Stranger Things, created by the Duffer Brothers, is a Netflix original series that blends science fiction, horror, and 1980s nostalgia. The first episode of Season 1, The Vanishing of Will Byers, effectively establishes the show’s tone, key themes, and narrative arc using media language, genre conventions, representation, and considerations of industry and audience.

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Media Language
The first episode uses mise-en-scène to evoke the 1980s, with period-specific details like rotary phones, wood-paneled interiors, and vintage clothing. Cinematography emphasizes warm, golden lighting in domestic spaces to contrast with the dark, shadowy tones of the Upside Down. The editing style heightens suspense, particularly in scenes such as Will’s disappearance, where rapid cuts and eerie sound design intensify tension. Intertextual references to 1980s pop culture, like E.T. and Dungeons & Dragons, create a nostalgic atmosphere that appeals to older viewers while immersing younger audiences in a richly textured world.

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Genre
The first episode sets up Stranger Things as a hybrid of science fiction, horror, and coming-of-age drama. It opens with a high-tension sequence at Hawkins National Laboratory, where a shadowy creature escapes, introducing the supernatural horror element. Simultaneously, the scenes with Will and his friends playing Dungeons & Dragons ground the narrative in a relatable, suburban setting, typical of 1980s family dramas. The juxtaposition of these elements builds suspense and intrigue, inviting viewers to anticipate how these narrative threads will converge.

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Representation
The characters introduced in the first episode reflect diverse archetypes. Will’s friends embody the classic nerdy, misfit group, drawing on 1980s coming-of-age tropes while offering a modern, inclusive twist with characters like Lucas. Joyce Byers, portrayed by Winona Ryder, defies the stereotypical "hysterical mother" trope by showcasing determination alongside her grief. The introduction of Eleven subverts expectations of girlhood, positioning her as both vulnerable and powerful, a central figure in the unfolding mystery.

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Industry
As a Netflix production, Stranger Things represents the platform’s strategy of creating high-quality, binge-worthy content tailored for global audiences. The show’s mix of nostalgic references and universal themes makes it appealing across age groups and markets, while its serialized format encourages sustained viewer engagement.

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Audience
The first episode effectively targets a dual audience. Nostalgic 1980s pop culture elements resonate with older viewers, while younger audiences are drawn to the relatable friendships and supernatural intrigue. By blending genres and themes, Stranger Things sets up a narrative that is both deeply familiar and refreshingly new, ensuring widespread appeal.

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​​CHECK YOUR LEARNING

1. Media Language: How does the use of lighting and color in Episode 1 create contrasting atmospheres between Hawkins and the Upside Down?

2. Media Language: Identify one example of intertextuality in the first episode and explain how it contributes to the nostalgic tone of the show.

3. Genre: What genre conventions of science fiction and horror are established in the opening scene at Hawkins National Laboratory?

4. Genre: How does the coming-of-age drama aspect of the show complement the supernatural elements introduced in Episode 1?

5. Representation: How does Joyce Byers challenge or reinforce traditional representations of motherhood in media?

6. Representation: In what ways does the introduction of Eleven subvert conventional gender roles often seen in sci-fi and horror genres?

7. Industry: Why is Stranger Things significant as a Netflix original production, and how does its serialized format influence audience engagement?

8. Industry: Discuss how Stranger Things appeals to a global audience. What production or narrative choices make it accessible across different cultures and age groups?

9. Audience: How does Stranger Things cater to both nostalgic older viewers and younger audiences in Episode 1?

10. Overall Impact: How does the first episode effectively set up the main themes and narrative arcs of the series? Provide examples of specific moments or characters that contribute to this.

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Episode One

Episode one of Stranger Things introduces viewers to the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, in 1983, blending nostalgia with mystery to establish the show’s central narrative arcs and themes. The episode’s opening scene at Hawkins National Laboratory sets a suspenseful tone, using dark lighting, eerie sound effects, and quick cuts to evoke the science fiction and horror genres. This tone contrasts sharply with the warm, nostalgic suburban setting of the town, where the lives of four young friends—Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will—unfold.

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The episode utilizes intertextuality as a key element of its media language. References to 1980s pop culture, such as E.T., Dungeons & Dragons, and The Goonies, are embedded throughout, evoking nostalgia and grounding the series in its period setting. These cultural callbacks serve as a bridge for older audiences while introducing younger viewers to iconic motifs of the era.

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The introduction of Eleven, a mysterious girl with telekinetic powers, subverts traditional gender roles. Her shaved head and lack of verbal communication present her as vulnerable yet powerful. In contrast, Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) offers a portrayal of motherhood marked by desperation and resilience, challenging stereotypes through her frantic yet determined search for her missing son, Will.

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The episode’s narrative structure alternates between the suburban normalcy of the boys’ lives, Joyce’s escalating panic, and the shadowy dangers of the laboratory, setting up a multilayered story. The soundtrack further enhances the emotional resonance, blending synthesized tracks with 1980s hits.

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As a Netflix original, Stranger Things is emblematic of the streaming era’s storytelling freedom, allowing for a serialized narrative that draws audiences into binge-watching. By combining engaging characters, suspenseful plotlines, and nostalgic appeal, Episode One lays a compelling foundation for the series, ensuring its broad appeal across demographics and cultures.