Stranger Things is easily one of the most well-known shows in the world, and one of Netflix’s biggest accomplishments. However, one of the things that the popular series has failed to do is execute a storyline revolving around LGBTQ+ topics. Some might say that in the ’80s, it wasn’t that talked about, so it shouldn’t matter; however, that’s simply not true. The LGBTQ+ community has been around for decades, and to excuse that because of the time period when Stranger Things is set, is a huge thumbs down. Here’s how they could have had a few solid LGBTQ+ storylines, but failed to do so.

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It’s no secret that Stranger Things is a huge success; every single season; it gains more and more viewers and fans from all over the world. Netflix has a reputation for canceling shows that feature LGBTQ+ storylines, especially sapphic ones. Just recently, Netflix canceled the show Warrior Nun, even after it gained a bunch of fans and became popular within several communities, not just the Queer community. So why is this? Why aren’t these stories being told? Clearly, it’s being accepted by viewers and fans, and the streaming is high, so why can’t they keep these shows going? Stranger Things has had such a successful run these past four seasons, and with season five coming, and ending the show all together, it’s interesting to think about where they could take it. Can Will Byers get his happy ending and be his true self?

The Story of Will

From the very first episode of the entire series, viewers are made aware that Will is gay. Even if it’s not fully acknowledged until season four, it’s meant to be obvious throughout each season, but never really talked about in a way that would mean something. Will’s father called him slurs throughout his entire childhood, which could make him feel incredibly shameful, leading to him never openly confessing who he truly is. In season three, Mike throws the fact that Will doesn’t like girls in his face, once again proving that being queer at that time wasn’t accepted, even between friends.

In season four, much of the sub-plot with Will revolves around the painting that he made for Mike. When Will delivers his monologue and Mike remains completely oblivious to the entire thing, fans were left with disappointment and confusion. Something to note is how Jonathan reacts in that scene, staring at the two from the rearview mirror with a pained expression on his face. They have a moment of understanding that’s nice between siblings, but that’s really it; the Duffers not fully exploring what Will is going through.

Is Eddie Queer Coded?

Eddie Munson quickly became one of Stranger Things’ most beloved characters from the moment he appeared on-screen; fans fell for his nerdy charismatic personality. While Eddie was only around for a single season, his character still lives on through many fans’ hearts and social media posts, some even believing that he’s going to come back in season five. A popular discussion held between fans is the sexuality of Eddie, even though it wasn’t openly discussed throughout the series. One thing to notice is the way Eddie dresses, and The Netline comments on the black bandana that he has hanging out of his back pocket. In the ’70s and ’80s, queer folk often had a bandana hanging out of their pocket to indicate that they were part of the queer community. Now, it’s not entirely clear on whether the writers were trying to sneak that in and hint towards Eddie’s sexuality, but it wouldn’t be completely farfetched.

The chemistry between Steve and Eddie is also something to note, and fans have also taken note of it as well. Their ship name “Steddie”, has been seen all over social media, pairing the two and discussing their conversations between season four. When Eddie calls Steve “big boy”, fans notice how he looks while saying it, all dreamy-eyed with a smirk on his face, and it seems more than friendly. However, we won’t be able to see what could have happened between the two men because the Duffer brothers decided to kill him off so soon.

The Demise of Barb

Nancy’s friend Barbara died in season one, but throughout the three seasons that came after it, her death is constantly talked about. Even though she didn’t have a main role in the series, and was mostly talked about in the past tense, there are some vibes that Barb gives out that fans picked up on. Clearly, she’s a good friend to Nancy, but also extremely protective of her. Not only that, but she notices when Nancy changed her style of undergarments, when she started to see Steve for the first time. However, just like Eddie, fans and viewers will never know how Barb truly felt about Nancy, since she’s dead.