This shows is one of those must-watch series that doesnt outstay its welcome. Although some of the seasons might seem linked together loosely/connected on the fly, it absolutely works.

The sound design, the visual aesthetic, and the level of care given to fleshing out nearly every single character while driving an interesting and packed out story is all top level. Some characters suffer in later seasons as the ensemble grows, and there are one too many love sub plots with the Power of Friendship being extremely front and centre, but they do it well.

Rewatchabaility is high, and the number of times you cry wont be low. Its gripping, its intense, it represents alternative kids, geeky kids, metal kids. It has organic representation, unlikely friendships, and great touches of fan service. The actors and cast are all phenomenal, and the sound design, again, is just so strong and original.

It perhaps could take a few more risks, and it really suffered when that one filler episode came, but those are blips in the overall very strong storytelling. For other pop cultural comparisons, it is certainly blowing modern era Star Wars out of the water, and is certainly hitting consistently higher highs than Marvel. Many more emotionally driven moments, much more solid and labour-of-love writing, and although the budget is evidently lower, the visual effects rival those of any show you could name.

A must watch, a true homage to horror and the 80s. Dont be fooled into thinking this is a kids show, this is the biggest, most well rounded and culturally impactful show since Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones (before it went downhill). I would expect to see this shoe honoured and homages for decades to come.