History of Stranger Things in Timeline
Stranger Things, created by the Duffer Brothers, is a popular Netflix series produced by Monkey Massacre Productions and 21 Laps Entertainment. Set in the 1980s, it blends science fiction, horror, drama, mystery, and coming-of-age elements. Beginning in 2016, the series follows a group of young friends in Hawkins, Indiana, as they encounter supernatural events and government conspiracies related to a parallel dimension called the Upside Down. Notable for its nostalgic atmosphere, strong character development, and engaging plot, the show has released four seasons, with the fifth and final season expected in 2025.
1969: Suspicious Minds Novel Released
On February 5, 2019, the novel Suspicious Minds by Gwenda Bond, focusing on Eleven's mother Terry Ives and her experiences with Dr. Brenner in the Hawkins laboratory in 1969, was released.
1980: Montauk Setting
In 1980, the initial concept for what would become Stranger Things was "Montauk", an eight-hour sci-fi horror epic set in Long Island.
November 1983: Will Byers' Abduction
In November 1983, the events of Stranger Things season 1 began when Will Byers was abducted by a creature from the Upside Down, prompting a search led by his mother, Joyce, and Police Chief Jim Hopper.
1983: Time Period
In 1983, the Duffer Brothers chose this year as the time period because it was a year before the film Red Dawn came out, which focused on Cold War paranoia.
1983: Stranger Things: Tribute 1983/1986 Released
On January 1, 2024, Monsa Publications of Spain released Stranger Things: Tribute 1983/1986.
October 1984: Start of Season 2
In October 1984, the second season of Stranger Things is set eleven months after Will's rescue, showing Will having premonitions and the discovery of a larger threat from the Upside Down.
1984: Runaway Max Novel Released
On June 4, 2019, Runaway Max, a young adult novel by Brenna Yovanoff, exploring Max Mayfield's early life in San Diego prior to moving to Hawkins in 1984, was released.
1985: Events Leading Up to the Fourth of July
In 1985, the third season of Stranger Things is set during the days leading up to the Fourth of July celebration, featuring the new Starcourt Mall and a secret Soviet laboratory.
March 1986: The Byers Family Moves to California
In March 1986, the fourth season of Stranger Things is set eight months later. Joyce, Will, Eleven, and Jonathan move to Lenora, California, while new threats emerge in Hawkins.
1986: Stranger Things: Tribute 1983/1986 Released
On January 1, 2024, Monsa Publications of Spain released Stranger Things: Tribute 1983/1986.
1992: Publication of 'The Montauk Project: Experiments in Time'
In 1992, the book 'The Montauk Project: Experiments in Time' was published, popularizing the urban legend of supernatural events around Montauk, which influenced Stranger Things.
2000: Beetlejuice Sequel Discussions
Since 2000, Winona Ryder had been discussing a potential Beetlejuice sequel with Tim Burton, which was a condition she set for joining Stranger Things, allowing her to take a break if the sequel materialized.
2010: Duffer Brothers' Concepts
In 2010, the Duffer Brothers came up with the concept of Stranger Things independently.
2012: Montauk Film Debut
In 2012, Charlie Kessler debuted his short film Montauk at the Hamptons International Film Festival. The short film featured a similar premise to Stranger Things.
2013: Inspiration from Prisoners
In 2013, the Duffer Brothers took inspiration from the film Prisoners, detailing the moral struggles a father goes through when his daughter is kidnapped, expanding it out over eight or so hours in a serialized television approach.
April 2014: Kessler Pitches 'Montauk Project' to Duffer Brothers
During the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2014, Charlie Kessler pitched his film, 'The Montauk Project' to the Duffer brothers, which he later claimed formed the basis for Stranger Things.
2014: The Guest Film
In 2014, the Duffer Brothers were fans of Survive's music since the film The Guest.
