Stranger Things Season 4: 10 Crazy Fan Theories That Could Happen

Ever since the release of its first season back in 2016, Stranger Things has solidified its place as the most popular show in the history of any Netflix original. With the introduction of lovable characters, nostalgic visuals, and a deep story seeping with lore, it’s no surprise the show has built up such an engaging fanbase.

And by dipping its toes in everything from the earlier works of Steven Spielberg to the extended Dungeons and Dragons universe, of course this fanbase is made up of science-fiction and fantasy lovers alike.

In fact, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that season 4 of Stranger Things is by far the most anticipated Netflix release of next year. A truly incredible claim considering that it finds itself in the company of shows like Stranger Things and Cobra Kai, each with their own cult followings.

But with great anticipation comes great responsibility, with the showrunners having quite the task of keeping the story fresh while playing to the expectations of fans to avoid an unfortunate Game of Thrones-like ending.

So while we wait for 2021 to come around, let’s take a look at some of the craziest fan theories that might be coming true in the upcoming season of Stranger Things; and although none of this has been confirmed, be wary of any potential spoilers up ahead.

The success of a show like Stranger Things is linked to its cast of child actors, making timed releases extremely important. Having 17 year old Will show up sporting a fully grown beard wouldn’t sit right with fans, after all. But since filming has now resumed, we can thankfully forget about the showrunners having to use time jumps to maintain a sense of realism between the cast and their characters.

So then when can we expect season 4 to take place? Well, since the first season took place in 1983, the second in 1984, and the third in 1985, I’m prepared to bet that season 4 is set to resume in 1986: a year plagued by a terrible disaster popularized by both a critically acclaimed HBO series and Call of Duty 4.

I am, of course, talking about the nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl. Since the teaser trailer has convinced us that Hopper is alive and well, working in the snow-capped slopes of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, it wouldn’t be a stretch to link the Russkis to this disaster. Who’s to say that the Russian encampment doesn’t move off west, with their connection to the upside down wreaking havoc on Pripyat and being covered up by authorities as a meltdown of sorts?

Now that’s a conspiracy Murray would be down for.