Picture Credit: Netflix
Happy Stranger Things Day… well, the other Stranger Things Day! Today marks exactly ten years since a quiet sci-fi show from the Duffer Brothers dropped on Netflix on July 15, 2016. Over a decade, it evolved from a nostalgic love letter to 1980s horror into a multi-billion-dollar global juggernaut.
Following the cinematic conclusion of Season 5 late last year, fans have been eagerly waiting to see how Netflix would celebrate the big 1-0. Today, Netflix opened the curiosity door one more time, dropping a massive press release detailing brand-new ways to watch the show, updates on a few of its product lines, and a touching new documentary alongside a brand new poster for the entire series.
No big big announcements though (at least not yet!). Although some had rumored Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 may get an official release date for season 2 today, our understanding is that’s not the case and the date floating around for October 27th is not accurate. Likewise, we won’t be finding out any new intel on the main Stranger Things spin-off or other projects today.
Picture Credit: Netflix
In statements marking the 10th Anniversary today, Matt and Ross Duffer and Shawn Levy each released statements.
The Duffer Brothers (Creators, Writers, Directors, Executive Producers) said:
“We’re feeling so many emotions today. Nostalgic, proud, and, yeah, a little sad too, that the decade-long journey of making Stranger Things has come to an end. But above all, we feel grateful — for our amazing cast, who we watched grow into wonderful human beings; for the hundreds of brilliant artists who devoted so much of themselves bringing the story to life; and for you, the fans, whose dedication, patience, and passion fueled all of us throughout the years.
So: THANK YOU.
If you want to celebrate, we humbly suggest opening up the curiosity door one more time, grabbing a 3 Musketeers (maybe some chocolate pudding too!), and watching the Season 1 VHS Special Edition. If Stranger Things existed in Hawkins — sitting on a shelf at Family Video — it would look just like this (complete with pan-and-scan)! Is it possible your head will explode from nostalgia overload? Yes. But it’s worth the gamble! And hey, if enough of you nerds watch it, maybe we’ll do the rest of the seasons…”
Shawn Levy, Director, Executive Producer and cameo guest star in Season 1 (10 points in comments if you know who!) said:
“It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since Stranger Things first turned our world upside down. What began as a brilliant script by the Duffer Brothers, a story about four kids in a basement playing Dungeons & Dragons, became something far bigger than any of us ever imagined. We didn’t know if anyone would watch our strange little show—we just knew it could be great. We just….BELIEVED. (And in case you’re wondering, I still do!) One of the greatest joys of this past decade has been watching these characters, and our incredible cast, grow up alongside the fans who have made Hawkins a place they return to again and again. None of this phenomenal ride would have been possible without the fans who have been with us from the very beginning, connecting to our show with a passionate love that has been nothing less than beautiful. We’re so grateful for their devotion, and we’re excited to celebrate this special anniversary with them. Hawkins forever.”
STRANGER THINGS is 10! 🎂 pic.twitter.com/d9CGGtdELD
— What's on Netflix (@whatonnetflix) July 15, 2026
Here is a full breakdown of everything revealed during the Stranger Things 10th Anniversary celebration.
Let’s start off with stats. Per Netflix, through March 2026, the franchise has now amassed over 1.5 billion views. Following the 7 Emmy-nominated final season, Seasons 4 and 5 now sit at #3 and #4 on Netflix’s all-time Most Popular list. The economic impact is just as massive: the production generated over $1.4 billion for the US GDP, creating over 8,000 jobs (with $650M going to Georgia and $500M to California).
Watch Season 1 Like It’s 1983: The VHS Special Edition
As we were among the first to report earlier today, if you fire up Netflix today, you’ll notice a brand-new way to experience the season that started it all. Netflix has surprise-released the Stranger Things: VHS Special Edition.
Instead of glorious 4K HDR, Netflix has given the entire 8-episode first season a complete retro overhaul. The episodes feature a pan-and-scan 4:3 format, tracking lines, color bleeding, CRT monitor distortion, and audio crackles. It’s designed to feel exactly like a worn-out tape you just rented from Family Video.
“If Stranger Things existed in Hawkins — sitting on a shelf at Family Video — it would look just like this,” the Duffer Brothers shared in a statement. “Is it possible your head will explode from nostalgia overload? Yes. But it’s worth the gamble!”
