: Remote Controlled: 'Stranger Things' Creators Duffer Brothers on Going 'Big' in Season 2 . Debra . Brinbaum . June 6, 2017 . June 7, 2017 . . February 14, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210214061559/https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/remote-controlled-stranger-things-season-2-duffer-brothers-1202454897/ . live .
  16. Stranger Things 2 returns to Upside Down with new monster, bigger story . Stack . Tim . September 27, 2017 . . September 28, 2017 . September 27, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170927182129/http://ew.com/tv/2017/09/27/stranger-things-2-cover-story/ . live .
  17. Stranger Things season 2 episode titles: What do they mean? . Connolly . Kelly . Entertainment Weekly . August 31, 2016 . September 1, 2016 . September 1, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160901155514/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/08/31/stranger-things-season-2-episode-titles . live .
  18. Stranger Things creators discuss those new chapter titles . Tim . Stack . February 10, 2017 . February 11, 2017 . . February 11, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170211022317/http://ew.com/tv/2017/02/10/stranger-things-new-chapter-titles/ . live .
  19. Web site: What Can We Learn From The 'Stranger Things' Season 2 Episode Titles? . Kurp . Josh . . October 9, 2017 . October 9, 2017 . February 14, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210214060743/https://uproxx.com/tv/stranger-things-season-2-episode-titles-analyzed/ . live .
  20. Web site: 'Stranger Things' Netflix Series Adds Two New Regulars, Promotes Two For Season 2. Petski. Denise. Deadline Hollywood. October 14, 2016. October 14, 2016. October 16, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161016023318/http://deadline.com/2016/10/stranger-things-netflix-series-cast-season-2-1201836680/. live.
  21. Sadie Sink on Starting Stranger Things at 14 & Playing Brendan Fraser's Daughter in The Whale . Jimmy Kimmel Live . Jimmy Kimmel . December 10, 2022 . YouTube.
  22. Web site: 'Stranger Things' Season 2 Cast Photo Reveals Who Returns From The Upside Down. Lincoln. Ross A.. Deadline Hollywood. November 4, 2016. January 2, 2017. January 3, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170103165543/http://deadline.com/2016/11/first-cast-photo-for-stranger-things-season-2-released-online-1201849068/. live.
  23. Web site: 'Stranger Things' Season 2 Casts Sean Astin, Paul Reiser, Linnea Berthelsen. Schwindt. Oriana. Variety. November 7, 2016. November 8, 2016. November 8, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161108125555/http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/stranger-things-season-2-sean-astin-paul-reiser-1201911580/. live.
  24. Stranger Things 2: Paul Reiser shares how top-secret role is connected to Aliens . Tim . Stack . February 14, 2017 . February 14, 2017 . . February 15, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170215000556/http://ew.com/tv/2017/02/14/stranger-things-2-paul-reiser/ . live .
  25. Meet the mysterious Stranger Things 2 character at the heart of Eleven's episode. Stack. Tim. Entertainment Weekly. October 27, 2017. October 30, 2017. October 29, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171029202758/http://ew.com/tv/2017/10/27/stranger-things-2-kali-linnea-berthelsen/. live.
  26. Web site: Schwindt. Oriana. 'Stranger Things' Season 2 Adds Brett Gelman as Conspiracy Theorist. Variety. November 18, 2016. November 18, 2016. November 18, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161118233417/http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/stranger-things-season-2-netflix-brett-gelman-1201922036/. live.
  27. Web site: 'Stranger Things': 7 Things We Learned from the Season 2 Table Read | Entertainment Tonight . November 4, 2016 .
  28. Web site: 'Stranger Things' Director Confirms Season 2 Shoot Schedule . November 8, 2016 .
  29. Web site: 'Stranger Things' Season Two filming is underway! . November 20, 2016 .
  30. Web site: 'Stranger Things' Season 2 Finale Returns to Mirkwood Forest . April 7, 2017 .
  31. Web site: Stranger Things Season 2 Wraps Filming . . June 4, 2017 .
  32. Web site: Listen to a New Song From the Stranger Things Season 2 Soundtrack. Liza. Cantrell. Spin. October 12, 2017. October 12, 2017. February 14, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210214060913/https://www.spin.com/2017/10/stranger-things-season-2-soundtrack-new-song/. live.
  33. 'Stranger Things' Previews Season Two Soundtrack With Majestic New Song. Elisa. Leight. Rolling Stone. October 12, 2017. October 12, 2017. October 12, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171012193902/http://www.rollingstone.com/tv/news/hear-majestic-new-song-from-stranger-things-season-two-w508515. live.
