Why is Stranger Things so addictive?
Activity 1 : Read the text below
Stranger Things is a modern classic of suspense and nostalgia. The show blends thrilling action with quiet moments of character reflection, creating a story that is both engaging and emotionally compelling.
One of the key techniques is the use of cliffhangers at the end of episodes, which encourages viewers to continue watching. Parallel storylines allow multiple events to unfold simultaneously, increasing tension and suspense. Characters are carefully developed: the protagonists are flawed and relatable, while antagonists often have complex motivations.
Foreshadowing and unexpected twists are used throughout the series to keep the audience guessing. Nostalgic references to the 1980s immerse viewers in the world of Hawkins, Indiana. Attention to pacing, suspense, and character arcs ensures that each episode feels complete but also leaves room for curiosity.
The show also balances humor and horror, preventing the narrative from feeling too heavy. Finally, the combination of these storytelling techniques contributes to the immersive and addictive quality of the series, demonstrating why Stranger Things has become a cultural phenomenon.
Activity 2: Complete the True or False below.
1. Stranger Things mixes suspense with quiet character moments.
2. Cliffhangers are rarely used in the series.
3. Parallel storylines increase tension and suspense.
4. The protagonists are perfect and without flaws.
5. Antagonists are always one-dimensional and evil.
6. Foreshadowing and twists keep the audience guessing.
7. Nostalgic 1980s references help immerse viewers in the setting.
8. Humor and horror are balanced in the show.
9. Each episode feels complete without creating curiosity for the next.
10. Storytelling techniques contribute to the show’s addictive quality.
Activity 3: Match the vocabulary to the correct definition
1. Cliffhanger
2. Parallel
3. Suspense
4. Relatable
5. Antagonist
6. Foreshadowing
7. Nostalgia
8. Twist
9. Immersive
10. Pacing
a) Easy for viewers to connect with emotionally
b) Happening at the same time
c) A feeling of excitement or tension about what will happen
d) The speed at which a story unfolds
e) Hints or clues about what will happen later in a story
f) A story ending that leaves the outcome unresolved
g) An unexpected change in a story
h) Extremely engaging or absorbing
i) A sentimental longing for the past
l) A character who opposes the protagonist
Activity 4: Fill the blanks with the vocabulary from Activity 3
1. Each episode often ends with a dramatic __________ that keeps viewers watching.
2. The show uses multiple __________ storylines to increase tension.
3. Careful __________ keeps the audience interested and emotionally involved.
4. The main characters are __________, which makes viewers empathise with them.
5. The __________ often has complex motives rather than being purely evil.
6. The writers use __________ to hint at future events.
7. References to the 1980s create a sense of __________ for older viewers.
8. The season finale included a shocking __________ that no one predicted.
9. The detailed setting and characters create an __________ experience for the audience.
10. Attention to __________ ensures that action and reflection are balanced throughout the series.
When English speakers talk about career, identity, and success, they often use figurative or idiomatic expressions — not just literal language. These expressions make speech sound more natural and emotionally authentic. Let’s explore a few from the video and from everyday English.
On the edge of your seat: Excited or anxious to see what happens
The finale kept me on the edge of my seat!
Twist of fate: An unexpected development
The sudden betrayal was a real twist of fate.
Red herring: Something that misleads or distracts from the main plot
The stranger in town was a red herring.
Keep someone guessing: Make someone unsure about what will happen
The writers keep the audience guessing every episode.
Pull a fast one: To trick or deceive someone
The Mind Flayer pulled a fast one on the gang.
Piece the puzzle together: To understand something by gathering clues
It took the kids a while to piece the puzzle together.
Jump to conclusions: To assume something before knowing all facts
Don’t jump to conclusions about who the villain is.
Build tension: Increase suspense in a story
The music and camera angles build tension during the chase scenes.
Keep the momentum: Maintain the pace and energy of the story
The storyline keeps the momentum going from one episode to the next.
Raise the stakes: Make the consequences more serious or important
The final battle raises the stakes for everyone involved.
Mini practice:
1. Rewrite sentences about Stranger Things using one of the expressions above.
2. Make a short paragraph predicting a new season, including 2–3 expressions naturally.
Activity 5: Choose a question and write a short paragraph (share it below) or record a voice note.
1. How do multiple storylines enhance suspense? Can you give examples from Stranger Things?
2. Why are flawed characters often more engaging than perfect ones?
3. How does nostalgia influence your connection to a story?
4. Identify a “twist” in the show that surprised you. Why was it effective?
5. How do pacing and cliffhangers impact your engagement as a viewer?
6. Can storytelling techniques from Stranger Things be applied in business presentations or persuasive communication? How?
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Photo by Rafal Werczynski on Unsplash
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