Stranger Things, created by the Duffer Brothers, is a popular American TV series on Netflix. The show blends horror, drama, science-fiction, mystery, and coming-of-age elements. Set in the 1980s, it revolves around a group of young friends in Hawkins, Indiana, who encounter supernatural occurrences tied to a parallel dimension called the Upside Down. The series began in July 2016 with subsequent seasons released in 2017, 2019 and 2022, and will conclude with a final season expected in 2025. It's known for its nostalgic atmosphere and engaging plot.
1969: Suspicious Minds Setting
In 1969, the events in the novel Suspicious Minds take place.
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1980: Montauk is set in Long Island
Montauk is an eight-hour sci-fi horror epic. Set in Long Island in 1980 and inspired by the supernatural classics of that era, we explore the crossroads where the ordinary meet the extraordinary...emotional, cinematic and rooted in character, Montauk is a love letter to the golden age of Steven Spielberg and Stephen King – a marriage of human drama and supernatural fear.
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1983: Setting the Time Period
In 1983, the Duffer Brothers selected the time period for Stranger Things, influenced by the Cold War paranoia and films like Red Dawn.
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1983: Setting of Tribute 1983/1986
In 1983, the events in Stranger Things: Tribute 1983/1986 took place.
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1986: Setting of Tribute 1983/1986
In 1986, the events in Stranger Things: Tribute 1983/1986 took place.
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1992: The Montauk Project: Experiments in Time
In 1992, the book "The Montauk Project: Experiments in Time" brought to light the urban legends of supernatural events around Montauk.
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2000: Beetlejuice Sequel Discussion
Since 2000, Winona Ryder and Tim Burton had been discussing a Beetlejuice sequel, which played a condition for her role in Stranger Things.
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2010: Duffer Brothers Conception
In 2010, the Duffer Brothers independently came up with the concept of Stranger Things.
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2012: Montauk Film Debut
In 2012, Charlie Kessler's film, "Montauk", debuted at the Hamptons International Film Festival.
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2013: Inspiration from Prisoners
In 2013, the Stranger Things concept began with the Duffer Brothers considering expanding the concept of the film 'Prisoners' into a serialized television approach.
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April 2014: Duffer Brothers Pitch
In April 2014, Charlie Kessler pitched his film to the Duffer brothers.
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2014: Duffer Brothers like Survive's Music
Since 2014, the Duffer Brothers had been fans of Survive's music, which helped them land the role of composing the Stranger Things soundtrack.
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June 2015: Winona Ryder and David Harbour Cast
In June 2015, Winona Ryder and David Harbour joined the series as Joyce and the unnamed chief of police, respectively.
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July 2015: Survive Contacted for Soundtrack
Around July 2015, the Duffer Brothers contacted Survive to compose the original soundtrack for Stranger Things.
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September 2015: Cara Buono Joins the Cast
In September 2015, Cara Buono joined the cast of Stranger Things as Karen.
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November 2015: Filming Begins
In November 2015, filming of the first season of Stranger Things began extensively in Atlanta, Georgia.
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November 2015: Location Scouting
In November 2015, production began scouting locations in and around Atlanta, Georgia, due to weather difficulties in Long Island.
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2015: Duffer Brothers' Film Hidden
In 2015, the Duffer Brothers wrote and produced their film Hidden, emulating M. Night Shyamalan's style.
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2015: Rights Purchased by 21 Laps Entertainment
In early 2015, Dan Cohen from 21 Laps Entertainment brought the script to Shawn Levy, who then purchased the rights for the series, giving the Duffer Brothers full authorship.
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July 15, 2016: First Season Release
On July 15, 2016, the first season of Stranger Things, produced by Monkey Massacre Productions and 21 Laps Entertainment, was released on Netflix.
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September 2016: Netflix Analysis of Viewership
In a September 2016 analysis, Netflix found that Stranger Things "hooked" viewers by the second episode of the first season.
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2016: Ranked Third-Best TV Show by The Guardian and Empire
In 2016, Stranger Things was ranked the third-best TV show of the year by The Guardian and Empire.
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2016: Series Announcement
In April 2016, after reading the pilot, Netflix purchased the whole season and announced the series for a 2016 release.
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2016: Filming Concludes
In early 2016, filming for the first season of Stranger Things concluded.
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February 16, 2017: Congressman compares Trump to "Stranger Things"
On February 16, 2017, United States Representative David Cicilline compared the state of the nation during the presidency of Donald Trump to that of Stranger Things during a speech given in Congress.
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April 14, 2017: Mystery Science Theater 3000 riffs on Stranger Things
On April 14, 2017, the cast of the rebooted version of Mystery Science Theater 3000 riffed on the first part of "Chapter 1" of Stranger Things.
