Without a doubt, Stranger Things is Netflix’s most successful original series. While House of Cards paved the way, Stranger Things truly became a cultural phenomenon when it premiered in 2016 – the kind of show everyone was talking about. It proved that streaming could dominate how people watch TV, popularizing binge-watching and giving Netflix the confidence to create major franchises similar to those from Marvel.
It’s rare for streaming services to share details about how well their shows perform, especially Netflix, which relies heavily on data. To understand just how valuable Stranger Things has become to Netflix, we need to look at information from outside sources. Parrot Analytics recently shared some surprising data with The Wrap that highlights the massive success of the show – and the challenges Netflix now faces as a result.
Stranger Things Has Generated Over $1 Billion In Revenue Since 2020
According to Parrot Analytics, the hit show Stranger Things has earned Netflix over $1 billion in streaming revenue worldwide since 2020. This number is likely even higher, as it doesn’t include revenue from the show’s first three seasons, which came out before 2020. Parrot Analytics also found that interest and viewership spiked with each new season released, and this data doesn’t yet include the upcoming Season 5.
There are really three major metrics of success for any streaming service.
- New subscribers – according to Parrot Analytics, since 2020, Stranger Things has been responsible for over 2 million new signups worldwide.
- Retention – a show as popular as Stranger Things will inevitably lead to short-term sign-ups, so retention depends on the quality of Netflix’s library and recommendation algorithms. That said, the staggered releases associated with seasons 4 and 5 are tremendously helpful, encouraging new subscribers to stick around a little longer.
- Engagement – typically measured in terms of minutes viewed. Stranger Things has consistently dominated streaming charts during this period.
As a huge fan, I’ve been saying it for ages, but now the numbers actually prove it: Stranger Things is easily one of Netflix’s biggest hits – and honestly, nothing else really comes close!
Stranger Things’ Success Means Netflix Face A Problem
The popularity of Stranger Things presents a challenge for Netflix. With the first part of Season 5 now available, and the second arriving on December 25th with the finale on December 31st, the show will conclude. The creators, the Duffer brothers, are also leaving Netflix for a deal with Paramount to make films. Currently, Netflix is focused on maximizing the impact of this last season, as it marks the end of the series.
Netflix is committed to keeping the world of Stranger Things alive. They’re developing an animated spin-off that takes place during the same time period as the original series, with new voice actors playing the main characters. The story has also expanded with a Broadway show, plus various novels and comics, though how closely these fit into the official storyline is questionable. However, even if these efforts succeed, the creators acknowledge that Stranger Things won’t reach the same level of massive popularity it currently enjoys. As Ross Duffer explained to Variety, they aren’t aiming to build a sprawling, endlessly expandable universe like Star Wars.
Since 2020, Stranger Things has earned Netflix over $1 billion. With season 5 coming soon—and even including a theatrical release for the finale—the show is expected to be another success. Now, Netflix is actively searching for its next big hit—a show that can capture the public’s imagination like Stranger Things did for over a decade and become a cornerstone of their streaming library.
The first part of the fifth and final season of Stranger Things is now available on Netflix. The second part will be released on December 25th, and the very last episode will stream on December 31st.
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2025-12-01 16:40