The television industry has seen a surge in the popularity of science fiction and horror shows aimed at young adults. Series like “Stranger Things,” “The OA,” and “Locke & Key” have captivated audiences with their blend of nostalgia, fantastical elements, and coming-of-age narratives. These shows tap into a unique space, offering a thrilling escape into the unknown while resonating deeply with the anxieties and experiences of young viewers Series like Stranger Things.
A Familiar World Turned Upside Down
One of the key strengths of these shows lies in their ability to create a relatable setting. Often, the stories unfold in seemingly ordinary towns, mirroring the experiences of the target audience. “Stranger Things” takes place in the idyllic Hawkins, Indiana, a small town with a friendly diner and a tight-knit community. Similarly, “Locke & Key” unfolds in the sprawling Keyhouse mansion, a familiar trope of a new environment holding secrets. This familiarity comforts viewers, allowing them to connect with the characters and their world before the supernatural upends it.
The arrival of the fantastical element then serves as a potent catalyst. The Upside Down in “Stranger Things” transforms Hawkins from an ordinary town into a battleground between worlds. In “Locke & Key,” the magical keys unlock hidden passages and unleash powerful entities, turning the Keyhouse into a thrilling and dangerous place. This disruption in the familiar world serves as a metaphor for the changes and challenges young adults face in their own lives. Uncertainty and the confrontation of new and unforeseen realities often mark the transition from childhood to adulthood. These shows mirror that experience, allowing viewers to navigate the unknown alongside the characters.
Monsters and Mysteries: Unveiling the Anxieties of Youth
The monsters and villains within these shows often represent the anxieties and fears of young adulthood. In “Stranger Things,” the Demogorgon embodies the fear of the unknown and the lurking dangers that might exist just beyond our perception. The house in “The OA” embodies a sense of entrapment and the struggle to break free from societal expectations. These shows explore real-world anxieties through fantastical creations, allowing viewers to confront them in a safe space.
Moreover, the central mysteries in these narratives mirror the desire for answers and self-discovery that young adults grapple with. The characters in these shows become invested in uncovering the secrets of their world, whether it’s the truth about the Upside Down or the hidden history of the Keyhouse. This pursuit of knowledge resonates with viewers who are themselves trying to sense their place in the world and understand their own identities.
The power of friendship: facing the unknown together
These shows demonstrate the power of friendship, which is heartwarming. The core groups in these stories—the kids of Hawkins in “Stranger Things” and the Locke siblings in “Locke & Key”—face their challenges as a united front. They rely on each other for support, courage, and a sense of belonging. This resonates particularly with young viewers, who are navigating the complexities of social relationships and forming strong bonds with their peers.
The shows also explore the importance of family. In “Stranger Things,” Eleven finds a surrogate family in the Byers and the kids, offering a sense of belonging and acceptance that she’s never experienced before. Similarly, the Locke siblings learn to rely on each other in the absence of their parents, strengthening their familial bond. This portrayal of different forms of family structures provides comfort and positive examples for young viewers who might be navigating complex family dynamics themselves.
Nostalgia and Evasion: A World of Wonder in a Familiar Past
Many of these young adult sci-fi horror shows set their narratives in the 1980s or early 1990s. This creates a sense of nostalgia for viewers who might not have lived through that era but can appreciate the pop culture references, fashion trends, and technological limitations. This sense of nostalgia provides a comforting escape from the complexities of the present, offering a seemingly simpler time with a focus on board games, arcades, and home video rentals.
However, the fantastical elements create tension with the nostalgic setting. While the characters face real-world threats and anxieties, the solutions often lie in their fantasies. The walkie-talkies become crucial tools for communication in “Stranger Things,” and the magical keys offer powerful tools to overcome obstacles in “Locke & Key.” This blend of nostalgia and fantasy allows viewers to escape the worries of the present while engaging with relatable anxieties through a fantastical lens.
More Than Just Entertainment: A Gateway to Deeper Exploration
These young adult sci-fi horror shows offer more than just scares and thrills. They tap into the anxieties and experiences of their audience, providing a safe space to explore themes of friendship, family, self-discovery, and the fear of the unknown. The fantastical disrupts familiar settings Series like Stranger Things.