How “Stranger Things” Revived the 1980s: From Eggo Waffles to Kate Bush
Most people who lived through the 80s remember the big hair, questionable neon fashion, and analog inconveniences with a mix of fondness and maybe some regret. And yet, somehow, Stranger Things has convinced Gen Z that physical media is cool and mullets should make a comeback. Fashion quickly followed, with people searching for vintage denim jackets and other 80s-inspired clothes.
What started as a supernatural adventure set in 1983 has grown into a cultural force that does far more than reference nostalgia. The hit show instead resurrects nostalgia in a way that feels both familiar and unexpectedly new. With each season, the series brings back the aesthetics of the 1980s, allowing a whole new generation to experience the iconic decade in a whole new light.
The show’s influence was clear from the beginning. In Season 1, “Chapter Six: The Monster,” Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) steals several boxes of her favorite food, Eggo Waffles. What seemed like a small character detail turned into a major Eggo resurgence. After Season 2’s release, Kellogg’s reported a 14% increase in Eggo consumption and the highest number of monthly social media mentions in one month for the brand. Only one of the many moments that the fictional characters have brought a brand back into the spotlight.
The show’s impact is perhaps the most visible in its use of music. Season 4 delivered one of the biggest moments in the entire series. In the episode “Dear Billy,” Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink) is trapped by Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) in the Upside Down and nearly escapes death through the power of her favorite song. As she runs for her life in the emotional, climactic, and unforgettable scene, the 1985 hit “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush adds another layer to the moment.
But the real surprise came after the episode aired. Decades after the song’s release, it shot back up the charts, hitting #1 on the Billboard Global 200 and reaching 1 billion streams on Spotify shortly after. Kate Bush herself released a statement on her website thanking the Duffer brothers and celebrating the show’s massive impact. Stranger Things brought the song to life once again, and it was definitely not a one-time event. The show has consistently brought older tracks into modern playlists, turning both teens and adults into nostalgia-driven listeners
Beyond music, the series consistently fuels online trends. Season 2 gave us viral hashtags like the #JusticeforBarb, which took over the internet. Season 4 led to the viral fan-made video remixes of iconic lines like “Chrissy, wake up” across social media platforms. Other lines, like “You are just like Papa,” also became instantly recognizable audio stims circulating online. Every season continues to generate a whole new ecosystem of memes, edits, and viral moments.
Now, with Season 5, Vol. 1, finally here and the end of Stranger Things in sight, the stage is set for the show to create more major moments. The Duffer Brothers have teased bigger stakes and more ambitious storytelling than the series has ever attempted. And with that comes the possibility of new music revivals, quotable moments, and fashion waves that will further define the show.
Featured image: STRANGER THINGS. Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield in STRANGER THINGS. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2022
