Stranger Things is a Netflix Original created by Matt and Ross Duffer. It is, as the name implies, incredibly strange. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t good. Far from it. “Stranger Things” may be one of the best Netflix Original shows created since House of Cards.

The show takes place in the 1980’s and even from the theme song you can see the love the creators of the show have for this decade of filmmaking, especially the horror movies of the time. Little white dots blink across the screen like a film projector would if projecting on a canvas in a movie theater. Even the score is retro and adds to the immersion of the filmmaking.

The score was created by S U R V I V E, a band from Austin, Texas, that focuses on ambient synth based music.

On a simple level, “Stranger Things” is a mash-up of many different iconic horror elements. It’s clearly inspired by Steven King’s Carrie, Twin Peaks, John Carpenter’s The Thing, and Stand By Me. It is also inspired by a real government top secret project known as MK-Ultra, which, involved the FBI’s attempt to use LSD for mind control. The project began in the 1950s and went until the 1970s.

The plot revolves around three close friends who go on the hunt for their missing friend, Will. During their search, certain creepy, supernatural elements and characters show up and derail their efforts.

Stranger Things’ greatest achievement may be the fact that a large percentage of the cast is children. These kids are great actors and I was impressed with how well they played their characters, especially Millie Bobby Brown’s character named Eleven. Throughout her emotional performance in this eight-episode season, I found myself constantly impressed with her acting ability.

I loved watching this new show. I am a huge fan of horror films of the 80’s and this show is clearly indebted to them. At the same time, Stranger Things still keeps itself original. If you haven’t seen it yet I urge you to go watch an episode. You may start seeing your town in a different, stranger light, as well.

Netflix has already announced there will be a season two, but has not confirmed when the episodes will be released.