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Stranger Things is one of the most successful shows ever streamed on Netflix. The horror adventure series has been nominated for 57 Primetime Emmy Awards (winning 12 of them) and received high marks by critics around the globe. It’s clear that people love Stranger Things.

But why do they love it?

Is it the emotional coming of age story? Do audiences gravitate to the horror elements? Or maybe it’s the science fiction influences? Stranger Things cast member Finn Wolfhard has his own theory.

During a Stranger Things cast panel at Megacon 2024, the actor spoke about the relationship the series has with its audience. “I think the whole show is all about friendship. It’s all centered around love and friendship and all these things. Having a collective passion for things, and nerdy things. I think a lot of people see themselves in it because it reminds them of their childhood, and their friend group, and stuff that they’re into. The overall acceptance of each other is really nice. I think it’s a lot of weird different things that draw people to it.”

In other words, Stranger Things is personal to so many people, because it speaks to those parts of their own lives. That’s why audiences were so invested in getting ‘Justice for Barb,’ and spent hours speculating on the personal lives of their favorite characters.

The fifth and final season of Stranger Things is currently in production. Saying goodbye will be hard, because as Wolfhard pointed out, the show has such a strong and personal connection to our lives. The finale is going to be heart wrenching, but I can’t wait to see how they pull it off.

As we all collectively wait for Stranger Things season 5, here's the keys to getting ready:

• How to watch Stranger Things in chronological or release order
• Getting to know the Stranger Things season 5 cast
• There needs to be more death in Stranger Things, says co-star Gaten Matarazzo
• The Stranger Things time jump between season 4 and 5 has been confirmed by Netflix - and it raises some serious questions
• "They land the plane," David Harbour describes the Stranger Things finale, which he calls its "best episode"