Most people count down to their birthday, some countdown to Christmas. Me? I counted down to the release of all 9 episodes of Stranger Things 2 on Netflix. With an explosive first season that left me hanging, season two was just what I needed. Not only did it satisfy my craving for a great binge watch, but it exceeded every expectation and blew me away.

The season immediately pulled me into the world of vintage cars, Ghostbusters, and synths. Seeing the show’s aesthetic again in the second season was like returning home. Even with new characters introduced, I feel like I really know the kids on the show. The character development is nothing short of stellar.

Picking up a year after season one ended, season two wastes no time getting into action. The ‘Goonies’ vibe of the first season appears once more, but just like the Harry Potter films, the audience gets to watch these kids grow up. As the show features a group of 8th graders, I am hit with the nostalgia of awkward middle school romance, voice cracks, and the struggle to fit in. Stranger Things 2 hits all these themes with genuine honesty, and the show never holds back.

The emotion in the characters is so real, and after watching Netflix’s special “Beyond Stranger Things”, it’s clear that the actors were just as emotionally attached to their characters as I am.

And how could I talk about this season without mentioning the music? With the genius work of Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein, each scene was matched with eerie, suspenseful, or uplifting music. The score was the perfect balance of bold yet not distracting, which enhanced the viewing experience. By viewing experience, of course, I mean all the lights off, a tub of cookie dough ice cream, and my trusty laptop.

Needless to say, I binge watched the entire season in one sitting. I’d say it’s time well spent for a show this good. With it being better than the first season, I highly recommend you jump right into Stranger Things 2.