This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SMCVT chapter.

Fans have been eagerly counting down the days until Netflix’s Season 2 release of Stranger Things, but now the wait is nearly over – the show will grace our screens on October 27th, which is just around corner and just in time for Halloween! Here are 8 reasons to start watching Stranger Things if you haven’t already binged every episode of Season 1.

1. The Wonderful 80s – I don’t know about you, but I personally think that I belong in the 80s. The over-the-top outfits, the funky hairdos, and of course, the groundbreaking music – does it get any better? Season 1 of Stranger Things takes place in the 1983, an era very different than 2017, a time when kids rode their bikes everywhere late at night, boys came to your door to ask you out, and people used rotary phones. Sigh. Not that I was alive for any of that, but I feel like I was, ok?

2. The Suspense – Almost every episode of Stranger Things ends with some kind of crazy cliffhanger that convinces you to watch the next one, and then another, until Netflix asks if you’re still there. The storyline is creepy without being full-out terrifying; it’s just enough to keep you intrigued and on the edge of your seat. But don’t worry, I’m not going to give it all away!

3. The Romance – One character finds herself in a love triangle while another wrestles with his first crush. You’ll end up rooting for at least one couple to fall for each other and/or to survive. What’s more romantic than fighting evil together, am I right?

4. The Upside Down – The Upside Down of Stranger Things will spook. You. Out. It’ll have you wondering if there are other dimensions that the government is hiding from us, filled with monsters and questionable goo. Hey, anything’s possible!

5. The Kids – The actors who play the middle school gang in Stranger Things give me faith in the future generation. They are so talented but pretty humble despite the success of the show, and they’re all best buds in real life. Squad goals.

6. The Sci-Fi Glory – If you’re a fan of E.T. or The Goonies, Stranger Things might be up your alley. The producers channeled these movies and many others while creating Stranger Things, and they totally perfected that eery, supernatural, nostalgic vibe. Go Duffer Bros!

7. Girl Power – Eleven is a badass. Her superpowers are insane and she’ll do anything to protect her friends. It’s an interesting choice for the producers to make the hero a girl, because when you think about it, when the heck does that happen on TV? Answer: Not nearly as often as it should.

8. Dustin – Even though he’s more of a sidekick in Stranger Things, Gaten Matarazzo’s one-liners are so funny, he should have his own show. This kid is just awesome, love him. Also why is this gif me in any emergency situation? Lol.

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