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As a huge fan of the series myself, I'd just like to keep you guys as updated as possible with the series' promotional campaign and stir up some hype for what looks like the most fun as well as the most sinister and what very well might be the best season of this beloved story. So here's what I got so far:
Let's start with sales. On the top of the list, we've got H&M, the longtime partner of Stranger Things and one of the principle carriers of its wearable merchandise.
H&M Summer Collection
Promotional Photo: New H&M Stranger Things Collection
https://www2.hm.com/content/dam/hm-magazine-2019/inside-hm/19_19_A_Culture_StrangerThings_2.jpg
For the past three years, the store has touted everything from t-shirts of Eleven in her quintessential leggo-my-Eggo look to hoodies with the classic red title logo. This time around, however, H&M is going all out with a full-blown Stranger Things summer collection, including everything from bathing suits to sliders and button-ups, and they've even snagged stars Dacre Montgomery and Francesca Reale, dressed in Billy and Heather's season 3 lifeguard gear, as the faces of this ad campaign.
All in all, the clothes aren't bad and the campaign certainly not us unpalatable as other cheesy partnerships between stores and media giants. In fact, I would say that the small but inspired collection of Stranger Things merchandise they've got lined up for this summer is a major upgrade from the mostly cringy collection of printed tees that H&M usually carries for the show. True, this might be a cash grab, but I'm a sucker for this '80s inspired swimwear and I can't say that I don't want to throw on that Demogorgon button up and see if it really can look as sexy as Dacre Montgomery makes it.
If nothing else, this effort to create actually fashionable merchandise for the show deserves an acknowledging nod, if not a peek at the merchandise in person. Whatever your opinions are, I'm certainly stopping by one of their locations to sport my support for the show.
Coca-Cola and LEGO Join the Campaign
Stranger Things New Coke Commercial
https://cdn3.tvweb.com/i/article/RQs5v5BOkq8ldqg2MvCio8wciVCorI/798:50/Stranger-Things-Season-3-New-Coke-Commercial-Video.jpg
I'm gonna just kill two birds with one stone and talk about these together because honestly there's not too much to say about either.
So. Coca-Cola and LEGO. Like H&M before them, they're both finally riding the wave of Stranger Things hype and coming out with show inspired and partnered merchandise.
Coca-Cola is probably the more exciting of the two, as it's a far more impactful brand than LEGO, you probably care about it much more than LEGO if you're over fifteen, and Coke has done blessedly more to bring attention to the fact that they're pairing up with the Netflix titan. Just yesterday, a semi-promo, semi-commercial was released including major players in the main cast, from all members of the Party to soccer mom himself, Steve Harrington. True, it hardly reveals anything new about the show that anyone who has been paying any attention hasn't already noticed, but it's a fun and cute little promo with some nice retro VHS-type coloring that will excite any super fan.
Plus, for history buffs, it's poking fun at the '80s advertising meltdown that was "New Coke," a new Coca-Cola recipe that was made to reinvigorate the brand and replace the old recipe and which hilariously blew up in the soda company's face. People were practically rioting over "New Coke" and demanded the classic version of the Cola so viciously that New Coke has virtually been extinct ever since. Everyone hated it then, but now, in tandem with the Stranger Things and its summer of '85 vibe, New Coke is making a comeback.
Who knows? Maybe we'll love it. The promo itself is a blast, and that bodes very well for the beginning of this larger campaign.
The link to the video is here:
Then you've got LEGO. I don't really know how to feel about this one. Considering that the audience of Stranger Things falls strongly between fifteen and fifty, I'm not entirely sure how the toy sales of this product will do considering that these toys are usually meant for children slightly out of the age range to truly enjoy Stranger Things.
That is not to say that love wasn't put into LEGO's Stranger Things you set. In fact, they got a bit creative, announcing an Upside Down themed set including the Byers' house on top and an inverted hellscape version of the property connected to the bottom, directly upside down and decorated with all members of the major season 1 cast, including the infamous Demogorgon. It's kind of amazing actually, but I fear that this interesting and seemingly heartfelt homage to the show, while perhaps gaining the appreciation of the show's fans, might not create the financial gain that the company was hoping for.
Still, though, it's a cool product, and it's got a bit more love behind it than your usual corporate cash grab.
Character Posters and THAT PROMO.
Billy Hargrove Season 3 Character Poster
https://static2.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Dacre-Montgomery-As-Billy-Stranger-Things-Character-Poster.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=738
So now that sales are out of the way, let's get down to promotion. First up we've got new character posters! Just two days before the time of my writing this article, Netflix released '80s thriller themed posters of the entire major cast, from tweens to teens and adults.
