Stranger Issues is extra than simply Demogorgons, synth soundtracks, and wonderful ‘80s hair. It’s a treasure trove of hidden references, refined callbacks, and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Easter eggs that reward probably the most eagle-eyed followers.
From deep-cut comedian nods and traditional film homages to intelligent continuity slips turned fan theories, the Duffer Brothers packed each season with little items for popular culture nerds. Whether or not you’re rewatching for the fifth time or diving in recent, there’s all the time one thing new to find.
So seize your walkie-talkie, crank up the Kate Bush, and prepare to uncover 15 of the best Easter eggs hiding in Hawkins.
The X-Males Comedian That Began It All
In season 1 episode 1, Will and Dustin are seen racing their bikes over a difficulty of Uncanny X-Males #134—an iconic comedian the place Jean Gray first reveals indicators of changing into the Darkish Phoenix.
Sound acquainted? Like Jean, Eleven has telekinetic powers, nosebleeds, and a harmful facet.
The X-Males reference isn’t simply geeky window dressing; nonetheless, it’s foreshadowing Eleven’s arc and nodding to one of the well-known power-struggle tales in superhero historical past.
It’s a intelligent method of grounding Eleven’s talents in popular culture whereas additionally giving a wink to comedian followers who know the way darkish issues can get when a hero goes rogue.
On prime of that, it’s additionally the difficulty the place Jean Gray is manipulated by a bunch referred to as The Hellfire Membership, a reputation that comes into play later within the present.
Is a Spielberg NodEleven’s Eggo Obsession
Eleven’s love of Eggos grew to become immediately iconic—nevertheless it’s greater than only a cute quirk. Her affinity for the frozen waffles echoes E.T.’s Reese’s Items obsession.
The Duffers have stated Spielberg’s E.T. was an enormous affect on Stranger Issues, and Eleven, just like the alien, is an outsider attempting to know human emotion, hiding from the authorities, and forming bonds with children.
Even the best way Mike hides her in the home is pure E.T. homage.
So each time El raids the freezer, you’re not simply watching a snack run—you’re witnessing cinematic nostalgia executed proper.
The Title Font Is Completely Retro Cool
That eerie crimson opening font? Straight-up homage to ’80s horror paperbacks—particularly Stephen King novels.
The typeface is ITC Benguiat, which you’ll acknowledge in the event you’ve ever seen a classic King cowl or cracked open a Select Your Personal Journey e-book.
The Duffers wished the present to really feel just like the worn VHS tape of your favourite scary film, and that font nails it. It screams, “This story is bizarre, harmful, and probably possessed.”
It’s not simply an aesthetic selection—it’s a tone-setter. Subsequent time you hit “skip intro,” think about giving the title card a bit further love.
Steve’s Hair = Jon Bon Jovi Realness
Steve Harrington’s wonderful, gravity-defying hair isn’t only a character trait—it’s a time machine.
His feathered, blow-dried mane is peak ‘80s heartthrob, straight out of a Bon Jovi music video or a Tiger Beat centerfold.
The Duffers have confirmed that Steve’s look was impressed by real-life ‘80s icons, and Joe Keery even stated he used Farrah Fawcett hairspray on set (identical to Steve tells Dustin in season 2).
It’s a hilarious, on-point magnificence tip and a wink on the period when hair peak equaled social standing. The larger the hair, the larger the legacy—Steve’s is virtually legendary.
Bob Newby’s Demise Mirrors Aliens
Sean Astin’s sweetly nerdy Bob Newby gained our hearts—after which crushed them together with his noble season 2 dying. However did you discover his remaining moments mirror Paul Reiser’s Aliens character arc?
Reiser performs the shady Dr. Owens in Stranger Issues, a not-so-subtle nod to his Aliens function as company weasel Burke. However this time, Reiser’s character will get redemption, whereas Bob will get the boot.
It’s just like the Duffers flipped the Aliens script—Bob is the hero Burke by no means was.
Bonus: Astin additionally performed Samwise in Lord of the Rings, one other lovable sidekick who deserves the world. Justice for Bob!
Dustin’s “NeverEnding Story” Duet Has Layers
In Stranger Issues season 3, when Dustin and Suzie belt out The NeverEnding Story theme mid-apocalypse, it’s the proper combo of cute and absurd. However it’s additionally a deep-cut ‘80s reference.
The 1984 fantasy movie The NeverEnding Story was beloved by children of the last decade—particularly ones obsessive about bizarre creatures and magical quests (sound acquainted?).
Plus, it’s a meta second: Stranger Issues itself is a unending story of friendship, loss, and rising up.
The duet went viral, launched remixes, and proved as soon as once more that the Duffers know precisely when to hit us with the nostalgia bomb.
The “Firestarter” Reference to Eleven
When you’ve ever thought Eleven felt a bit like she escaped from a Stephen King novel—you’re not flawed.
She’s closely impressed by Charlie from Firestarter, the 1980 novel (and 1984 movie) a couple of younger lady with psychic powers being chased by a shady authorities company. Sound acquainted? B
oth ladies have nosebleed-inducing powers, dangerous reminiscences of labs, and main pyro potential.
The Duffers love a King reference, and this one is baked proper into the present’s DNA. Eleven isn’t only a highly effective character—she’s a part of an extended literary lineage of supernaturally gifted ladies who deserved higher.
