![The cast of "Stranger Things" poses with the awards they won for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series backstage at the 23rd Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles Mario Anzuoni X90045](https://nsjonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/13250_stranger_things_super_bowl_adso-678x381.jpg)
LOS ANGELES — “Stranger Things” has been renewed for a third season at Netflix, the streaming service announced Friday. The series, created by Durham natives Matt and Ross Duffer, takes place in the fictional town of Hawkins, Ind., where a secret government lab accidentally opens a door to another dimension referred to as the Upside Down.
The Duffer brothers say the series, which stars Winona Ryder, was inspired by movies and books from their childhood in the 1980s. The show has paralleled movie hits like “Stand By Me,” “Star Wars” and “Alien.” The series features a host of young actors alongside seasoned actors like Rider.
The first season of the show proved to be a major sleeper hit, generating positive reviews and garnering 18 Emmy nominations, of which it won five. Both seasons currently hold a 94 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Variety’s Maureen Ryan wrote in her review of Season 2: “As fine as the show’s justly lauded young cast is, the adult actors — especially Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton and Joe Keery — anchor every psychological nuance with subtle skill and ease.”