Stranger Things Merchandise
The 1980s in Indiana, USA: young Will Byers disappears in the town of Hawkins. At almost the same time, the mysterious Eleven appears, possessing seemingly inexplicable powers. Together, his friends and Eleven set out in search of him. In 2016, the Netflix series Stranger Things caused quite a stir. Far removed from classic Film & TV, the streaming service presented a nostalgic homage to the films & series of the 80s, which was perfect for binge-watching. Stranger Things was a modern cult hit that was able to captivate millions of viewers.
Stranger Things owes its existence to the creative brother duo, the Duffer Brothers. Matt and Ross Duffer not only developed the concept for the series but were also involved in its implementation as producers, directors, and writers. The showrunners had previously gained initial experience in the industry through works like Hidden (2015) and Wayward Pines (2015). Their 2016 Netflix series is undoubtedly influenced, both in content and visually, by the popular film and television productions of the 80s.
Of course, the first name that comes to mind is Steven Spielberg, who culturally defined the 80s with films like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) or as a producer of Gremlins (1984), The Goonies (1985), and Back to the Future (1985). The small-town feeling of Stephen King's novels also finds its creative echo in the hit format. The Duffer Brothers' series does not skimp on visible references to its great role models. The series also plays with various genres such as science fiction, horror, and coming-of-age.
A fun fact about the creation of the series: it was originally supposed to be called Montauk and set in Montauk, New York. Here, the connections to Spielberg's creations would have been even clearer; after all, Montauk was the setting for his blockbuster Jaws (1975). But after changes, it was decided to establish the fictional town of Hawkins. However, in their official pitch for the studios, the Duffer Brothers included, among other things, images from films like E.T., Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Stand by Me, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Jaws—obvious inspirations for the series.
Stranger Things paved the way for a group of talented young actors: central roles were taken by Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, and Gaten Matarazzo. Performers such as Charlie Heaton, Natalia Dyer, and Joe Keery were also thrust into the spotlight thanks to the series. At the same time, the streaming highlight did not skimp on well-known names. The cast was completed by actors like Winona Ryder and David Harbour, with supporting roles for other 80s heroes like Sean Astin (The Goonies) and Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride).
The success of the American production was reflected not only in the viewership numbers, which broke Netflix records in season three (over 40 million households watched the third season in the first four days), but also in numerous awards. Worth mentioning here, above all, are the Primetime Emmy Awards, known to cineastes, nerds, and geeks, of which the successful series won seven after the third season. A Screen Actors Guild Award also went to the cast. These merits were complemented by several Golden Globe nominations.
Between 2016 and 2019, the first three seasons of the hit series were created, with seasons 2 and 3 not really being referred to as seasons, but as Part 2 and Part 3 – following the model of famous film sequels. More and more time was taken for the implementation: while there was only one year between the broadcasts of the first two seasons, Part 3 followed in 2019, two years after its predecessor. And for the fourth season, the production of which took place from 2020 through the summer months of 2021, a longer waiting period was also scheduled. Given the state of the world in 2021, however, this was hardly surprising.
But until the release of the series' continuation, fans can take a look at merchandise from the Duffer Brothers' narrative universe. Stranger Things has long since outgrown its existence as just a series. With the release of the show, for example, an aftershow with interviews and exclusive insights was created for Netflix. Artbooks and companion series have also appeared in the world of books – as have classic novels.
Comics and tabletop games are omnipresent in the Stranger Things narrative universe. It is hardly surprising, then, that Dark Horse Comics presented an entire series of internationally published works related to the series. For example, the graphic novel Stranger Things: Six was released, as well as Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons. Dungeons & Dragons is a good keyword, as the famous tabletop game is mentioned by name in the series – including in connection with the Demogorgon from Dungeons & Dragons. So it is not surprising that a crossover between Dungeons & Dragons and the hit series exists. Fans could also look forward to a crossover between the Netflix production and Magic: The Gathering's Secret Lair series.
Whether on consoles or smartphones, the series has also fully arrived in the world of video games. The mobile game of the same name was released in 2017 for Android and iOS. Gamers and series junkies could also experience the narrative cosmos of the Duffer Brothers in VR – with a spin-off for the PS4's VR headset. And LEGO also made sure to integrate the successful Netflix format into its portfolio with sets like The Upside Down.
80s film freaks and series junkies with a penchant for the Netflix sci-fi series will also find what they are looking for in the yvolve online shop. The products for passionate nerds range from clothing and accessories to decor. The fan merchandise for the popular series is also ideal as a gift for friends and acquaintances. For example, the yvolve shop offers notebooks like the VHS notebook with stickers from the Netflix series cosmos. A puzzle as well as posters and art prints are also recommended for passionate fans of the series. A very special design among the mugs is presented by the I Survived Hawkins color-changing mug.
From T-shirts and caps to figures, lamps, and bags, yvolve has fan merchandise and goods from a wide variety of film & TV highlights to offer for geeks and film freaks. The American series is also right at the top of the list with items that are especially worthwhile for fans – also as gifts. Simply take a look at the Stranger Things category at yvolve and let your fan heart be enchanted by magical merch related to the series highlight Stranger Things.
