The American Television show Stranger Things is a Netflix original science fiction horror series created by Matt and Ross Duffer, with its very first season being launched in July 2016. The show first hit a major spike in popularity after the first season concluded and before the release of the second season. This slope to popularity eventually led to becoming one of Netflix’s most iconic and well recognized shows.

So, the question is: What’s the big deal? Why do so many people, young teens and adults alike, find this series so appealing?

Sophomore Nazaneen Ahmadi commented on this when questioned, “I like horror stuff…and the characters.” She said. “It’s interesting, people like that stuff.” Her response reflects a common opinion among fans: the show blends suspense, drama, and well-written character development.

Another Sophomore, Leahna Burks believes the appeal comes from familiarity, “I think it’s nostalgic for older people, and it’s relatable for teens.” She said.

The series is widely recognized for its classic 80’s vibes, and revolves around a group of young friends set in the 1980’s who encounter supernatural forces and personal challenges that they overcome. This mix of creepy vibes, romance, and teen drama creates an attraction to horror fanatics and coming of age fans.

Creating a series that can speak for both older and new generations isn’t an easy task. Most teen shows and films alike tend to exaggerate the true teenage experience. Stranger things finds a perfect balance between maturity, comedy, and representation that isn’t overwhelming or unrealistic.

Characters like Will Byers and Robin Buckley speak for those who face repression of their identity. Meanwhile, the character Lucas Sinclair’s experiences gives insight to racism that existed in the 80’s that still reflects today, even if lessened. These factors, in addition to other characters that people can relate to, show that this series includes representation that reaches across generations.

Ultimately, whether or not you consider the show overrated depends on your personal opinions. However, the depiction of well written characters that people can relate to, nostalgia, and its blend of suspense and romance, makes its appeal hard to deny.

I’m sure anyone can agree that food brings people together. It’s Thanksgiving time and all your relatives come together under one person’s roof to be able to enjoy the delightful flavors all together as the whole night’s sky is filled with cheerful giggles and pumpkin pie circling around the table. Or maybe you have to find an excuse to get closer to a friend you really miss so you send them that “Hey, we should really get together some time and try out this new coffee shop in town!” It’s hard to get a close circle together when everyone is so busy, but you can easily bring a whole community together with just the joy food brings.
Every place has its own unique taste, and here in Pittsburg we have our own taste as well. Everyday after the bell rings and all the doors open to exit 6th period, you can see students all over the campus heading over to their favorite food spot whether it’s before basketball practice, after a hard test, or simply because they want to enjoy a good bite with their friends and talk about their day. Some of the most popular spots around campus is Krispy Krunchy Chicken where you see students get their favorite chicken sandwiches, Las Palmas which is the place to go for a good carne asada burrito, and of course the eloteros that stand outside the campus so students and grab their raspados and churros after school. But my personal favorite has to be Angelos Pizza where my usually is a bag of Turbos with two scoops of melted cheese poured on top, but don’t forget the napkin on the bottom of the bag or else there is no doubt your hand will feel the kick from the hot cheese before your mouth does.
Here at Pittsburg Highschool, everyone is down for a good eats. But what makes is so special, whenever you are enjoying a burger at In-N-Out after a football game, your enjoying it with your classmates and having a good laugh about each other weird orders. Or maybe you’re just enjoying your matcha from Steeltown in the morning during 1st period, and if you are still enjoying the taste of Pittsburg, and only will be able to feel that joyful taste in Pittsburg.