When is Stranger Things back? Netflix finally reveals all

6 Feb 2017

Still from ‘Stranger Things 2 – Super Bowl 2017 Ad’ video. Image: Netflix US & Canada/YouTube

One of 2016’s standout successes, Stranger Things, will release season two this Hallowe’en, after a sneak peek was revealed during this year’s Super Bowl.

Last summer, Stranger Things was one of the biggest shows around, as the Netflix-owned masterpiece gained a huge following by harking back to 1980s nostalgia.

It was so popular that Netflix said we were hooked by just the third episode, faster than runaway successes Making a Murderer and Narcos, Netflix’s other 2016 blockbusters.

It will return later this year, as confirmed by a sneak peek advert shown during last night’s (5 February) Super Bowl final.

With limited shots and segments, we see that Eleven is alive – though it’s unclear if she’s well – and the rest of the gang on bikes in Ghostbusters uniforms. The Demogorgon looks bigger and scarier than ever.

For those yet to see the original, Stranger Things tells the story of the mysterious disappearance of a young boy and the ensuing search for him.

Far from a straight up-and-down detective thriller à la Broadchurch, though, this show involves top secret government experiments, supernatural forces and one very strange little girl.

It was revealed last summer that Stranger Things 2 will be produced by 21 Laps for Netflix, with executive producers Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen, as well as the original writers Matt and Ross Duffer, all back for the new run.

The first season featured actors Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Natalia Dyer, Cara Buono, Charlie Heaton and Matthew Modine.

Last September, Netflix revealed its binge ranking, establishing what episode most viewers get hooked on various TV shows.

Much like Stranger Things, shows including Orphan Black, Scream, Teen Wolf, The Get Down, iZombie and Love also caught us as early as episode three.

The longer the series, the more views needed to get fans hooked. Those with 20 or more episodes, such as The Good Wife, Gilmore Girls and Gotham took at least five episodes to really draw us in.

SHOW HOOKED EPISODE SYNOPSIS
American Horror Story: Murder House 4 Two of the house’s previous residents, interior designers Chad and Patrick, give the Harmons decorating advice.
Between 4 A teacher who turns 22 fears she may be the next victim of the virus. Chuck punishes a kid that wrecks a car while Melissa searches for Wiley and her baby.
Club de Cuervos 5 Felix considers an offer from a rival team, Chava tries to impress a cute reporter and Isabel makes a new friend.
Fuller House 4 Jackson tries to help Ramona at school but that lands them both in trouble and leads to a disagreement between DJ and Kimmy over parenting styles.
Gilmore Girls 7 Rory shares a romantic moment with Dean but doesn’t tell Lorelai. When Lorelai hears about it from Mrs Kim, she invites Dean over for movie night.
Gotham 6 When a killer starts targeting the first born of Gotham’s elite, Bullock faces traumatic memories from a nearly identical case.
How to Get Away With Murder 3 A soccer mom arrested for a petty crime turns out to be a terrorist while Annalise represents a college football star linked to Lila’s disappearance.
iZombie 3 The hit-and-run death of a mild-mannered suburban dad takes a surprising turn. Liv grapples with human emotions for Major.
Jane the Virgin 6 Jane drifts away from Michael and towards Rafael. As she gets closer to her father, she must cope with his nasty stepdaughters who attend her school.
Jessica Jones 4 A new case demands attention as Jessica tries to find out who’s spying on her for Kilgrave. Trish’s radio show yields unexpected consequences.
Love 3 Gus faces a make-or-break situation at work, while Mickey navigates a dicey new dynamic with her boss.
Making a Murderer 4 An unexpected confession casts doubt on Steven’s role in the murder case but the new suspect gives conflicting accounts of what occurred.
Marseille 4 With the party in turmoil, Barres gets bolder in his attacks. Taro makes a startling discovery about his rival’s past.
Master of None 4 Dev has a series of eye-opening experiences after he encounters some casual racism in TV auditions.
Narcos 4 Despite a new extradition treaty, the US puts more money into fighting communism, creating new challenges for Murphy and Pena on the hunt for Pablo.
Orphan Black 3 After hitting the road with Felix, Sarah and Kira are forced to seek refuge at the home of one of Sarah’s former lovers.
Prison Break 4 Michael obtains some caustic chemicals to help in his escape plan. Later, his new cellmate Haywire develops a fascination with Michael’s tattoo.
Scream 3 Just as the killer challenges her to a dangerous game, Emma learns that her mother has been keeping more secrets.
Stranger Things 3 An increasingly concerned Nancy looks for Barb and finds out what Jonathan’s been up to. Joyce is convinced Will is trying to talk to her.
Teen Wolf 3 Scott’s first date with Allison ends up in the confusion of the dreaded ‘group date’, with Lydia and Jackson in tow.
The Get Down 3 Disgraced record producer Jackie Moreno wants to shepherd Myleene’s singer career. Boo-Boo plays a rare bootleg tape at a party, inviting trouble.
The Good Wife 5 Alicia and Will have only 72 hours to prove that a freight train crash was caused by the train company and not the engineers.
The Ranch 4 Colt smooths things over with Abby. When Maggie drags Beau to The Marriott for a romantic evening, the guys have some fun back at the house.

Gordon Hunt was a journalist with Silicon Republic

editorial@siliconrepublic.com