Stranger Things: 10 fascinating facts that reveal everything you didn’t see

Exclusive Streaming of Stranger Things | Image via Netflix
Exclusive Streaming of Stranger Things | Image via Netflix

Stranger Things quickly surpassed its initial success on Netflix and gained global recognition. Supernatural mysteries, 1980s nostalgia, and lovable characters helped make the show a favorite among millions. However, beneath its entertaining story and major moments lie many intriguing elements that most fans have not seen. The episodes were created with a great deal of history, creativity, and unspoken mysteries.

The cast and creative team collaborated to bring original and distinctive elements to life, some of which were inspired by actual sites and others by the actors' creativity. The unique details mentioned here explain why Stranger Things stands out both in front of and behind the camera. It provides details about ten unexpected facts you may not have heard before about the show.

Disclaimer: This article is solely the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.


Here is the list of the 10 fascinating facts on Stranger Things that reveal everything you didn’t see:

10. Original Title and Setting: "Montauk"

Stranger Things' Project Montauk | Image via Netflix
Stranger Things' Project Montauk | Image via Netflix

The original title of Stranger Things was Montauk, and the narrative was set in the actual town of Montauk, New York. According to the book The Montauk Project: Experiments in Time, this site was picked because it has been linked to conspiracy theories concerning covert government experimentation. Filming in Montauk was more difficult than expected. It was usually chilly there, and running a factory was expensive.

To address these difficulties, the authors placed the story in Hawkins, a fictitious Indiana town. This move allowed the writers to write with more creative freedom, allowing them to develop stories that were more accessible to a wider audience. The show's title changed as it relocated to a new location. Despite their initial hesitancy, the show's makers ultimately decided to call it Stranger Things due to Stephen King's influence.


9. Eleven was meant to die

Eleven from Stranger Things | Image via Netflix
Eleven from Stranger Things | Image via Netflix

At the start of Stranger Things, the end of Season 1 was meant to see the character Eleven lose her life. The show's producers envisioned the conclusion, in which Eleven sacrifices her life to keep Mike and Will safe. Eventually, the creators saw that there could be more seasons for the show as it developed. They realized that Millie Bobby Brown gave a powerful performance as Eleven.

After seeing how different the show was without her, they decided to keep Eleven, which allowed her story to progress through the next seasons. David was saved as a result of this decision, which allowed the show to continue developing its plot and characters.


8. Massive casting search

The Duffer Brothers | Image via Stranger Things
The Duffer Brothers | Image via Stranger Things

At the start of making Stranger Things, the Duffer Brothers planned for Eleven to die by the end of the first season. The creators viewed the season as a brief journey in which Eleven sacrificed herself to save the others. They realized that Eleven was essential to the plot and that further seasons might be helpful as the series progressed.

They believed that it was crucial to keep the character alive due to Millie Bobby Brown's outstanding portrayal of Eleven. The difference in story choice helped later seasons build much stronger stories and characters.


7. Stephen King's influence on Eleven's casting

Gaten Matarazzo | Image via Netflix
Gaten Matarazzo | Image via Netflix

A lot of time was spent finding the right people for Stranger Things. Carmen Cuba and the Duffers were tasked with selecting the best young actors from a large pool of applicants. They sought individuals who could give their characters a sense of realism and uniqueness.

When Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin, auditioned, the casting team liked his lively spirit and offered him the role right after. Finding the best cast made a significant difference in the show's success.


6. The upside-down was almost called "The Nether"

The Upside-Down in Stranger Things | Image via Netflix
The Upside-Down in Stranger Things | Image via Netflix

While filming the early episodes of Stranger Things, the upside-down dimension was actually scripted as and referred to as "The Nether" by those involved. But originally, the characters referred to the Upside Down as "the Upside Down" during the first season, and this name became recognizable. They settled on the term, and it became the main name for this uneasy space.

The Upside Down is the shadow of our own world. It is full of monsters and has an eerie atmosphere. The addition of the mysterious serpent gave the show a special, unfamiliar tone.


