Stranger Things
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Stranger Things
Stranger Things is a popular Netflix science fiction horror drama series, largely set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, during the 1980s. The show centers on a group of young friends and their families as they confront supernatural mysteries and dangerous entities that emerge from a parallel dimension known as the Upside Down. Blending elements of suspense, adventure, and coming-of-age drama, the series is known for its nostalgic atmosphere, character-driven storytelling, and escalating supernatural threats. It has garnered a broad audience, appealing to both those who grew up in the 80s and contemporary viewers, by exploring themes of friendship, courage, and identity amidst extraordinary circumstances. While praised for its compelling narrative and performances, the content of "Stranger Things" is generally considered appropriate for older teenage audiences due to its mature themes. The show contains significant violence, frightening horror elements, and instances of strong language, which intensify across its seasons. Parents should be aware of these aspects when considering the series for younger viewers, as later installments become progressively darker and more graphic.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The series features explicit LGBTQ+ representation, notably through the character Robin Buckley, who is an openly lesbian character introduced in Season 3. Additionally, Will Byers's sexuality, specifically his being gay and having unrequited feelings for Mike, is heavily implied throughout the series and later confirmed by the actor, becoming a significant part of his character's arc in Season 4 and 5. The show depicts scenes of same-sex affection.
In Season 3, Robin Buckley comes out as a lesbian to Steve Harrington during a conversation in a bathroom stall, sharing details about her romantic feelings for a girl. In Season 4, Will Byers expresses his struggles with self-acceptance and his implied feelings for Mike, with actor Noah Schnapp later confirming Will is gay and loves Mike. In Season 5, episode 1, Will observes Robin kissing her girlfriend Vickie, which visibly impacts him as he reflects on his own desires.
Violence
Stranger Things is characterized by intense and escalating violence, gore, and disturbing imagery, which becomes more pronounced in later seasons. The show features graphic depictions of otherworldly monsters attacking and killing people, often resulting in bloody injuries, dismemberment, and grotesque body transformations. Child and teenage characters are frequently placed in extreme peril.
Profanity
Stranger Things contains moderate to strong profanity, with frequent use of various curse words and occasional stronger language, including the 'f-word' in later seasons. Both adult and child characters use expletives. The frequent use of 'Jesus Christ' as an expletive is also noted as a concern by some religious viewers, contributing to the show's overall high language severity.
Witchcraft & Occult
The central premise of Stranger Things revolves around powerful supernatural phenomena originating from a parallel dimension, the Upside Down. This includes psychic powers demonstrated by Eleven, interdimensional monsters, and a dark, malevolent realm influencing the natural world. While often framed as 'super-science' or 'sci-fi fantasy,' these elements are inherently beyond natural understanding and involve entities that could be perceived as demonic or occult-like, impacting characters through possession and other dark abilities.
Scary & Intense Content
Stranger Things is a sci-fi horror series that consistently delivers frightening and intense content. This includes numerous jump scares, disturbing creature designs, suspenseful sequences, and graphic depictions of violence and death, particularly from otherworldly monsters. The horror elements, including psychological torment and body horror, significantly escalate with each season, reaching peak intensity with characters like Vecna.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
14+ with strong parental guidance. The series is officially rated TV-14, indicating that it may not be suitable for children under 14. This recommendation is due to the escalating intensity of its violence, graphic gore, pervasive scary and disturbing imagery, frequent strong language, and the inclusion of mature themes such as LGBTQ+ representation and substance use. Later seasons, particularly Season 4 and the anticipated Season 5, are noted for becoming significantly darker and more gruesome, warranting caution for even older teens.
Good to Know
The content intensity of "Stranger Things" generally escalates with each successive season. Parents should be aware that later seasons introduce more graphic violence, disturbing imagery, and mature themes, potentially making them less suitable for younger viewers who might have handled earlier seasons. The shift in tone towards more explicit horror, especially in Season 4 and the anticipated Season 5, is significant.
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