The PR Behind “Stranger Things” Season 5
One of my favorite things about being a part of the “Stranger Things” fandom is the wild anticipation of a new season built by both Netflix and their official social media pages. I noticed that this became apparent during the summer of 2019 in anticipation of season 3, when the content became less about serious promotional posters and trailers and leaned more into memes and clips from the show. It is always fun to read the comments from the fans discussing their opinions on the show, as it makes me feel as if I am a part of a larger community.
Since season 5 of “Stranger Things” is the last season of the show and is set to drop in three parts (November 26, December 25, and December 31), the build-up has been like no other. Netflix released special profile icons of the characters from the show as well as a new computer game entitled “Stranger Things: Escape from Hawkins High”. On Instagram, the main cast has been “rewatching” each season with reaction videos of them reacting to their younger selves in various scenes as well as candid clips of someone handing them various props from the show and asking, “Do you remember this?” so the actor could discuss what it was like filming that particular scene.
On November 6, Netflix held its annual “Stranger Things Day”, where tons of reveals happened for the upcoming season. This year, Netflix had a livestream of the red carpet premiere with cast interviews, and released the first 5 minutes of season 5, along with the news of an upcoming animated series based on the show.
On November 23, Netflix partnered with CicLAvia, an LA-based non-profit that promotes car-free streets to host a “One Last Ride” event, encouraging fans of the show to come dressed up in either 80’s gear or as their favorite "Stranger Things” character and ride bikes along Melrose Avenue. As a fan, I look forward to more surprises and reveals in the upcoming few weeks before the final two parts of "Stranger Things” comes out.
Bio: Hannah is currently a senior at CSUN studying Public Relations. She is trained in both classical and commercial dance and has built a performing arts resume she is proud of, including being credited as a dancer in a Columbia Records music video. Hannah would like to use her knowledge of the industry to work in arts and entertainment management. She is most happy working for a cause or organization that makes a difference, such as arts advocacy.