'Stranger Things': From 15 Rejections to Netflix's Global Content King.

• "Stranger Things" was initially rejected by over 15 studios before Netflix picked it up, transforming the streaming landscape and becoming a major cultural hit.
• Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos stated "Stranger Things" elevated the platform to a "Star Wars-level cultural force," establishing it as a global entertainment leader.
• The fifth and final season's Volume 1 achieved Netflix's biggest English-language series opening with 59.6 million views in five days.
• The grand finale will be shown in select theaters globally, with theaters selling concession vouchers and keeping all food/drink revenue, a unique model given past Netflix/theater conflicts.
• The series revived 80s pop culture and expanded beyond the screen with experiences, plays, and numerous brand partnerships, establishing itself as a strong, long-lasting intellectual property for Netflix.

Why It Matters: "Stranger Things" transformed Netflix into a global cultural force, defying early rejections.