The Events in Stranger Things Began Exactly 34 Years Ago and Fans Are Freaking Out

Stranger Things might have just premiered last summer, but the events in the retro-inspired sci-fi series took place decades earlier. In fact, as diehard fans of the show pointed out, today marks the 34th anniversary of the happenings portrayed in the first episode.

Season 1, Episode 1 opens with a description of the date and location: "November 6, 1983 Hawkins, Indiana."

Netflix

That technically means, 34 years ago on this date, Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) disappeared into the Upside Down, and Hawkins was never the same.

Netflix

Stranger Things enthusiasts took note.

Another important anniversary takes place tomorrow, too: Mike and Eleven's first meeting.

The day after Will disappeared, Mike, Dustin, and Lucas went out into the woods searching for their friend, only to run into a mysterious girl now known as El. Mike ended up hiding her in his basement as the search for Will continued. But as he and the gang befriended her, he started to develop feelings for her as well.

Fans of "Mileven" are already celebrating the anniversary of the two youngsters' first encounter.

November 6 not only changed Hawkins forever, but also our Netflix bingeing habits. Celebrate "Stranger Things Day" by streaming the Seasons 1 and 2 (again)—you're going to need to keep busy while you wait for Season 3.

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Erica Gonzales is the Senior Culture Editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage on TV, movies, music, books, and more. She was previously an editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com. There is a 75 percent chance she's listening to Lorde right now. 

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