June 2015: Winona Ryder and David Harbour Join Cast
In June 2015, Winona Ryder and David Harbour joined the cast of Stranger Things as Joyce and the unnamed chief of police, respectively.
July 2015: Survive Contacted for Soundtrack
Around July 2015, the Duffer Brothers contacted Survive to ask if they were still doing music, which led to them composing the original soundtrack for Stranger Things.
September 2015: Cara Buono Joins the Cast
In September 2015, Cara Buono joined the cast of Stranger Things as Karen, completing the main cast for the first season.
November 2015: Location Scouting Begins
In November 2015, due to weather constraints in Long Island, the production of Stranger Things began scouting locations in and around Atlanta, Georgia.
November 2015: Filming of Season 1 Begins
In November 2015, the filming of the first season of Stranger Things began extensively in Atlanta, Georgia, with the Duffer Brothers and Levy directing individual episodes.
2015: Duffer Brothers' Film Hidden
In 2015, the Duffer Brothers wrote and produced their film Hidden, emulating the style of M. Night Shyamalan, which led to them working on episodes of Wayward Pines.
2015: 21 Laps Entertainment Purchases Rights
In early 2015, Dan Cohen brought the Stranger Things script to Shawn Levy at 21 Laps Entertainment, who then purchased the rights to the series from the Duffer Brothers.
July 15, 2016: Stranger Things Season 1 Release
On July 15, 2016, the first season of Stranger Things, produced by Monkey Massacre Productions and 21 Laps Entertainment, was released on Netflix.
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, leading most viewers to complete the season.
2016: Ranked Third-Best TV Show
In 2016, Stranger Things was ranked the third-best TV show of the year by The Guardian and Empire.
2016: Netflix Purchases Stranger Things
In 2016, after reading the pilot, Netflix purchased the whole first season of Stranger Things and announced its release.
2016: Filming for the First Season Concludes
In early 2016, filming for the first season of Stranger Things concluded after extensive work at various locations in and around Atlanta, Georgia.
February 16, 2017: Representative Cicilline Compares US to Stranger Things
On February 16, 2017, United States Representative David Cicilline compared the state of the nation under Donald Trump's presidency to Stranger Things, using a "Trump Things" sign.
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.
September 2017: Netflix Sends 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.
October 4, 2017: Stranger Things: The Game Release
On October 4, 2017, Netflix and BonusXP released a free mobile game tie-in for Stranger Things, called Stranger Things: The Game, on iOS and Android devices. The game features a retro-pixel art style and is loosely based on the first season of Stranger Things.
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.
October 2017: Stranger Things Season 2 Release
In October 2017, the second season of Stranger Things was released on Netflix.
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.
October 27, 2017: Stranger Things Season 2 Release
On October 27, 2017, the second season of Stranger Things, consisting of nine episodes, was released in HDR.
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 exclusively to Target retailers.
November 2017: Sesame Street's Sharing Things Spoof
In November 2017, Sesame Street released Sharing Things, a young audience-appropriate spoof of Stranger Things.
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.
2017: Inclusion on Best TV Show List
In 2017, Stranger Things was included on The Atlantic's best TV show list.
April 2018: Lawsuit Filed Against Duffer Brothers
In April 2018, Charlie Kessler filed a lawsuit against the Duffer brothers, claiming they stole the idea for Stranger Things from his short film 'Montauk'.
June 2018: Telltale Games Announces Stranger Things Episodic Game
In June 2018, Netflix announced plans for Telltale Games to produce an episodic adventure game based on Stranger Things.
September 2018: Telltale Games' Stranger Things Project Cancellation
In September 2018, the Stranger Things episodic game project by Telltale Games was cancelled after the company laid off most of its staff.
September 26, 2018: First Issue of Comic Miniseries Released
On September 26, 2018, the first issue of a four-issue Stranger Things comic miniseries written by Jody Houser was released, telling the story from Will's perspective in the Upside Down.