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September 2017: Netflix Cease-and-Desist Letter
In September 2017, Netflix sent a humorous cease-and-desist letter to a Stranger-Things-themed bar in Chicago, referencing elements from the show.
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October 4, 2017: Stranger Things: The Game Release
On October 4, 2017, Netflix and BonusXP released Stranger Things: The Game, a free mobile game tie-in for iOS and Android devices. The game uses a retro-pixel style and is loosely based on the Stranger Things story after season one.
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October 2017: Google uses Stranger Things AR stickers
In October 2017, Google used augmented reality (AR) "stickers" of Stranger Things characters to introduce its ARCore technology.
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October 2017: Second Season Release
In October 2017, the second season of Stranger Things was released.
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October 17, 2017: First Season Blu-ray/DVD Release
On October 17, 2017, the first season of Stranger Things was released on a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack exclusively to Target retailers.
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October 27, 2017: Second Season Release Date
On October 27, 2017, the second season of Stranger Things, consisting of nine episodes, was released in HDR.
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November 15, 2017: First Season 4K/Blu-ray Release
On November 15, 2017, the first season of Stranger Things was released on a 4K/Blu-ray combo pack with vintage CBS-FOX VHS-inspired packaging, exclusively at Target.
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November 2017: Sesame Street creates Sharing Things spoof
In November 2017, Sesame Street created a young audience-appropriate spoof of Stranger Things, called Sharing Things.
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December 12, 2017: Stranger Things: The VR Experience Release
On December 12, 2017, Sony Interactive Entertainment released Stranger Things: The VR Experience, a PlayStation 4-exclusive game for their PlayStation VR peripheral.
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2017: Included on The Atlantic's Best TV Show List
In 2017, Stranger Things was included on The Atlantic's best TV show of the year list.
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April 2018: Charlie Kessler Lawsuit
In April 2018, Charlie Kessler filed a lawsuit against the Duffer brothers, claiming they stole the idea behind his short film "Montauk".
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June 2018: Netflix announces Telltale Game
In June 2018, Netflix announced that Telltale Games would produce an episodic adventure game based on Stranger Things.
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September 2018: Telltale Game Cancelled
In September 2018, the Telltale Games Stranger Things project was cancelled after Telltale laid off the majority of its staff.
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September 26, 2018: Stranger Things Comic Release
On September 26, 2018, the first issue of the Stranger Things comic miniseries was released.
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October 30, 2018: Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down Release
On October 30, 2018, "Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down: The Official Behind-The-Scenes Companion" was released.
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November 6, 2018: Second Season Blu-ray/DVD Release
On November 6, 2018, the second season of Stranger Things received a similar Blu-ray/DVD release.
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November 13, 2018: How to Survive in a Stranger Things World Release
On November 13, 2018, "How to Survive in a Stranger Things World", a children's book offering advice from the series, was released.
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February 5, 2019: Suspicious Minds Release
On February 5, 2019, the novel Suspicious Minds by Gwenda Bond, which focuses on Eleven's mother Terry Ives, was released.
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March 26, 2019: Hawkins Yearbook Release
On March 26, 2019, a two-in-one Hawkins Middle School Yearbook/Hawkins High School Yearbook was released.
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April 2019: Summary Judgement Denied
In April 2019, the judge denied summary judgement for the Duffer brothers.
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May 2019: Kessler Withdraws Lawsuit
In May 2019, Charlie Kessler withdrew his lawsuit after seeing documents that the Duffers had independently come up with the concept of Stranger Things.
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May 2019: Stranger Things D&D Starter Kit
In May 2019, Hasbro published a licensed version of a Stranger Things-themed Dungeons & Dragons starter kit.
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May 2019: "The Upside Down" Lego set Introduced
In May 2019, Lego introduced a Stranger Things set called "The Upside Down", based on a version of the Byers' home and its replica in the Upside Down.
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May 28, 2019: Darkness on the Edge of Town Release
On May 28, 2019, Darkness on the Edge of Town by Adam Christopher, about Hopper's past, was released.
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May 29, 2019: Stranger Things: Six Release
On May 29, 2019, the first issue of the Stranger Things: Six comic miniseries went on sale.
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June 4, 2019: Runaway Max Release
On June 4, 2019, Runaway Max by Brenna Yovanoff, exploring Max Mayfield's early life, was released.
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July 4, 2019: Third Season Release Date
On July 4, 2019, the third season of Stranger Things, consisting of eight episodes, was released.
