If you want a focused refresher on the story threads behind Stranger Things, the Duffer Brothers’ reported picks are “Will the Wise” (Season 2, Episode 4), “The Spy” (Season 2, Episode 6), “The Massacre at Hawkins Lab” (Season 4, Episode 7) and “The Piggyback” (Season 4, Episode 9). They are continuity and mythology picks, not a ranking of the series’ best episodes. Season 5 has already aired: its U.S. rollout began November 26, 2025, with later episodes released December 25 and December 31.
What Stranger Things episodes should you rewatch?
For a short, creator-recommended refresher, watch these four episodes in season order:
- Season 2, Episode 4: “Will the Wise”
- Season 2, Episode 6: “The Spy”
- Season 4, Episode 7: “The Massacre at Hawkins Lab”
- Season 4, Episode 9: “The Piggyback”
The list was reported by The Financial Express, which attributes the suggestions to Matt and Ross Duffer in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. The available report frames the choices around the show’s expanding mythology and ongoing story, rather than offering a separate episode-by-episode explanation for every pick.
Why these four episodes matter
“Will the Wise” — Season 2, Episode 4
Matt Duffer said Season 2 was when the creators began building out the show’s mythology and planting seeds for a continuing story. That broad explanation makes this episode one of the recommended Season 2 revisits; the reported comments do not identify a single scene as the reason to choose it.
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- In 1980s Indiana a group of friends witness supernatural forces and government exploits. In searching for answers, they unravel a series of mysteries.
“The Spy” — Season 2, Episode 6
This is the second Season 2 selection. The report places it within the same period when the series’ mythology was taking shape, but does not give a distinct rationale for this episode alone.
“The Massacre at Hawkins Lab” — Season 4, Episode 7
Matt Duffer specifically called “Massacre at Hawkins Lab” a good Season 4 episode to revisit. The report uses that shortened form in the quote; the full episode title is “The Massacre at Hawkins Lab.”
Rank #2
![Stranger Things: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Ph4iUbmSL._SL160_.jpg)
- In 1980s Indiana a group of friends witness supernatural forces and government exploits. In searching for answers, they unravel a series of mysteries.
“The Piggyback” — Season 4, Episode 9
Ross Duffer connected this finale to revelations about the Upside Down and to the continuing Henry and Eleven story. His reported explanation is the clearest episode-specific reason on the list: its mythology and character developments carry forward into Season 5.
What this list is—and is not
Treat the four episodes as a targeted story refresher, not a claim that other installments are unimportant or that these are objectively the show’s finest episodes. The creators’ reported reasoning emphasizes mythology and continuity. If you want a broader catch-up, watching more of the series may help, but this short list is the specific recommendation attributed to them.
Rank #3
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Season 5 has already premiered
The “before Season 5” framing is now historical. Tom’s Guide’s 2025 release coverage reports that the first four episodes premiered in the United States on November 26, 2025. Episodes 5–7 followed on December 25, and Episode 8 on December 31. International release times varied, and those dates do not establish current streaming availability in any particular country.
How to watch or own the episodes
The episode list does not require a box set; check the streaming service available in your region for current access. For physical ownership, Arrow Video’s official US page lists a deluxe complete-series Blu-ray containing 25 discs and all 42 episodes across five seasons. The catalog also lists standard Blu-ray and 4K UHD editions. Stock can change, and buyers should check that a disc format and region compatibility suit their player and location.
Rank #4
- Nostalgic VHS Packaging: This exclusive collector's edition features authentic retro VHS-style packaging that captures the iconic 1980s aesthetic perfectly matching the Stranger Things era, making it a must-have display piece for fans and collectors alike
- Complete Season Two: Experience all the thrilling episodes from the second season of Stranger Things as the story continues with Eleven's return, the Mind Flayer's emergence, and the gang's adventures in Hawkins, Indiana
- Dual Format Collection: Includes both Blu-Ray and DVD formats in one package, providing flexibility to watch on multiple devices while enjoying high-definition picture quality on Blu-Ray or standard playback on DVD players
- Collector's Edition Design: This limited exclusive edition is specially designed for dedicated fans with unique retro-inspired artwork and packaging that stands out as a premium collectible item worthy of any entertainment collection
- Physical Media Ownership: Own a permanent physical copy of Season 2 that doesn't require internet streaming or subscriptions, allowing you to enjoy your favorite episodes anytime with superior audio and video quality
About the reported recommendations
The recommendation and attributed comments are presented in secondary coverage that cites a Hollywood Reporter interview. The original interview text was not available in the cited reporting, so the explanation here follows what that coverage establishes: broad Season 2 mythology context, Matt Duffer’s specific endorsement of the Hawkins Lab episode, and Ross Duffer’s link between “The Piggyback,” Upside Down mythology, and the Henry and Eleven story.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- A love letter to the ‘80s classic genre films that captivated a generation, STRANGER THINGS is a thrilling drama set in the seemingly normal Midwestern town of Hawkins, Indiana.
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