  34. Web site: 8 Great Musical Moments in Stranger Things 2. Josh. Jackson. Paste. November 10, 2017. January 30, 2019. February 17, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200217052726/https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/11/the-best-musical-moments-in-stranger-things-2.html. live.
  35. Web site: 'Stranger Things' sounds: All the music from season 2. Patricia. Puentes. CNET. October 28, 2017. January 30, 2019. April 20, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190420065421/https://www.cnet.com/news/stranger-things-soundtrack-playlist-netflix/. live.
  36. Web site: 'Stranger Things 2' music is both heavy, mellow. David. Lindquist. The Indianapolis Star. October 30, 2017. January 30, 2019. November 26, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201126013223/https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/music/2017/10/30/metallica-among-stranger-things-sequel-bands/811259001/. live.
  37. Web site: 'Stranger Things' Isn't Doing 9 Episodes Next Time. Cowen. Trace. Deadline Hollywood. February 8, 2018. January 3, 2018. February 10, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180210004444/http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2018/02/stranger-things-isnt-doing-9-episodes-next-time. live.
  38. Web site: Stranger Things. Netflix. January 2, 2017. January 3, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170103235838/https://media.netflix.com/en/only-on-netflix/4912. live.
  39. Web site: Super Bowl Ad Buzz: 'Stranger Things' Season 2 Trailer Tops the Field . Todd . Spangler . February 6, 2017 . February 16, 2017 . . June 23, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180623005051/https://variety.com/2017/digital/news/stranger-things-super-bowl-social-buzz-ad-1201979035/ . live .
  40. Web site: 'Stranger Things' Aftershow to Launch on Netflix . Alex . Stedman . . October 26, 2017 . October 26, 2017 . October 26, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171026155454/http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/stranger-things-aftershow-netflix-1202599810/ . live .
  41. Web site: Cool Stuff: 'Stranger Things' Season 2 Gets a VHS Style Blu-ray Release. Anderton. Ethan. November 8, 2018. Slash Film. January 29, 2019. November 16, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181116072537/https://www.slashfilm.com/stranger-things-season-2-blu-ray-release/. live.
  42. Web site: Nielsen viewer stats differ from Netflix Stranger Things claim. Easton. Jonathan. July 14, 2019. July 17, 2019. Digital TV Europe. July 18, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190718051056/https://www.digitaltveurope.com/2019/07/15/nielsen-viewer-stats-differ-from-netflix-stranger-things-claim/. live.
  43. Web site: Netflix Ratings Exposed? Nielsen Claims Huge Viewership for 'Stranger Things 2'. O'Connell. Michael. November 2, 2017. July 18, 2019. The Hollywood Reporter. May 3, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190503183928/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/stranger-things-2-ratings-nielsen-claims-huge-netflix-audience-1054372. live.
  44. "'Stranger Things' Makes Guinness Record Book "Broadcasting Cable. August 28, 2018.
  45. Web site: Netflix's 'Marvel's The Defenders' Poised for Binge-Viewing Pop, Data Indicates . Spangler . Todd . . August 18, 2017 . August 19, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170821010827/http://variety.com/2017/digital/news/netflix-marvel-the-defenders-binge-viewing-data-ratings-1202532453/ . August 21, 2017 . live . mdy-all.
  46. Web site: Stranger Things: Season 2 (2017) . . June 20, 2023 . March 22, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230322110441/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/stranger_things/s02 . live .
  47. Web site: Stranger Things: Season 2 . . November 6, 2017 . November 6, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171106063341/http://www.metacritic.com/tv/stranger-things/season-2 . live .
  48. Web site: Fear. David. How 'Stranger Things' Accidentally Became a Great Teen TV Show. January 3, 2017. Rolling Stone. November 3, 2017. September 28, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200928100228/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-news/how-stranger-things-accidentally-became-a-great-teen-tv-show-125565/. live.
  49. Web site: Holmes. Linda. 'Stranger Things 2' Fights The Sequel Blues. January 3, 2017. Rolling Stone. October 23, 2017. August 22, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180822054232/https://www.npr.org/2017/10/23/559484255/stranger-things-2-fights-the-sequel-blues. live.
  50. Why Eleven From Stranger Things Is the Perfect National Waffle Day Mascot . Ashely . Hoffman . August 24, 2016 . February 14, 2017 . . January 28, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170128123438/http://time.com/4464257/national-waffle-day-stranger-things-eggo/ . live .
  51. Web site: Eggo's Role In 'Stranger Things' Turns Into Free Super Bowl Mention With More To Come . Garrett . Sloane . February 6, 2017 . February 14, 2017 . . February 15, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170215121100/http://adage.com/article/special-report-super-bowl/eggo-turns-stranger-things-role-free-super-bowl-spot/307879/ . live .