Stranger Things' first season is absolutely excellent; its distinctive fusion of nuanced character development and astute storytelling makes it one of the standouts shows of 2016. The eight episodes of the show successfully balance multiple groupings of the key characters and give them enough background information to make them authentic and, more significantly, to make us care about them.

When young Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) disappears inexplicably, strange things start happening in the town while the continuous inquiry into Will's disappearance is underway. Stephen King, the Goonies, Steven Spielberg, and the charm of Steven Spielberg are all clearly included and delivered in such a way that Stranger Things stands out as a unique work of art.

Since there are only 8 episodes, there is a real sense of urgency to advance the plot while concentrating on the character dynamics at play. This section has produced some pretty exceptional material, including some outstanding acting and performances. With the exception of Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), the four child actors are exceptionally well written and have a realistic connection; it seems as though these youngsters are best friends. It also helps that the script is well written, has realistic language, and moves along at a good clip. An interesting watch is provided by the boys' brief asides, dramatic tension spikes, and the resulting strains.

The accurate recreation of the 1980s in Stranger Things is one of its best features. Stranger Things does a fantastic job at presenting a genuine environment, whether it is through the subtle usage of the 1980s soundtrack, the kids playing Dungeons & Dragons in the basement, or a background figure banging the TV for better coverage. Adding a sense of dread and horror to the images are the horror and suspense components that are exhibited for just long enough to stun. The proverbial "show, don't tell" adage is put to good use in this situation because the mystery is kept a secret and the monster that chases the characters isn't revealed until the last episode.

It's challenging to criticize Stranger Things' debut season. It's a terrific watch from beginning to end because of the well-written characters, the tight script, and the clear 80s nostalgia. With such a focus on the 1980s throughout, it would have been wonderful to have this done with practical effects, but it's a small complaint and one that doesn't really take away from the show. The CGI effects utilized to bring the monster to life are perhaps a little disappointing. One of the best shows of 2016 was Stranger Things, which stood out from other current shows because to its brilliant fusion of 80s nostalgia and sharp storytelling.

Overall, Season 1 of Stranger Things is fantastic and, in my opinion, raised the standard for what television program could be. It felt more like a heartfelt cinematic mystery than a massively commercialized production. I'm glad I gave this programme a go because it is now one of my favourite series to this day. The Duffers have stated that they intended the season to seem like its own contained solitary plot, like a solo movie.

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