Hopper’s Shirt = Magnum P.I. Realness
In season 3, Chief Hopper trades in his sheriff uniform for a daring, floral button-up—and sure, that shirt is a direct nod to Magnum P.I.
Tom Selleck made the loud Hawaiian shirt iconic within the ’80s, and Hopper wears it like a badge of ironic dad-ness.
The visible is hilarious however intentional: Hopper’s midlife disaster aesthetic pairs completely together with his chaotic makes an attempt at courting Joyce and parenting Eleven.
Hopper’s vogue glow-up screams tropical noir detective with points, and we’re 100% right here for it.
Again to the Future All Over the Mall
Starcourt Mall in season 3 isn’t only a pastel dreamland—it’s a time capsule of 1985.
And one of many largest Easter eggs? Again to the Future is enjoying on the movie show.
Not solely is that this a literal shout-out to the summer time blockbuster of that yr, however the film’s themes of alternate timelines, secret labs, and wild science experiments mirror what’s occurring in Hawkins.
Plus, Steve and Robin’s chaotic, candy-fueled bonding second within the toilet is mainly the teenager model of Doc and Marty after one too many time jumps.
The Factor Poster in Will’s Basement
In season 1, look carefully in Fortress Byers and within the Byers’ basement—you’ll spot a poster for John Carpenter’s 1982 horror traditional The Factor.
Not solely is it an ideal tonal match (paranoia, isolation, shape-shifting monsters… howdy, Demogorgon), nevertheless it’s additionally a sly nod to the period’s greatest sensible results and suspense.
The Duffers have stated The Factor closely influenced the Upside Down’s gooey, terrifying aesthetic. Even the present’s sound design shares that very same squelchy, otherworldly vibe.
In order that poster isn’t simply set dressing—it’s a neon-lit arrow pointing at one in all Stranger Issues’ creepiest inspirations. Lengthy stay ‘80s horror!
New Coke Is the Most ‘80s Beverage Cameo Ever
In season 3, Lucas passionately defends New Coke—Coca-Cola’s short-lived and famously hated 1985 rebrand—throughout a break from preventing interdimensional horror.
It’s a hilarious and weirdly genuine second, capturing how even throughout a monster disaster, teenagers will argue over soda.
Whereas Erica could have crawled by way of these vents for lifetime ice cream, Lucas’s soda monologue is an actual Easter egg. The Duffers labored with Coca-Cola to resurrect the drink only for the present, making it one of the meta product placements in TV historical past.
Like it or detest it, New Coke’s cameo is a fizzy little tribute to one of many ’80s’ largest advertising and marketing flops.
The Dig Dug Arcade Sport Says Every part
In season 2, the arcade isn’t only a hangout—it’s filled with clues.
One blink-and-you’ll-miss-it gem? Dustin’s excessive rating on Dig Dug will get crushed by somebody named “MADMAX” (aka new lady Max Mayfield).
The sport’s inclusion is not any accident. Dig Dug is a couple of character digging underground to destroy monsters—sound like anybody preventing Demodogs in tunnels?
The Duffers love layering in this type of metaphorical Easter egg, and it really works like a allure. Plus, seeing Nineteen Eighties children obsessive about quarter-munching video games simply provides to the throwback vibes.
Professional tip: Hold your eyes on these arcade machines—they’re filled with story.
The Ghostbusters Halloween Costumes
Season 2 kicks off with among the best Halloween group costumes in TV historical past: the boys dressed because the Ghostbusters. And never simply generically—they debate who will get to be Venkman!
That is greater than cosplay; it’s an homage to the last word ‘80s staff of science nerds battling supernatural forces, identical to our Hawkins crew.
The second is full of fan service (these proton packs!) and hilarious child drama. And in true Stranger Issues vogue, it drops proper earlier than issues go supernaturally sideways.
Busting could make them really feel good, however even the Ghostbusters can be spooked by the Upside Down.
The Duffer Brothers’ Love for Stephen King By no means Stops
From Fortress Byers (a nod to King’s fictional city of Fortress Rock) to Eleven’s telekinetic powers and the shady authorities brokers chasing her, Stranger Issues is drenched in Stephen King DNA.
Even the present’s typeface appears to be like like the duvet of a King paperback. The Duffers have stated they grew up devouring his novels, and it reveals—particularly in how they mix horror, coming-of-age vibes, and supernatural weirdness.
And let’s not overlook the present’s unique working title: Montauk—a transparent reference to The Montauk Challenge, a conspiracy principle that impressed King’s Firestarter. It’s not simply an homage—it’s a love letter.
Will’s Birthday = A Continuity Easter Egg?
In season 2, Joyce mentions Will’s birthday is March 22. However in season 4, all the crew forgets—and that day comes and goes with no point out. Oops?
The Duffers later admitted they forgot too—and joked about pulling a George Lucas and “enhancing” the birthday later.
However followers now deal with it like an unintentional Easter egg, symbolizing how Will typically feels overlooked.
Unhappy? A bit. Meta? Undoubtedly. And with Will clearly getting into an even bigger function in season 5, this forgotten birthday could find yourself being greater than only a continuity flub. Justice for Will… and his cake.
