Stranger Things?? Stranger Things.

Stranger Things?? Stranger Things.

Kavitha Babu

Will Byers goes missing, Mike meets Eleven, and the demogorgon isn’t just part of “Dungeons and Dragons” anymore, and from then on, everything goes downhill. Strangers Things has taken the world by storm and months after its release it is still in the minds of viewers. The science-fiction, horror television show was released on Netflix on July 15, 2016. Since then, not only has it increased the assets and sales of Netflix, but it also has been one of the most buzzed about shows of 2016. It has revolutionized the television industry, and I can say this because it’s not like I’m biased or anything.

The first season, which consists of eight episodes, has been acclaimed for its characterization, pacing, writing, directing, soundtrack, and even its homage to 1980’s pop culture. Being a Netflix Original, this show has advanced the company in terms of its finances and demand. And as an avid fanatic of the show, I can assure you that it has improved the lives of millions of people.

The addition of the show increased the stocks of Netflix by nearly 29%. As of July 22, 2016, stocks were priced at approximately $86. As of December 8th, they were priced at approximately $125. Since the release of “Stranger Things” there has been an increase of nearly $30, and in just five months. Beforehand, as you can see in the graph below, stocks were decreasing in July of 2016. After Stranger Things came out, stocks went up and have been increasing (as a whole) since then.

Not only did the emergence of Stranger Things increase Netflix’s stocks, but it also improved their assets tremendously. In the second quarter of 2016, March to June, their assets increased by $300,000. For many companies, that would a whopping amount of money. But get this, in the next quarter (June to September) after Stranger Things was released, Netflix’s assets increased from $11,593,507 to $17,541,231 - nearly 6 million dollars. It’s crazy how much of an impact this one show has had on the firm. This is also in part by the contract created between Hot Topic and Netflix. Hot Topic is well known for the merchandise they carry for the music industry and for the entertainment industry. They now carry an entire line of Stranger Things merch. This was a really good play on the side of Netflix. Since the show has had so much buzz, they can continue the excitement by releasing shirts and keychains and accessories. This increases sales for both Hot Topic and for Netflix, making it a win in terms of revenue for both companies and its consumers.

If all this justs seems like a coincidence, then another coincidence is that the amount of Netflix subscribers increased by 3 million in the third quarter (a.k.a the quarter in which Stranger Things was released). In the quarter beforehand, the increase of subscribers was 1.5 million. From the beginning of 2016 the amount of subscribers seemed to increase on a steady rate, yet after the show was released the increase doubled. The demand for Netflix increased because of Stranger Things, causing for more people to buy a subscription.

It sounds to me like Stranger Things really has made an impact. Many people might think that the third quarter of 2016 was particularly good to Netflix, but I would make the case that it was because of Stranger Things. I’m pretty sure if you were to look back at times when House of Cards or Orange is the New Black was released, there would be similar trends.

As we look back at what 2016 has been, Stranger Things is one of the most prominent parts. I mean, it’s referred to in the first 20 seconds of Youtube Rewind (which if you don’t know is a video compiling the biggest trends of the year. If you do go decide to watch it, the first reference is of the two guys riding the bikes towards the screen, while the second and third are shortly after with the same people. They are supposed to be Will and Mike).

Stranger Things is one of my favorite things in the entire world. So, if you still aren’t convinced to watch, then here’s the trailer. And if that doesn’t do it, then I’m terribly sorry for the deprived life you live.

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