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July 2019: Behind The Scenes: Stranger Things 3 Podcast Release
In July 2019, a three episode Behind The Scenes: Stranger Things 3 podcast was released, hosted by Dan Taberski, offering a look at the making of the show's third season.
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July 2019: Third Season Release
In July 2019, the third season of Stranger Things was released.
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September 17, 2019: Stranger Things content added to Dead by Daylight
On September 17, 2019, the Demogorgon, Nancy Wheeler, and Steve Harrington were released as part of a Stranger Things chapter in Dead by Daylight.
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September 24, 2019: Will Byers' Secret Files Release
On September 24, 2019, Will Byers' Secret Files was released.
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October 15, 2019: Visions from the Upside Down: Stranger Things Artbook Release
On October 15, 2019, Visions from the Upside Down: Stranger Things Artbook was released.
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October 20, 2019: The Simpsons parody Stranger Things
On October 20, 2019, The Simpsons episode "Treehouse of Horror XXX" included the segment Danger Things, a parody of Stranger Things.
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2019: Obverse Books Release
In 2019, UK publisher Obverse Books released a book on the first season of Stranger Things by writer Paul Driscoll.
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January 2020: Filming Slated to Begin
In January 2020, filming for the fourth season of Stranger Things was slated to begin.
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January 2020: Stranger Things: Into the Fire Release
In January 2020, the Stranger Things: Into the Fire comic miniseries started.
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February 2020: Production Confirmed
In February 2020, the Duffer Brothers confirmed that production for the fourth season of Stranger Things had started.
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February 19, 2020: Stranger Things: Zombie Boys Release
On February 19, 2020, an original graphic novel called Stranger Things: Zombie Boys was released.
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March 2020: Production Halted
In March 2020, production of the fourth season was stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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May 1, 2020: Stranger Things: Tribute Release
On May 1, 2020, Monsa Publications of Spain released Stranger Things: Tribute.
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June 18, 2020: IDW and Dark Horse Collaboration
On June 18, 2020, it was announced that IDW Publishing and Dark Horse are co-publishing a Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons miniseries.
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September 2020: Production Resumes
In September 2020, production of the fourth season of Stranger Things resumed.
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September 2020: Stranger Things: Science Camp Release
In September 2020, the Stranger Things: Science Camp comic miniseries started.
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October 13, 2020: Stranger Things: The Bully Release
On October 13, 2020, a second Stranger Things original graphic novel, titled Stranger Things: The Bully, was released.
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2020: "The Upside Down" wins Toy of the Year
In 2020, The Upside Down Lego set was awarded "Toy of the Year" and also "Specialty Toy of the Year" by the Toy Association.
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2020: Free Comic Book Day One-Shot
In 2020, another Stranger Things one-shot was released as part of Free Comic Book Day.
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June 15, 2021: Stranger Things: The Official Sticker Album Release
On June 15, 2021, Stranger Things: The Official Sticker Album was released.
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June 29, 2021: Rebel Robin Release
On June 29, 2021, Rebel Robin by A.R. Capetta, detailing Robin Buckley's struggle to accept her identity, was released.
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November 2021: Pop-Up Stranger Things Stores Open
Starting in November 2021, Netflix opened pop-up Stranger Things Stores, blending retail and immersive experiences, in several cities.
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November 17, 2021: Stranger Things content removed from Dead by Daylight
On November 17, 2021, the Stranger Things chapter was removed from the game Dead by Daylight.
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2021: Ranked Number 68 in BBC Culture Poll
In 2021, BBC Culture polled critics, journalists, academics, and industry figures, ranking Stranger Things at number 68 in the 100 greatest television series of the 21st century.
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2021: Magic: The Gathering Crossover
In 2021, Magic: The Gathering included a series of Stranger Things crossover cards as part of its special "Secret Lair" series.
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January 26, 2022: Stranger Things: Erica the Great! Release
On January 26, 2022, a third graphic novel, Stranger Things: Erica the Great!, was released.
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February 2022: Series Renewal
In February 2022, Netflix renewed the series for a fifth and final season.
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May 3, 2022: Stranger Things Mad Libs Release
On May 3, 2022, an official Stranger Things Mad Libs book (written by Gabriella DeGennaro) was released.
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June 2022: Stranger Things Experience at Fourways Mall
From 16 to 19 June 2022, Netflix South Africa partnered with Fourways Mall to operate the Stranger Things Experience.
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June 28, 2022: Stranger Things: The Official Coloring Book Release
On June 28, 2022, Stranger Things: The Official Coloring Book was released.
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July 1, 2022: Fourth Season Volume Two Release
On July 1, 2022, the second volume of the fourth season of Stranger Things, consisting of nine episodes, was released.
