The Legacy of Stranger Things

The Legacy of Stranger Things

Author: Jamie Logie | 1980s Pop Culture & Nostalgia November 19, 2025 Duration: 40:05

When it was released in the summer of 2016, not only did Stranger Things become a pop culture phenomenon, but it was also a true love letter to the 1980s.

Today, we look back at the creation, success, and impact of an era-defining show that introduced 1980s culture to a whole new generation. In this episode, we'll look at:

  • The struggles the Duffer brothers went through to get the show made
  • The specific premise they used that combined two 1980s icons
  • The real-life CIA experiments that led to the creation of Eleven
  • The 1980s movies that influenced the show
  • How Stranger Things became one of the crown jewels for Netflix
  • How Stranger Things may have led to a resurgence of 1980s-based movies and TV shows

The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s


Step back into a world of neon, synth-pop, and big hair with Everything 80s. Hosted by Jamie Logie, this podcast is a deep, affectionate dive into the decade that shaped modern pop culture. It’s less a formal history lesson and more like rifling through a time capsule with a friend who remembers every detail. Episodes explore the films, television, music, and toys that weren't just entertainment-they were the shared language of a generation. You’ll hear specific discussions on everything from the rise of MTV and the cinematic magic of John Hughes to the toy-box revolutions of Transformers and the fantasy realms of He-Man. The conversation naturally spans the iconic, like Michael Jackson’s Thriller era, to the foundational moments of home gaming with Nintendo. This isn't just about listing favorites; it's about understanding why these cultural artifacts from the 1980s still resonate so powerfully today. For anyone feeling a pull of nostalgia or a curiosity about the era's lasting impact, this podcast offers a consistently engaging and insightful listen. Tune in to rediscover the sounds, stories, and sensations that defined an unforgettable ten years.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Everything 80s
Podcast Episodes
Halloween in the 1980s [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:07
The big day has finally arrived; it's Halloween in the 1980s. Your costume is set, your pillowcase is ready, and you've strategically planned your trick-or-treating route. But before you get to the big night, you still h…
The 75-Cent Mystery: How a Tiny Error Exposed a Cold War Spy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:07
In 1986, Clifford Stoll -- originally a Berkley Lab astronomer -- had become the manager of their computer department. One day, he noticed something, a small accounting glitch that seemed insignificant, but would become…
The 1989 World Series Earthquake [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:40
The 1989 World Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland Athletics ended up being a historic one when it came to stats and records on the field. But this series would be famous for a much more serious reaso…
Farm Aid '85: The 1980s Concert That Rocked the Heartland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:40
The summer of 1985 will forever be known for Live Aid, the charity benefit concert that defined 1980s pop culture. But a few months later came Farm Aid '85, another massive musical event with a very different mission. Th…
How the Disney Vault Changed Home Video Forever [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:23
Before the 1980s, Disney kept its animated classics in the mythical "vault." The only way to see them was through theatrical re-releases, but it could take years for your favorites to hit the big screen. But when home vi…
The Golden Age of 1980s TV Commercials [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:01
Growing up in the 1980s, commercial breaks weren't just interruptions--they were cultural events we all experienced together. In this episode, we look back on the golden age of 1980s TV commercials while also exploring t…
The Coleco Adam: The 1983 Home Computer Disaster [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:17
In 1983, Coleco launched the Adam--a bold attempt to turn its hit ColecoVision video game console into a full-fledged home computer. By this point in the 80s, Coleco had made a huge dent in the video game market, and, at…
Wheel of Fortune: From Daytime to Prime Time Juggernaut [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:43
If you grew up watching Wheel of Fortune, you probably read the title of this episode the same way the audience would call it out during the show's opening. That's the cultural impact Wheel of Fortune had; it's the game…
The Care Bears: From Greeting Cards to Global Phenomenon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:34
The Care Bears weren't just colorful, stuffed animals--they were one of the biggest cultural and business success stories of the 1980s. From a simple sketch to the eureka moment of their final creation, the story of the…
War Games: Is It a Game, or Is It Real... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:52
When it came out in the summer of 1983, War Games was seen as a fun, summertime popcorn movie. But was the premise of this film starring Matthew Broderick and Ally Sheedy more realistic than we realized? Welcome to a fre…