Growing up is something everybody struggles with, no one wants to leave something familiar. Many TV shows and movies convey this feeling people get when leaving behind their childhood memories, but a special show that really develops these feelings is Stranger Things. 

Stranger Things is a popular Netflix TV show with a total of 59.6 million viewers in . It follows a group of kids living in a small Indiana town as they battle monsters and take on an evil that is greater than themselves. 

Why Might the TV Show Stranger Things Help Kids Overcome Any Childhood Struggles?

Stranger Things helps many overcome childhood struggles by bringing up topics a lot of young people have to live with and grow past. Some themes involved in this show people may relate to are speaking up about their feelings or expressing their unique qualities. In their childhood years they have so much going on, so it is good to know people are not alone during difficult conditions. In season three the character Nancy returns back home after being mistreated at work, but then after talking with her mother she learns she should stand up for herself more even though no one else will. This is a perfect example of how talking with people and noticing can mean a lot, especially in difficult situations. 

Besides All the Monsters – Can Viewers Relate to Any Characters Hardships/Situations

Can viewers relate to any characters? According to students who have watched Stranger Things, the most common answer is yes they can. A popular character that a student said she can relate to is Max. Max is funny, charismatic, and smart, but does struggle having to grieve the loss of her brother. For example “Max uses music to escape from the troubles of reality”, which ties into society today despite the show taking place during the 80’s. This helps students by showing audiences that there are helpful ways to cope with the deep struggles children sometimes face when growing up. 

Why Was It Crucial for Directors to Put These Messages About Growing up Into the Show?

How come it was necessary for the Directors to put messages about childhood into the show? This was important because it is a very real and relatable thing that can change someone for the better. Even if it is seeing another person go through something similar it is very impactful to see how characters overcome growing up. When writers and directors are able to express their opinions through films and television it’s usually because they once went through similar struggles, like school bullies, grieving loved ones, or losing friendships. 

Which Characters Change the Most Because of Growing up and Why?

The character that changes the most in the show would be Will since he is not only affected by the treacherous monsters, but also struggles with bullying from his peers at school. This childhood dilemma is common with kids and was important to go into. After his bullying Will is inexpressive when  it comes to his feelings and he can’t be himself around anyone anymore. His friends begin noticing his behavior and understand what was going on. This realization made him feel free and got him to where he is today in the show. This is a sizable change that came along with overcoming struggles growing up. 

How Do Troubling Family Situations Shape the Characters?

Family struggles help shape the characters and drive motivations creating internal conflict. One character, Billy, went through many troubles in season three and didn’t have a great life before moving to Hawkins along with his step-sister who he treated poorly. Towards the end of the season Billy realizes that he only acted rude to his step-mom and sister because he wanted things to go back to normal when he was a kid, surfing the coast of California, and making fond memories with his parents. 

Stranger Things includes important themes about growing up, as characters develop strong relationships with friends and come to many great realizations. “In the Strange affairs of adolescence, friends can be your lifeline” this quote reflects on how important friends are and how helpful they can be in times of struggle (Innerplanet 1). This show is perfect for teens and children who can’t get behind the fact that everything is changing and childhood struggles are necessary to speak about and overcome with the help of others .