Stranger Things, episode 1

What’s it about?

In 1987, Hawkins is under military quarantine after multiple Rifts open between the real world and the Upside Down. Eleven is forced into hiding as the government hunts her, while Vecna—wounded but alive—plots in secret. The group reunites for one final mission: to kill Vecna and close the portals before darkness consumes their world.

The supernatural thriller series might appeal to younger audiences, with many having aged through their teen years as the show released new seasons every year or two. Because of this, each season tends to have more graphic content than the previous one. Here are the content warnings for each season:

Season 1 –  M | Horror, violence

Season 2 – 13 | Horror

Season 3 – 13 | Horror

Season 4 – 16 | Horror, graphic violence

The facts

• Created by The Duffer Brothers
• Starring Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, and Brett Gelman
• English language
• 71 minutes

Why did it get this rating?

This series was self-rated by Netflix. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

Graphic violence

This episode contains various bloody, violent scenes, with some scenes depicting blood splatter and people being killed. It often places teenage and child characters in danger from monsters.

Often, there are scenes where it feels like something violent is going to happen. These scenes are typically followed by a jump scare or something comedic.

Some of the strongest moments of violence include:

• A scientist examines a strange, living biological sample. The scene includes close-up surgical work and some briefly graphic imagery, such as blood and brain-like matter.
• A teen is cornered and beaten by a group of other students, leaving him bloodied and bruised.
• A teen experiences a sudden, intense vision from the perspective of a fast-moving creature attacking soldiers. The imagery is quick and distorted, with some blood spray shown.

Horror

A frightening creature appears throughout the story, with an unsettling, human-like form and a mouth full of sharp teeth. Its behaviour may be scary for younger viewers.

In one scene, a girl is in her bedroom at night when part of the ceiling gives way and the creature forces its way in, causing her to scream in fear.

Offensive language

This episode contains offensive language such as “sh*t,” “bastard,” and “p*ssy,” as well as school insults like “jerk face.”

The middle finger is used in insult by high schoolers.

When content stays with you:

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.  

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Navigating Early Horror Experiences: Don't Let Nostalgia Get in the Way of Good Choices! | Classification Office
• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Brain development – how it works, why it matters
• Supporting young people in a changing online world