There’s no doubt that “Stranger Things” takes pride in its nostalgic ’80s allure. The Duffer Brothers‘ TV phenomenon doesn’t hide its influences – in every scene it makes sure that we know their show takes place during the era of Reaganomics and Rubik’s cubes. It’s not just the outside influences. The attention to detail the Duffers bring to the show’s production is noteworthy. If you happen to decide to rewatch the first season, in anticipation of this Halloween’s upcoming new episodes, make sure to pay special attention to the pitch-perfect music cues, the subtle homages to eighties movies, and, of course, the endless barrage of outlandish fashion statements (Mom jeans anybody?).

Continue reading New Throwback ‘Stranger Things’ Posters Riff On Iconic 1980s Movies at The Playlist.

Netflix‘s “Stranger Things” was a warm-hearted homage to ’80s Spielberg-ian, youthful, adventure yarns. It was a major breakthrough hit for the streaming company and, given the absurd demand, a second season was inevitable. Yes, the plot was outrageous and silly, but that’s what you should expect from a show whose greatest influence was 1985’s extremely likable, compulsively entertaining “The Goonies.”

If anything, the show proved just how popular and effective nostalgia can be marketing-wise.

Continue reading Vintage ‘Stranger Things’ Season 2 Posters Continue The ’80s Vibe at The Playlist.

When I sat down with Matt and Ross Duffer (collectively known as the Duffer Brothers) last month they were pretty calm, cool and collected for two guys whose first series, “Stranger Things,” had become a cultural phenomenon and earned a tantalizing 18 Emmy nominations after the debut of its first season. To clarify, they certainly were not cocky or overconfident, but considering the looming deadline to submit nine episodes of the second season to Netflix they certainly were not as stressed as you or I would probably be.

Continue reading ‘Stranger Things’: Duffer Brothers On Inspiration, Season 2, And Knowing When It Will All End [Interview] at The Playlist.