October 30, 2018: 'Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down' Released
On October 30, 2018, the behind-the-scenes companion book 'Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down: The Official Behind-The-Scenes Companion' was released.
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.
November 13, 2018: Release of 'How to Survive in a Stranger Things World'
On November 13, 2018, 'How to Survive in a Stranger Things World', a children's book offering advice from Stranger Things, was released.
2018: Stranger Things 3: The Game Announcement
In 2018, BonusXP announced a second mobile game, Stranger Things 3: The Game, during The Game Awards. This game was released as a tie-in for the third season.
February 5, 2019: Suspicious Minds Novel Released
On February 5, 2019, the novel Suspicious Minds by Gwenda Bond, focusing on Eleven's mother, was released.
March 26, 2019: Release of Hawkins Middle School Yearbook/Hawkins High School Yearbook
On March 26, 2019, the two-in-one Hawkins Middle School Yearbook/Hawkins High School Yearbook was released.
April 2019: Summary Judgement Denied
In April 2019, the judge denied summary judgment for the Duffer brothers, allowing Charlie Kessler's suit to proceed to trial.
May 2019: Kessler Withdraws Lawsuit
In May 2019, Charlie Kessler withdrew his lawsuit against the Duffer brothers after reviewing evidence that showed the Duffers independently conceived Stranger Things.
May 2019: Stranger Things Dungeons & Dragons Starter Kit Published
In May 2019, Hasbro published a licensed version of a Stranger Things-themed Dungeons & Dragons starter kit.
May 2019: Lego Introduces The Upside Down Set
In May 2019, Lego introduced a Stranger Things set called "The Upside Down", based on the Byers' home and its replica in the Upside Down.
May 28, 2019: Darkness on the Edge of Town Novel Released
On May 28, 2019, Darkness on the Edge of Town by Adam Christopher, about Hopper's past, was released.
May 29, 2019: First Issue of Stranger Things: Six Released
On May 29, 2019, the first issue of the Stranger Things: Six four-part miniseries was released, focusing on a girl named Francine with precognitive powers.
June 4, 2019: Runaway Max Novel Released
On June 4, 2019, Runaway Max, a young adult novel by Brenna Yovanoff, exploring Max Mayfield's early life, was released.
July 4, 2019: Stranger Things Season 3 Release
On July 4, 2019, the third season of Stranger Things, consisting of eight episodes, was released.
July 2019: Behind The Scenes: Stranger Things 3 Podcast Release
In July 2019, the Behind The Scenes: Stranger Things 3 podcast was released. It had three episodes and was hosted by Dan Taberski.
July 2019: Stranger Things Season 3 Release
In July 2019, the third season of Stranger Things was released on Netflix.
September 17, 2019: Demogorgon Released in Dead by Daylight
Within a September 17, 2019, update for Dead by Daylight, the Demogorgon was released as one of the killers, along with Nancy Wheeler and Steve Harrington as survivors.
September 24, 2019: Will Byers' Secret Files Released
On September 24, 2019, Will Byers' Secret Files was released.
October 15, 2019: Visions from the Upside Down: Stranger Things Artbook Released
On October 15, 2019, Visions from the Upside Down: Stranger Things Artbook was released.
October 20, 2019: The Simpsons' Danger Things Parody
On October 20, 2019, The Simpsons episode "Treehouse of Horror XXX" aired, including the segment Danger Things, a parody of Stranger Things.
2019: Obverse Books Released Book on Season One
In 2019, UK publisher Obverse Books released a book on the first season of Stranger Things by writer Paul Driscoll as part of its Silver Archive series.
January 2020: Filming for Season 4 Slated to Begin
In January 2020, filming for the fourth season of Stranger Things was slated to begin, expected to consist of eight episodes.
January 2020: Stranger Things: Into the Fire Comic Series Started
In January 2020, the Stranger Things: Into the Fire comic miniseries, a sequel to the Six miniseries, started.
