The ending worked. I mean the ending of the Stranger Things TV series. Was it perfect? No. Would I have changed some things? Yes. That said, I teared up at the ending. The full-circle moment of the characters playing Dungeons and Dragons, the positive hints at their transition into adulthood, and the sense that the cycle continues and life goes on all come together.

What I love most is that Stranger Things does what Star Wars did for previous generations—it sparks a fire in creatives and crosses every age barrier. Having the gift of bonding with my nieces over the franchise is something I’ll always treasure. I look forward to the next wave of artists being heavily influenced by this show.

The takeaway from this? Watch Stranger Things. It will touch on something that feels like home with friends. It’s a feeling worth chasing. Also, don’t get bogged down on the perfect ending. Our lives are anything but that, and this is no exception. That is a good thing.

“How many children are you friends with?” - Robin Buckley