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July 5, 2022: Stranger Things: We Can Count on Eleven Release
On July 5, 2022, a Stranger Things-themed Little Golden Book, Stranger Things: We Can Count on Eleven was released.
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July 2022: Controversy Over Filming Location
In July 2022, Jewish and Roma groups condemned Netflix's use of Lukiškės Prison as a filming location for season four of Stranger Things, citing its historical involvement in the Holocaust and other atrocities.
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July 2022: Prequel Stage Play in Development
In July 2022, it was revealed that a prequel stage play was in the works.
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July 2022: Spinoff Series Announcement
In July 2022, it was revealed that a spinoff series was in the works.
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July 2022: Fourth Season Part Two Release
In July 2022, the second part of the fourth season of Stranger Things was released.
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July 26, 2022: Lucas on the Line Release
On July 26, 2022, Lucas on the Line by Suyi Davies Okungbowa, a novel set after the events of the third season from Lucas's perspective, was released.
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August 16, 2022: Stranger Things Tarot Deck and Guidebook Release
On August 16, 2022, Insight Editions released Stranger Things Tarot Deck and Guidebook.
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August 30, 2022: Stranger Things: The Ultimate Pop-up Book Release
On August 30, 2022, Insight Editions released Stranger Things: The Ultimate Pop-up Book.
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December 2022: Reports of Stranger Things: Tokyo
In December 2022, reports of an anime series spinoff titled Stranger Things: Tokyo came out.
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March 1, 2023: Stranger Things: The First Shadow Announced
On March 1, 2023, the Stranger Things prequel stage play was announced as Stranger Things: The First Shadow, written by Kate Trefry.
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April 2023: Animated Series Announcement
In April 2023, Netflix announced a straight-to-series order for an animated series set in the Stranger Things universe.
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April 18, 2023: Stranger Things: Heroes and Monsters Release
On April 18, 2023, a Choose Your Own Adventure book called Stranger Things: Heroes and Monsters was released.
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June 2023: Expected Start of Filming for Season 5
According to David Harbour, filming of the fifth season of Stranger Things was expected to start in June 2023.
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August 29, 2023: Coloring Book Release
On August 29, 2023, another coloring book tied to the show's fourth season was released.
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October 31, 2023: Flight of Icarus Release
On October 31, 2023, Flight of Icarus, a novel about the backstory of Eddie Munson, written by series writer Caitlin Schneiderhan, was released.
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November 6, 2023: Stranger Things content returns to Dead by Daylight
On November 6, 2023, the Stranger Things chapter was returned to the game Dead by Daylight.
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December 14, 2023: Stranger Things: The First Shadow Premieres
On December 14, 2023, Stranger Things: The First Shadow premiered at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End.
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January 1, 2024: Stranger Things: Tribute 1983/1986 Release
On January 1, 2024, Monsa Publications of Spain released Stranger Things: Tribute 1983/1986.
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January 8, 2024: Production Begins for Final Season
On January 8, 2024, production began for the fifth and final season of Stranger Things.
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February 22, 2024: Stranger Things VR Release
On February 22, 2024, Tender Claws released Stranger Things VR, an episodic VR game, on multiple major VR platforms.
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July 9, 2024: Inside, Outside, Upside Down Release
On July 9, 2024, Another Little Golden Book, Inside, Outside, Upside Down, was released.
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August 6, 2024: The First Shadow Announces Broadway Transfer
On August 6, 2024, it was announced that Stranger Things: The First Shadow would transfer to Broadway in Spring 2025.
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October 29, 2024: The Dustin Experiment Release
On October 29, 2024, The Dustin Experiment, a novel by J.L. D'Amato focusing on Dustin's life prior to the fourth season, was released.
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November 2024: Final Season Premiere Announcement
In November 2024, Netflix announced that the final season was due to premiere in 2025.
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March 28, 2025: The First Shadow Previews on Broadway
On March 28, 2025, previews are expected to begin for Stranger Things: The First Shadow at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway.
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April 22, 2025: The First Shadow Official Broadway Opening
On April 22, 2025, the official opening date is scheduled for Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway.
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July 8, 2025: Hawkins A to Z Release
On July 8, 2025, A third Little Golden Book, Hawkins A to Z, will be released.
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2025: Expected Release of Final Season
In 2025, the fifth and final season of Stranger Things is expected to be released.
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2025: Final Season Premiere
The premiere of the final season of stranger things is expected in 2025.
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February 3, 2026: Stranger Things: The Official Cookbook: Recipes from Hawkins and Beyond Release
On February 3, 2026, Stranger Things: The Official Cookbook: Recipes from Hawkins and Beyond (by Joshua David Stein) is slated for release.
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