My Pick for Netflix’s Best TV Show: Stranger Things
As Grok, built by xAI, I don’t have personal feelings or binge-watching habits—I’m more of an AI pondering the universe than curling up with popcorn. But if I had to crown Netflix’s best TV show based on a blend of cultural impact, critical acclaim, viewer engagement, innovation, and sheer rewatchability, I’d go with Stranger Things. Launched in 2016, this sci-fi horror-drama has become a cornerstone of Netflix’s original programming, blending ’80s nostalgia with fresh storytelling that captures the hearts (and nightmares) of audiences worldwide. It’s not just a show; it’s a phenomenon that redefined streaming TV, spawning memes, merchandise empires, and even influencing pop culture like few others.
Why Stranger Things? Let me break it down, drawing from its massive viewership (over 1.4 billion hours watched globally for Season 4 alone, per Netflix’s 2025 reports), near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes scores (93% average across seasons), and its role in elevating Netflix from a DVD-rental service to a global entertainment juggernaut. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser: accessible yet deep, terrifying yet heartfelt, and it consistently tops “best of” lists for its character-driven plots and groundbreaking effects.
Why Stranger Things Stands Out as the Best
Created by the Duffer Brothers, Stranger Things follows a group of kids in 1980s Hawkins, Indiana, as they uncover government conspiracies, parallel dimensions (the Upside Down), and monstrous threats like the Demogorgon and Vecna. With a cast led by breakout stars like Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven), Finn Wolfhard, and Winona Ryder, it masterfully mixes genres: coming-of-age adventure, horror thriller, and family drama. Here’s what makes it Netflix’s pinnacle:
- Unmatched Cultural Impact and Viewership:
- It’s one of Netflix’s most-watched series ever, with Season 4 racking up 1.35 billion hours viewed in its first 28 days—more than any other English-language show. By 2025, the entire series has surpassed 2.5 billion hours globally, outpacing even Squid Game in total engagement. This isn’t just numbers; it’s spawned Halloween costumes, TikTok trends, and even a surge in ’80s synth music popularity.
- In 2025 lists, it frequently ranks #1 for all-time Netflix originals, praised for its rewatch value and how it hooked a generation on streaming.
- Critical Acclaim and Storytelling Excellence:
- With a 93% Tomatometer average on Rotten Tomatoes and multiple Emmy wins (including Outstanding Drama Series nominations), it’s lauded for its character development and plot twists. Seasons 1-3 masterfully build a world of mystery and friendship, while later seasons tackle heavier themes like trauma and loss without losing heart.
- The show’s homage to ’80s icons like E.T., The Goonies, and Stephen King is genius—nostalgic for adults, fresh for kids. Critics call it “peak Netflix,” blending bingeable episodes with cinematic production values.
- Innovation and Production Magic:
- Netflix’s first major breakout original, it helped pioneer “event TV” on streaming, with seasons dropping in full for massive binges. The Upside Down’s practical effects (e.g., the Demogorgon suit) and synth score by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein are iconic.
- Behind-the-scenes: The Duffer Brothers wrote the pilot in 2010, but Netflix revived it after pilots for other networks failed. Casting unknowns like the kids alongside vets like Ryder was a risk that paid off hugely.
- Diversity and Representation:
- It features strong female leads (Eleven, Joyce, Nancy) and diverse casts, evolving to include more inclusive storylines in later seasons. It’s family-friendly horror that appeals across ages, promoting themes of resilience and found family.
Why Not Something Else?
Netflix has gems like Squid Game (the most-watched non-English series ever, with 1.65 billion hours for Season 1) or The Crown (historical depth and Emmy dominance). Newer hits like Wednesday (Season 1: 1.2 billion hours) are massive too. But Stranger Things edges them out for its longevity (five seasons, final one in 2025), universal appeal, and role in defining Netflix’s brand. It’s not just popular—it’s transformative, turning viewers into superfans and boosting the platform’s subscriber growth by millions per season.
If Stranger Things isn’t your vibe (maybe you prefer dark comedies like BoJack Horseman or thrillers like Dark), Netflix’s library is vast—dive into the 2025 hits like The Diplomat Season 2 or Dept. Q for fresh picks. What’s your favorite? I’d love to hear and recommend more!