“Stranger Things,” the popular TV series known for its youthful cast, occasionally includes strong language, including the F-word, despite its young characters. Surprisingly, the F-word has been used sparingly throughout the show’s run, with only three instances occurring in season 3.
The first use of the F-bomb comes from Will Byers, one of the most unlikely characters to use such strong language. Will, typically quiet and polite, shouts the expletive in a fit of anger and pain while tearing down Castle Byers after a fight with his friends Mike and Lucas. This moment is significant because, until then, Will had never sworn on the show, emphasizing the depth of his distress. However, due to the loud score and absence of captions, this moment could easily be missed.
The second instance involves Billy Hargrove, the troubled character who becomes possessed by the Mind Flayer. In a tense scene, Billy threatens violence, yelling, “I’ll f***ing gut you!” as he’s manipulated by the Mind Flayer, creating a highly charged and frightening moment.
The most recent occurrence is less conventional, as it’s cut off before completion. Max Mayfield, a newer addition to the cast, almost drops the F-bomb upon encountering a menacing Mind Flayer creature attacking Nancy in a hospital room. Her shocked “What the fu-” is interrupted when Eleven uses her powers to intervene.
Despite claims of frequent strong language by some reports, “Stranger Things” has used the F-word sparingly, with just three instances in its entire run. It’s worth noting that other instances of offensive gestures, like flipping someone off, may have contributed to the confusion. These infrequent but impactful uses of strong language add depth and intensity to the show’s emotional and suspenseful moments, surprising viewers and highlighting the characters’ development.