Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer have expressed discomfort with the visual effects in the show's first season. They attribute the issues to their inexperience and limited budget at the time. The brothers note significant improvements in later seasons due to larger resources and gained expertise.
Background on Stranger Things Season 1
Stranger Things, one of Netflix's flagship original series, premiered in 2016 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon with its blend of sci-fi, horror, and 1980s nostalgia. Created by Matt and Ross Duffer, the show follows a group of kids in Hawkins, Indiana, as they encounter supernatural threats from the Upside Down. Season 1 introduced key elements like the Demogorgon monster and established the series' tone, but the Duffer brothers now view its production through a critical lens.
Creators' Reflections
In a recent interview with Radio Times, Matt Duffer admitted, "I rewatch Season 1 and I cringe. It looks so much worse." His brother Ross echoed this, highlighting the constraints they faced: a modest budget compared to later seasons and their relative inexperience in handling visual effects. "We've certainly learnt a lot about visual effects [since then]," Matt added. They avoided specifying exact problematic shots but pointed to the Demogorgon's early appearances as particularly challenging.
Evolution of the Demogorgon
The Demogorgon, a central antagonist in Season 1, was primarily portrayed by actor Mark Steger in a practical suit to keep costs down. This approach worked for shadowed scenes but faltered in brighter or more dynamic moments, like its wall-burst in the finale, which required CGI enhancements. Ross recalled attempting practical effects that "would be 'Mystery Science Theater'-kind of quality" if shown. By Season 4, advancements allowed for fully animated versions, as seen in a key Russian prison battle sequence created by Rodeo FX, showcasing the show's growth in production scale.
Implications for the Series
These reflections come as Stranger Things prepares for its final season, underscoring how the series has matured from a low-budget indie project to a high-production spectacle. The Duffers' candor highlights the challenges of launching a hit under tight constraints, while affirming their pride in the overall achievement. Fans continue to appreciate Season 1's charm despite its technical limitations.