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Stranger Things Fans Recall The Exact Moment Steve Harrington Became Likable

Stranger Things Fans Recall The Exact Moment Steve Harrington Became Likable
Image credit: Netflix

That’s the magic of a right friend group for you.

Summary:

  • Stranger Things is the hit Netflix sci-fi series that follows the residents of the fictional small town of Hawkins as they discover an alternate dimension.
  • Steve Harrington, portrayed by Joe Keery, was a supporting character who was supposed to die in the first season of the show, but ended up becoming a series regular.
  • Fans recall the exact moment they changed their minds about Steve as the moment he turned on his first group of evil friends.

Right now, Joe Keery's Steve Harrington is one of the most popular characters on Netflix's hit show Stranger Things. While he may have to share the spot with several other kids who all hold a special place in the hearts of viewers, no one can deny his popularity.

However, the original long-time fans who have been with the show since the beginning in 2016 know that it wasn't like that back then. A complex character as he is, Steve had to go through quite a transformation to win the hearts of the viewers.

And now that he has, the entire team behind the show can proudly call themselves redemption arc gurus, as not many characters from Netflix dramas have been able to make such a quick turnaround.

What Made Stranger Things’ Steve Harrington Change?

Stranger Things Fans Recall The Exact Moment Steve Harrington Became Likable - image 1

What's interesting is that Steve's character became so complex partly by accident. He started out as an unlikable guy not only because the writers wanted to mix things up and have different people with different personalities in the story, but also because he just wasn't meant to survive the first season.

By allowing him to be flawed, even if it wasn't the most pleasant thing to watch, Stranger Things let viewers figure out how they felt about him at a slower pace. It also gave Joe Keery more opportunities to show off his talent, which didn't go unnoticed by audiences or critics.

Stranger Things Fans Recall The Exact Moment Steve Harrington Became Likable - image 2

However, there was one particular choice that changed the perception of Steve in the eyes of the fandom forever.

“The moment he told his toxic friends to f off. Dude realized how many mistakes he's made and decided to do better. Genuine role model to all growing boys and single mothers,” Redditor Dragomight67 said.

The moment Steve returns to the theater to clean up the graffiti, which he didn't even do because he was genuinely unhappy that it was aimed at Nancy, is the moment many Stranger Things viewers became more invested in his character.

Nobody likes a bully, even with Joe Keery's face. However, everyone enjoys a good old-fashioned redemption arc, especially when it comes to kids who still have a lot to learn and grow, and Netflix knows it best.

Stranger Things Fans Recall The Exact Moment Steve Harrington Became Likable - image 3

If you're interested in seeing what the 5th and final season of Stranger Things has in store for all the characters and how the group will deal with Hawkins' mess once and for all, be sure to keep an eye out for a release date.

Until then, you can treat yourself to a Stranger Things marathon by streaming the show on Netflix.

Source: Reddit