February 2020: Season 4 Production Confirmed
In February 2020, the Duffer Brothers confirmed that production for the fourth season of Stranger Things had started with the release of a teaser.
February 19, 2020: Stranger Things: Zombie Boys Graphic Novel Released
On February 19, 2020, Stranger Things: Zombie Boys, an original graphic novel, was released.
March 2020: Production Halted Due to COVID-19
In March 2020, production of the fourth season of Stranger Things was stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 1, 2020: Stranger Things: Tribute Released
On May 1, 2020, Monsa Publications of Spain released Stranger Things: Tribute.
June 18, 2020: Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons Miniseries Announced
On June 18, 2020, it was announced that IDW Publishing and Dark Horse are co-publishing a Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons miniseries.
September 2020: Production Resumes
In September 2020, production of the fourth season of Stranger Things resumed after being halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 2020: Stranger Things: Science Camp Comic Series Started
In September 2020, the Stranger Things: Science Camp four-issue comic miniseries started.
October 13, 2020: Stranger Things: The Bully Graphic Novel Released
On October 13, 2020, Stranger Things: The Bully, an original graphic novel focusing on the characters Troy and James, was released.
2020: Free Comic Book Day One-Shot Released
In 2020, Another Stranger Things one-shot was released as part of Free Comic Book Day, and was set shortly after the Battle of Starcourt Mall depicted in the series' third season.
2020: The Upside Down Set Wins Toy of the Year Awards
In 2020, The Upside Down Lego set was awarded "Toy of the Year" and "Specialty Toy of the Year" by the Toy Association.
June 15, 2021: Stranger Things: The Official Sticker Album Released
On June 15, 2021, Stranger Things: The Official Sticker Album was released.
June 29, 2021: Rebel Robin Novel Released
On June 29, 2021, Rebel Robin, a young adult novel by A.R. Capetta, detailing Robin Buckley's struggle to accept her identity, was released.
November 2021: Netflix's Games Service Launch
In November 2021, Netflix launched its Games service for its mobile app using both of the Stranger Things mobile games.
November 2021: Stranger Things Pop-Up Stores Opening
Starting in November 2021, Netflix opened pop-up Stranger Things Stores in several cities, offering retail and immersive experiences.
November 17, 2021: Removal of Stranger Things Chapter in Dead by Daylight
On November 17, 2021, the Stranger Things chapter was removed from Dead by Daylight.
2021: Stranger Things Ranked Among Greatest TV Series
In 2021, BBC Culture polled critics to rank the 100 greatest television series of the 21st century, where Stranger Things came in at number 68.
2021: Stranger Things Crossover Cards
In 2021, Magic: The Gathering included a series of Stranger Things crossover cards as part of its special "Secret Lair" series.
2021: Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales Release
In 2021, Next Games released a third mobile game called Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales, a story-driven puzzle role-playing game.
2021: Rebel Robin: Surviving Hawkins Podcast Release
In 2021, the six-episode scripted podcast companion to the Rebel Robin novel, entitled Rebel Robin: Surviving Hawkins, was released.
January 26, 2022: Stranger Things: Erica the Great! Graphic Novel Released
On January 26, 2022, a third graphic novel, Stranger Things: Erica the Great!, was released.
February 2022: Stranger Things Renewed for Final Season
In February 2022, Netflix renewed Stranger Things for a fifth and final season.
May 3, 2022: Official Stranger Things Mad Libs Book Released
On May 3, 2022, an official Stranger Things Mad Libs book (written by Gabriella DeGennaro) was released.
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.
June 28, 2022: Stranger Things: The Official Coloring Book Released
On June 28, 2022, Stranger Things: The Official Coloring Book was released.
July 1, 2022: Stranger Things Season 4 Volume 2 Release
On July 1, 2022, the second volume of the fourth season of Stranger Things, consisting of nine episodes, was released.