5. Steve Harrington's character arc changed

Steve Harrington | Image via Netflix
Steve Harrington | Image via Netflix

When the show began, Steve Harrington was introduced as your average high school bully. The Duffer Brothers planned from the start that he would not survive the first season. But actor Joe Keery made the character interesting and lovable. His acting performance moved the creators to rewrite Steve’s story.

Steve is currently portrayed as a brave and kind character, in contrast to his first appearance. He often helped and protected the younger children, mainly Dustin. Many followers adored Steve as a result of this metamorphosis. The way Keery’s character goes from unconcerned to caring clearly marks the impact he has on the program.


4. Real-time head shaving scene of David Harbour

David Harbour in Stranger Things | Image via Netflix
David Harbour in Stranger Things | Image via Netflix

In the fourth season of Stranger Things, David Harbour lost his hair in the role of Jim Hopper for a scene taking place in prison. While filming, Harbour did shave his head, but no special effects were used. Every part of the scene was set just right, since it had to be done perfectly the first time.

To prevent any issues, test sessions for hair and cosmetics arrangements were conducted. Harbour’s honest effort made everything in the film seem true to Hopper’s life in the Russian jail. Since so much attention to detail was given, the audience could feel even more excited about the drama.


3. Lucas's jersey honors Kobe Bryant

Lucas's jersey | Image via Netflix
Lucas's jersey | Image via Netflix

Season 4 of Stranger Things sees Lucas Sinclair, played by Caleb McLaughlin, join the basketball team at Hawkins High. He wears jersey 8, which is dedicated to NBA star Kobe Bryant. Bryant chose number 8 when he first played for the Los Angeles Lakers at the start of his career. McLaughlin created this tribute since he was such a fan of Bryant.

According to Netflix, the idea for the show was thought of by McLaughlin himself. Although high school players in the 1980s wore numbers ranging from 0 to 5, the show's producers accepted the tribute to Bryant's legacy. This feature personalizes the character while also connecting the show to real-world sports history.


2. Eggo Waffles' popularity surge

Eggo Waffles in Stranger Things | Image via Netflix
Eggo Waffles in Stranger Things | Image via Netflix

There is a strong attachment between Eleven, as played by Millie Bobby Brown, and Eggo waffles in the series. The Eggo brand became much more popular because of the show’s repeated attention to waffles. Following the release of Season 2 in October 2017, consumers purchased 14% more Eggo waffles than they had in previous years. Many social media users mentioned the brand in higher numbers than ever before during that month.

Eggo’s parent company, Kellogg’s, celebrated this sudden opportunity by adding older Eggo adverts to Stranger Things content, even appearing in the Super Bowl ad. It demonstrates how television can influence viewers to purchase goods and recall previous purchases.


1. The show's impact on real-world locations

Bradley's Big Buy | Image via Netflix
Bradley's Big Buy | Image via Netflix

Real-world locations featured in the show gained more notoriety as it gained popularity. The grocery shop where Bradley's Big Buy was filmed in Jackson, Georgia, now attracts tourists as a result of the film. People come to the store to see where Eleven took Eggo waffles early in the series. They have welcomed the popularity by selling merchandise with Amigurumi design and setting up a guestbook where you can add messages.

It proves that a television show can encourage businesses and tourism, making famous locations for fans that were not popular before.


Smart creative choices, surprising changes, and details made Stranger Things succeed in having a spooky plot and great actors. The show grew in unexpected shapes with each season. Card characters intended to exit the story soon became popular with viewers. Real-world events such as the Stephen King and Kobe Bryant homages made the show feel more meaningful. Brands like Eggo and places like a small grocery store in Georgia were both affected in the real world.

They expose how meticulous, dedicated, and passionate the team was in every part of the series. They point out how television is important not only for telling stories, but also for changing cultural patterns, starting trends, and uniting people. In the end, Stranger Things became more than a TV show, making a difference in many areas.

Edited by Sezal Srivastava