When Stranger Things ended its five-season journey with a powerful finale on December 31, 2025, fans around the world were emotional. The final episode was full of action, heartbreak, and hope. But beyond the story itself, something unexpected happened after the credits rolled. The finale helped bring Prince’s legendary music back into the spotlight, especially for younger listeners who may not have grown up with his songs.
Two of Prince’s most famous tracks — “Purple Rain” and “When Doves Cry” — were featured during key moments in the finale. These songs were not just added for background noise. They played an important role in shaping the mood and emotions of the scenes. As a result, millions of viewers felt a strong connection to the music, and many went straight to streaming platforms to listen again — or to discover Prince for the first time.
Almost immediately after the episode was released, Prince’s music saw a huge rise in streaming numbers. “Purple Rain” jumped more than 200 percent worldwide, and among Gen Z listeners, the increase was even bigger. “When Doves Cry” also saw a massive boost. Overall, Prince’s entire catalog experienced a major surge, showing that his music still has the power to connect across generations.
What makes this even more special is how rare it is to hear some of these songs in TV shows. Prince’s estate has always been very protective of his music, especially “Purple Rain.” It is not often licensed outside of the original 1984 film and album. The creators of Stranger Things, Matt and Ross Duffer, later shared that getting permission was difficult and uncertain. They took a chance — and it paid off in a big way.
The way the songs were used in the finale mattered just as much as the songs themselves. “When Doves Cry” played during a tense, high-stakes moment, adding intensity and urgency to the scene. “Purple Rain,” on the other hand, was used during a deeply emotional moment that focused on love, loss, and connection. These scenes helped viewers feel the story more deeply, and the music became part of that emotional memory.
This is not the first time Stranger Things has revived classic music. In Season 4, Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” became a global hit decades after its original release. The same pattern is now happening with Prince. The show has proven that when old songs are paired with powerful storytelling, they can feel fresh, relevant, and meaningful again.
For Gen Z listeners, Stranger Things acted as a gateway. Many younger fans discovered Prince not through radio or old albums, but through a modern show they already loved. From there, curiosity led them to explore more of his music, his style, and his legacy.
In the end, the success of Prince’s music after the Stranger Things finale tells a simple story. Great music never expires. No matter how much time passes, powerful songs can always find new listeners — especially when they are introduced at the right moment. Prince may be gone, but his music continues to grow, inspire, and reach new generations, proving that true legends never fade.