Netflix’s latest original series, Stranger Things, released a little over a month ago, already has a special place in many people’s hearts. Created by the Duffer Brothers, Matt and Ross, the show stars Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, and Caleb McLaughlin in their breakout roles as Michael “Mike” Wheeler, Eleven or “El”, Dustin Henderson, and Lucas Sinclair. The show also features veteran actors and actresses Winona Ryder, David Harbour, and Matthew Modine as Joyce Byers, Chief Hopper, and Dr. Martin Brenner.

Stranger Things, set in the fictional city of Hawkins, Indianna in the year 1983, revolves around the lives of middle schooler Will Byer’s friends, family, and acquaintances, who are desperate to discover the truth following his mysterious disappearance after leaving Mike’s house one night. At first, everyone is convinced that Will died, but Joyce, his mother, refuses to believe that theory, claiming that he is communicating with her through the lights in her house. Sure that a sinister government agency is somehow connected to Will and ultimately trying to cover up a paranormal monster plaguing the small town, Chief Hopper decides to investigate further, along with Will’s friends and Eleven, who utilizes her telekinesis ability and other unique powers to find him, unraveling frightening secrets in the town that they once felt safe in.

The younger characters are sure to steal everyone’s hearts and cause older audiences to feel protective over them immediately. We’re able to see each character grow and develop close relationships with each other, such as the growing friendship between Mike and El, who are struggling to come to terms with their feelings for each other in the first few episodes, or Lucas’s slow, but heartwarming, acceptance of El.

Finishing the first season in one sitting is definitely something everyone who loves this show is guilty of doing. At the moment, Netflix hasn’t officially confirmed that there will be a second season, but the chances of that happening are very high. Our only option right now is to watch the episodes that are already out over and over again. Update: Netflix has confirmed a second season to be released on Oct. 27, 2017.

In my opinion, Stranger Things is one of the best television series that has ever been created. Instead of boring and predictable scenes, it is a refreshing watch and nothing like you’ve ever seen. Including numerous plot twists, laughter, and chills, this show is one of a kind, and I think that everyone should watch it even if it takes a little bit of convincing to do so. This is also the first time that award-winning actress Winona Ryder has appeared in a TV-related project, which adds another special element to the show.

In addition to being visually stunning, every single episode features an interesting plot, a perfect soundtrack, and spectacular dialogue. There are many similarities between Stranger Things and other classic films that clearly inspired the scenes, relationships, and storylines, such as E.T. (1982), Poltergeist (1982), The Goonies (1985), Stand by Me (1986), and even a little bit of Nightmare on Elm Street (1984).

Since there are only a total of eight episodes in the first season, it’s definitely not a hassle to catch up with the series. Stranger Things not only screams ‘80s nostalgia for anybody who grew up during that time period, but it’s also a charming, yet heart-wrenching watch for people who have an interest regarding darker storylines. With a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes currently, this show, often referred to as this summer’s hit, is definitely worth watching and is already on the path to becoming the next big thing.