The Stranger Things Podcast

What happens when a weapon emerges that can completely shut down Eleven's powers—and who is that mysterious figure Holly encounters at the end? Is it REALLY who we think it is?  Join hosts Darrell and Addi as they unpack every twist and turn in Stranger Things season 5 episode 3, "The Turnbow Trap." This episode changes SO MUCH of what we thought we knew about Stranger Things season 5. We break down the kids' brilliant plan that to...

Why would Vecna target the youngest Wheeler—and what does Holly's disappearance mean for everyone in Hawkins? Join hosts Darrell and Addi as we dive deep into one of the most shocking events of Stranger Things yet—"The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler." In this episode, we break down all the jaw-dropping moments, explore the increasingly complex connection between Will and Vecna, and share our genuine confusion about why young Holly beca...

The Upside Down has never felt closer, and after years of waiting, Stranger Things is finally back to terrorize our hearts one last time. Join hosts Darrell and Addi as we dive deep into the highly anticipated premiere of Stranger Things season 5 with "The Crawl." In our comprehensive episode breakdown, we share our initial reactions, analyze key plot developments, and explore the intricate details that make this opening chapter so...

What if we told you that the key to understanding Stranger Things' final season has been hiding in plain sight since Episode 1? In this special episode, Addi and Darrell welcomed three incredible listeners—Emily, John, and Bradley—to help us create the ultimate roadmap for Season 5. Together, we embarked on a comprehensive journey through the Upside Down's greatest mysteries, carefully dissecting the most crucial episodes and story...

Netflix recently dropped a teaser trailer for Stranger Things Season 5, marking the beginning of the end for Netflix's beloved series. Set in fall 1987, this final season brings the ultimate showdown between Vecna's forces and Hawkins' determined heroes. For those of you who don't want any SPOILERS about this new season, stop reading and avoid this podcast episode.

The newly released trailer reveals familiar faces alongside newcom...

Hey there, Strangers! Many of you have sent us written or audio feedback during this very long off season, and we're back to share your thoughts with the community. We tried to keep things a little extra casual in this episode as we go through all of the feedback submissions, and we also give a few podcast updates along the way. We kick things off with some news items about Millie's wedding and latest movie project, as well as some...

Eddie Munson wore a jacket all season that shared his love for the rock legend, DIO.  The music of Ronnie James Dio not only inspired and influenced the fictional character of Eddie Munson, it also inspired and influenced the lives of many in the 70s, 80's, and even today.  Although Ronnie James Dio passed away in 2010, his legacy and memory live on through his music, fans, friends, and family.

Fully authorized by Dio's estate and ...

When we asked our listeners to give us one word to describe how they feel about the Stranger Things 4 finale, we heard words like dissatisfied, numb, anxious, resolved, crushed, bewilderment, depressed, bittersweet, and intrigued just to name a few. Now that we get to hear listeners share in-depth how they feel about it, those words definitely ring true.  Some felt that Stranger Things 4 was the best season ever, while others felt ...

The Stranger Things 4 finale was full of SO MUCH action, suspense, sadness, exposition, humor, and intrigue!  Coming in at the run time of a full-length movie, we still wanted more! How could the Duffer brothers leave the ending on such a massive cliffhanger?  How could they yet again kill off a major fan-favorite character? Will we ever see Max alive again?

Overall we found the season 4 finale to be very enjoyable. Obviously, like...

Why did Will lie to Mike about El commissioning his painting? How will El be able to help Hawkins with no way to get there? Did Dr. Owens have a role in raising Peter the creepy orderly? These are just a few of the interesting questions raised by listeners this week.  We also have insights on the musical selections, predictions on who will die in the finale, and multiple connections to Star Wars in this week's listener feedback epi...

The penultimate episode of Stranger Things season 4 has arrived and it did exactly what a penultimate episode should do! "Papa" insists that everything he has done for Eleven, and Henry too for that matter, has been in their best interests. Like, El, we strongly disagree with his point of view.  Although we can see how he could come to those conclusions, his methods are hard to justify.  Is Papa truly dead?  Only time will tell.  I...

With the major reveals and twists of "The Massacre at Hawkins Lab," many of us are updating our theories and coming up with new ones.  Is Peter Eleven's father?  Was Brenner using El to search the void in an effort to find Peter?  Was El a pawn used by Peter, or was he being truthful with her?  Did Peter/Vecna create the upside down, or did it exist before he was sent there by El?  What's up with the earthquakes, and why is the ups...

Has there ever been a more amazing or mind blowing reveal than what the Duffer brothers gave us in "The Massacre at Hawkins Lab?" Peter the friendly/creepy orderly is actually Henry Creel. I mean, he's actually 001.  What I mean to say is that he is Vecna.  And to top it all off, El created Vecna!?!?!  Wow, what a crazy twist.  Then you add in the most amazing demogorgon fight scene we've ever seen with the most exploration of the ...

We're quickly approaching the end of Stranger Things 4 Part 1, and you all continue to come up with intriguiging theories! The debate continues on whether or not Peter is friendly or creepy, and some of you are even tossing out ideas on Peter's possible true identity.  As the community of Hawkins is lathered up into a frenzy by Jason, some of you saw parallels between Eddie's story of this season and the West Memphis 3 real-life ev...

Steve jumps at the opportunity to leave the kids behind and step out of his babysitter role, but we were not prepared for him to do so! The Dive, episode 6 of Stranger Things' 4th season, left us wanting more! With the citizens of Hawkins in a frenzy thanks to Jason's accusations against The Hellfire Club, it's not only Eddie that now finds himself in their crosshairs. Eleven continues to dive deeper into her memories, exploring he...

Brenner is back! While his return is not really a surprise, the events that unfold in "The Nina Project" with Brenner, Dr. Owens, and Eleven do bring quite a few surprises.  We see the appearance of Peter Ballard the Friendly Orderly, and we can not agree on whether or not he is truly friendly, or truly creepy.  In Hawkins, the exploration of the Creel house has us asking new questions about how many dimensions are at play in this ...

Are we the only ones who think "Dear Billy" might just be the best episode of Stranger Things yet?  With Sadie Sink's impeccable performance, this episode has us heaping praise upon praise.  Robert Englund's performance as Victor Creel also stood out and his story gave us chills.  Is his story to be believed?  We have our doubts.

The shootout at the Byers home was one of the most impressive scenes of the series with the one-shot st...

We saw major developments on every front in, "The Monster and the Superhero."  El is arrested for assaulting Angela with the skate, but ends up rescued by Dr. Ownens and given the option to return to Hawkins, undergo training to restore her powers, and save everyone.  Murray and Joyce make their way to Alaska.  In Hawkins, Lucas finds himself in a delicate position as he tries to provide a layer of protection between Dustin's group...

"Vecna's Curse" is now haunting the residents of Hawkins, just as they beginning to heal from the events of season 3. With the news of Chrissy's death spreading around town, the Hawkins kids begin their own investigations as to what happened?  What the culprit Eddie, the leader of The Hellfire Club, or are their worst fears coming to life and something far more sinister is the cause?  Fred becomes the second gruesome victim of Vecn...