July 5, 2022: Stranger Things: We Can Count on Eleven Little Golden Book Released
On July 5, 2022, a Stranger Things-themed Little Golden Book, Stranger Things: We Can Count on Eleven was released.
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 due to its history in the Holocaust.
July 2022: Announcement of Stranger Things Prequel Stage Play
In July 2022, it was revealed that a Stranger Things prequel stage play was in the works, to be produced by Sonia Friedman and Stephen Daldry.
July 2022: Spinoff Series in the Works
In July 2022, it was revealed that a spinoff series was in the works.
July 2022: Stranger Things Season 4 Volume 2 Release
In July 2022, the second part of the fourth season of Stranger Things was released on Netflix, completing the season's release.
July 26, 2022: Lucas on the Line Novel Released
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.
August 16, 2022: Stranger Things Tarot Deck and Guidebook Released
On August 16, 2022, Insight Editions released Stranger Things Tarot Deck and Guidebook.
August 30, 2022: Stranger Things: The Ultimate Pop-up Book Released
On August 30, 2022, Insight Editions released Stranger Things: The Ultimate Pop-up Book.
December 2022: Reports of Anime Spinoff
In December 2022, reports surfaced about a potential anime series spinoff titled Stranger Things: Tokyo, though its existence wasn't officially confirmed.
March 1, 2023: Stranger Things: The First Shadow Announcement
On March 1, 2023, the prequel stage play was announced as Stranger Things: The First Shadow, written by Kate Trefry.
April 18, 2023: Stranger Things: Heroes and Monsters Choose Your Own Adventure Book Released
On April 18, 2023, a Choose Your Own Adventure book called Stranger Things: Heroes and Monsters was released.
June 2023: Expected Start of Filming Season 5
In June 2023, filming of the fifth season of Stranger Things was expected to start, according to David Harbour, but was delayed by the Writers Guild of America strike.
August 29, 2023: Coloring Book Released
On August 29, 2023, another coloring book tied to the show's fourth season was released.
October 31, 2023: Flight of Icarus Novel Released
On October 31, 2023, Flight of Icarus, a novel about the backstory of Eddie Munson, written by series writer Caitlin Schneiderhan, was released.
November 6, 2023: Return of Stranger Things Chapter in Dead by Daylight
On November 6, 2023, the Stranger Things chapter returned to Dead by Daylight.
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.
January 1, 2024: Stranger Things: Tribute 1983/1986 Released
On January 1, 2024, Monsa Publications of Spain released Stranger Things: Tribute 1983/1986.
January 8, 2024: Production Began on Season 5
On January 8, 2024, production began on the fifth and final season of Stranger Things, and wrapped on December 20.
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.
July 9, 2024: Little Golden Book Released
On July 9, 2024, a Little Golden Book, Inside, Outside, Upside Down, was released.
August 6, 2024: Stranger Things: The First Shadow Coming to Broadway
On August 6, 2024, it was announced that Stranger Things: The First Shadow would transfer to Broadway in Spring 2025.
October 29, 2024: The Dustin Experiment Novel Released
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.
November 2024: Premiere Date for Final Season Announced
In November 2024, Netflix announced the final season of Stranger Things was due to premiere in 2025.
March 28, 2025: Stranger Things: The First Shadow Broadway Previews
Previews for Stranger Things: The First Shadow are expected to begin at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway on March 28, 2025.
April 22, 2025: Stranger Things: The First Shadow Broadway Official Opening
The official opening date for Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway is scheduled for April 22, 2025.
July 8, 2025: Little Golden Book Released
On July 8, 2025, a third Little Golden Book, Hawkins A to Z, will be released.
2025: Expected Release of Stranger Things Final Season
In 2025, the fifth and final season of Stranger Things is expected to be released.
2025: Expected Premiere of Final Season
In 2025, the fifth and final season of Stranger Things is expected to premiere.
February 3, 2026: Cookbook 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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