When Stranger Things came to an end, fans around the world were emotional. After five seasons spread over nearly a decade, the popular Netflix sci-fi series finally said goodbye. The final episode was released on January 1, and as the credits rolled, a familiar and powerful song began to play—“Heroes” by David Bowie. That single moment was enough to bring a 1977 classic back into the global spotlight.
Stranger Things has always been known for its strong connection to music. The show regularly uses songs from the past to create emotion, tension, and nostalgia. For many viewers, the music feels just as important as the story and characters. So, choosing the right song to end the entire series was a big decision. In the end, the creators felt that “Heroes” was the perfect choice.
The song immediately had a huge impact. In the days following the finale, streaming numbers for “Heroes” increased dramatically. Before appearing in the show’s final episode, the song was being streamed at a steady but modest rate. After the episode aired, streams jumped by around 500 percent in just a few days. On January 1 alone, the song was played hundreds of thousands of times, and the numbers continued to rise over the next several days.
This sudden surge shows how powerful television can be when it comes to music. Many younger viewers discovered “Heroes” for the first time through Stranger Things. Others already knew the song but felt a new emotional connection to it after hearing it during such an important moment in the show. The lyrics, which talk about hope, courage, and standing strong even for a moment, matched the ending of the series perfectly.
Interestingly, the idea to use “Heroes” reportedly came from Joe Keery, the actor who plays Steve Harrington. Once he mentioned it, the show’s creators immediately agreed. One of the creators explained that “Heroes” felt like an anthem for Stranger Things. Using the original David Bowie version felt right, especially since the show had previously used a different, orchestral version of the song in earlier seasons.
The success of “Heroes” after the finale is not the first time Stranger Things has revived an old song. In 2022, Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” became a worldwide hit again after being featured in the show. That song returned to the top of the charts nearly 40 years after its original release. Bowie’s song now seems to be following a similar path.
There is also a strong emotional layer to this moment. The renewed popularity of “Heroes” comes close to the tenth anniversary of David Bowie’s death, which makes the song’s return even more meaningful for fans. For many people, it feels like a tribute—not just to the end of a TV show, but to Bowie’s lasting influence on music and culture.
In the end, the return of “Heroes” proves that great music never truly fades. With the help of Stranger Things, a new generation has connected with David Bowie’s work, while longtime fans are reminded why his music still matters. It is a powerful example of how storytelling and music can come together to create something timeless.