In the age of the pandemic, Netflix has become an indispensable companion for many. If you ask anyone for a representative Netflix series, the answers will vary, but for me, it has to be "Stranger Things." While it might not be the single most "fun" show I've ever watched, I believe its massive success played a pivotal role in putting Netflix on the global map. It’s a show where the quality is as guaranteed as its fame.
Watching Season 1, I couldn't help but draw parallels to the movie It. Although the stories diverge as they progress, the core premise—a group of young kids banding together to fight a supernatural monster—feels familiar. The overall eerie yet adventurous atmosphere captured me from the very first episode.
The plot kicks off with the disappearance of a young boy named Will Byers. As his friends embark on a desperate search to find him, they encounter a mysterious girl with supernatural powers named Eleven. Together, they unravel the mysteries lurking in their small town.
"Stranger Things" was a cultural phenomenon in the U.S., and I believe the setting played as much of a role as the plot. By meticulously recreating the 1980s, the show tapped into a deep well of nostalgia for American viewers. Even for those like me who didn't live through that era in America, the "antique" and "retro" aesthetic was incredibly charming. It reminded me of how the Korean "Reply" (응답하라) series makes viewers dream of a past they may or may not have known.
Of course, nostalgia alone can't sustain a show. Its success is rooted in solid storytelling and masterful directing. Sci-fi involving alternate dimensions and superpowers can easily cross the line into "childish" if not handled carefully. Yet, "Stranger Things" overcomes this brilliantly, offering a sophisticated experience that adults can enjoy without a hint of cringe. Compared to some of the more "juvenile" fantasy series Netflix has released recently, the caliber of this show is truly remarkable. With Season 4 on the horizon, this remains my top recommendation for anyone looking for a legendary U.S. drama.
[The Korean Insight]
In Korea, we have the legendary "Reply(응답하라)" series (Reply 1988, 1994, 1997). These shows focused on romance and family, but their core engine was 100% pure nostalgia for the 80s and 90s. Interestingly, the "Monster/Creature" fantasy genre has historically struggled to gain mainstream popularity in the Korean market. However, "Stranger Things" broke through that barrier. I believe it succeeded in Korea because it combined a tight, logical plot with a retro Americana vibe that felt strangely nostalgic even to us. It proves that whether it’s a Korean alleyway or an American suburb, the feeling of "longing for the past" is a universal language.
