Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dark 1980s-set sci-fi/horror drama is gory but great.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Stranger Things
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 551 parent reviews
Parents say the show features a mix of compelling storytelling alongside intense violence, gore, and mature themes, making it best suited for viewers aged 12 and above. Many reviews note that while the earlier seasons are less graphic, the later seasons exhibit a significant increase in violence and adult content, prompting concerns about its appropriateness for younger audiences.
- intense violence
- mature themes
- age-appropriate
- graphic content
- mixed reviews
- family viewing
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 2,760 kid reviews
Kids say the show is highly enjoyable, blending horror and sci-fi elements, with many praising its creativity and nostalgia. However, it features significant violence and mature themes, with varying opinions on age appropriateness—some feel it’s suitable for viewers as young as 10, while others recommend waiting until they are older due to graphic content and swearing, particularly in later seasons.
- violence levels
- age appropriateness
- creativity and nostalgia
- mixed season ratings
- parental guidance advised
- graphic content
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
STRANGER THINGS kicks off with the mysterious disappearance of young Will (Noah Schnapp), who vanishes in the woods while biking home from a Dungeons & Dragons session with his friends Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), and Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin). The first season centers on getting him back from the terrifying, eerie Upside Down: a supernatural, monster-filled realm below the small town of Hawkins, Indiana. The characters include Will's terrified mother, Joyce (Winona Ryder), and his brother, Jonathan (Charlie Heaton), as well as bold Sheriff Hopper (David Harbour). There's also a mysterious girl known as Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) who's escaped from a shadowy experimental facility that seems somehow connected to the Upside Down. As the show progresses, the friends learn more about the Upside Down and the threats it holds and must work with each other -- as well as with allies like fellow teens Max (Sadie Sink), Steve (Joe Keery), Nancy (Natalia Dyer), and Robin (Maya Hawke) -- to triumph over the darkness.
Is It Any Good?
Dark, creepy, and sublimely intriguing, this 1980s throwback will remind you of many a vintage-era sci-fi/horror movie, in the most pleasant way imaginable. The cast is clad in dated '80s wear, walls are (fake) wood-paneled, phones are firmly attached to cords, and kids are free to race around on their bicycles, looking for clues. And there are lots of clues to look for, as it quickly becomes clear that all is not as it seems in the small-town setting.
In the first season, violence and gore are relatively low, while atmosphere and spookiness are high -- that changes as the series progresses, with some pretty gruesome deaths in the spotlight. But with characters of both kid- and parent-age to relate to, fear fans of all ages will have someone to root for. Tweens and teens will be interested in the mystery and compelled by the finely drawn characters, while adults can also enjoy the vintage clothing, technology, and prices. It's likely that everyone will be charmed by the spunkiness of the young heroes, who are ready, willing, and able to save the day when the adults in their lives are stymied.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what genre Stranger Things is. Sci-fi? Horror? Drama? All of the above? What elements of each does it have?
What era is this drama set in? How can you tell? Consider costuming, dialogue, props, and settings in your answer.
Many reviews of Stranger Things refer to 1980s dramas like E.T., It, and Poltergeist. How is Stranger Things like or unlike these movies? Why are these comparisons made?
How do the characters in Stranger Things demonstrate curiosity, courage, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
How are women portrayed in the series? What female characters do you think are strong role models and why?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 15, 2016
- Cast : Millie Bobby Brown , Finn Wolfhard , David Harbour , Winona Ryder , Gaten Matarazzo , Caleb McLaughlin , Noah Schnapp
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Fantasy , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Awards : Emmy - Emmy Award Winner , Kids' Choice Award , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : February 12, 2026
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