Picture Credit: Netflix
Cast Retrospective: “Strange Memories”
To pull on our heartstrings, Netflix released a new video featurette titled “Strange Memories,” where the core cast reflects on growing up in the Upside Down over the course of 26 minutes and 32 seconds. Easily the best drop of the day, in our humble opinion.
Reflecting on a decade-long journey that transformed them from a “bunch of random kids from different places” into global superstars, the cast fondly recalled the “zero pressure” of Season 1, back when they were convinced the series “will never get picked up.” Fast forward to today, the tight-knit crew—who view the Duffer Brothers as “one mind split into two” and revere co-star Winona Ryder as a “national treasure”—equating the show’s conclusion to “graduating school.” Having spent their “crucial years” growing up together on set, the stars are bidding an emotional farewell to what they consider “one of the seminal professional experiences” of their lives, promising fans that the behind-the-scenes family they built along the way shares a bond that “is just unbreakable.”
Among the highlights Netflix pointed out: Millie Bobby Brown looks back affectionately at celebrating her birthday on the Season 1 set; Natalia Dyer and Joe Keery recall shooting their first scenes together (and bonding by mercilessly pranking Charlie Heaton); and Sadie Sink laughs about the “peak pre-teen awkwardness” of filming Season 3 during her summer vacation.
Massive Physical Media & Collectibles Updates and Drops
We know physical media fans have been begging for this, and Netflix is finally delivering. A massive wave of premium collectibles is on the way:
- The Official Story Behind the Legacy Series: Billed as a “director’s cut in book form,” this deluxe guidebook takes fans through the show’s entire inception to its finale with tons of unseen content.
- All Seasons Vinyl Box Set: Audiophiles, get your wallets ready. This massive 17-LP box set features the complete score from Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein. Pressed on red and orange “Vecna’s Gate Vinyl,” it features gorgeous gatefold jackets and full-color inner sleeves. It’ll set you back a cool $350!
- Funko Pop!: A brand-new “Rightside Up/Upside Down” split-design line of Funkos is available to pre-order today.
- More Netflix Shop drops including that 10th Anniversary poster on shirts, jumpers and as a blanket!
Netflix also promoted the upcoming Complete Series on Blu-Ray™ and 4K UHD set to arrive on July 27th.
New look at the STRANGER THINGS complete series deluxe edition boxset releasing on July 27th. pic.twitter.com/eVgpVwg7gL
— What's on Netflix (@whatonnetflix) July 15, 2026
Live Experiences & Stage Show Updates
For those who prefer to step into the world of Hawkins, Netflix announced several updates to their live experiences:
- The First Shadow Closing Dates: As previously announced, Tony and Olivier Award-winning stage play Stranger Things: The First Shadow will officially take its final bow on London’s West End on December 27, 2026, and on Broadway on January 3, 2027.
- $11 Broadway Lottery: If you are in NYC today, get to the Marquis Theatre! To honor Eleven, 11 lucky fans who enter the box office lottery between 3:30 and 5:15 PM ET will win a pair of tickets for tonight’s 7:00 PM performance for just $11.
- Halloween Horror Nights: A brand-new HHN house inspired by the terrifying events of Season 5 is coming to Universal Studios, opening August 28, 2026.
- Netflix Houses: Don’t forget, you can currently visit The Immersive Experience at the newly opened Netflix House in Philadelphia, and Face the Dark at Netflix House Dallas.
Elswhere, if you follow us on social media, we’ve been sharing snaps and behind the scenes stills from season 1 all day!
The STRANGER THINGS baby cast at an FYSEE event for Season 1. 😊 pic.twitter.com/PcPR2h60Fi
— What's on Netflix (@whatonnetflix) July 15, 2026
Millie Bobby Brown and Winona Ryder for the Season 1 STRANGER THINGS promo shoot 10 years ago. pic.twitter.com/2WUTKNCbuH
— What's on Netflix (@whatonnetflix) July 15, 2026
Are you going to be doing a VHS rewatch of Season 1 today? Which piece of 10th-anniversary merch are you picking up? Let us know in the comments down below!