Honestly, there's not much to say on the subject. They're simply something you'll have to see for yourself. While they hardly tell us anything know about the upcoming season, they again show the increased production value of the series and reassert the care that the creative team is taking to give fans the exciting promotional campaign that we deserve after waiting so long for this season.
Lastly, we've got that promo. Yes, that promo. The one with Billy, the Californian trash-stash dream boy. Shirtless. Strutting in front of a row of horny, middle-aged moms. Yep. That promo.
Let's just go ahead and agree that this video is twelve different kinds of weird, not least of all because Billy is only freshly 18, practically a child, and he's being creeped on and ogled by married mothers probably three times his age. In fact, that's something that I'd like to talk about in a future article, as I disagree with the way in which physically attractive actors, boys included, are passively allowed to be eye candy in these weird, pervy situations and hardly anyone blinks because being naturally attractive for some reason means that you must become a sexual object.
But let's bottle up that catty social rant and save it for another time. Billy's sexy teenage body is the focus of these moms' attention. It's weird and gross, though relevant to the time, I guess, considering that music from the classic Fast Times as Rushmore High is playing in the background. Moving on.
Other than the weird perversity of that aspect of the promo, the clip also shows the fun, newly energized spirit of what we'll hopefully see in July. The bright, colorful setting immediately provides a contrast to the admittedly duller tones of the first two seasons, likely colorized in such a manner to create a more vintage look, and the dramatic cuts, zoom-ins, and dramatic slow-mos, amping up the absurdity and fun of Billy strutting to reclaim his lifeguard post before chewing a kid out for running by the pool and threatening to ban him for life, all point to a season reinvigorated and ready to embrace the childish energy of summer. Maybe that's putting a little too much stock into this not even two-minute clip, but you can decide for yourself:
If nothing else, it's another little tidbit the Duffer Brothers have thrown our way in preparation for what will surely be an absolute blow-out of a premiere. At this point, I've made my excitement for the new season loud and clear and, even if you've only seen bits and pieces of the show in passing, I encourage you to give this new chapter a chance. The Stranger Things team has had plenty of time to rack their brains on how to create a story that, if not in the same spirit as the beloved first season, will certainly be a fun must-see for the summer of 2019. Give it a try. Hell, maybe even buy a shirt. Now that the campaign has begun, there's practically no escape for anyone anymore.
Mine as well enjoy the ride while it lasts.
Sarah Wagner
After the procedure was over, I was loopy, nauseous and in a lot of pain. My entire mouth tasted like blood, and I swelled up like a balloon.
I wouldn't be able to eat solid food or work out for about a week after the procedure. I would be confined to my bed watching Netflix and eating mashed potatoes all day.
Did I mention I had this procedure done during Spring Break?
That's right, instead of "Marching" into a week of relaxation and preparing for my upcoming comedy gig, I "Marched" into the dentist's office to have teeth drilled out of my head.
If only he'd been able to do the same with my bad ideas!
Let me tell you, there are many other unpleasant things I'd rather do than have mouth surgery during my only week of peace since May.
Allow me to list them for you!
2. Get back in contact with any of my exes.
I don't find it coincidental that the letter "x" is right next to the letter "y", as in "why did I ever date you?"
3. Go an entire week without Chick-Fil-A.
I can barely go a day without Chick Fil A, so that's saying something!
4. Be Trina Vega's little sister.
You might be crazy, but have I told you lately, you're annoying! You're the only thing that's worse than having teeth removed!
6. Start my period during a job interview.
Oh wait, I did that too! Clumsy you(terus)!
7. Give up Netflix for a year.
How would I live with myself if I wasn't dancing along to Abuelita's morning jams, fan-girling over Elena and her Syd-nificant other and yelling, "Dale, Papito, dale!" in the middle of Walmart?
8. Go back to work at one of my old customer service jobs.
Until you've been responsible for working the entire store by yourself including waiting 7 tables, taking care of all the to-go orders with a line out the door, cleaning your workstation and bussing tables for the next round of customers while being nagged by your unhelpful bosses about the fridge needing to be restocked, you don't know frustration!
9. Work under Mr. Krabs management.
We get it, you crusty crustacean. You have no regard for the exploited working class, and you'll do anything to make a quick buck. We get it.
10. Have Sheldon Cooper as my therapist.
Dude, stick to protons. People aren't your area of expertise.
11. Be in the same room as Lil Xan
At least I can get him to go away by sending him a fake meme!
12. Listen to Brittney and Ashley talk about how cute Chad is during a lecture.
Will someone get Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Daddy's Credit Card to be quiet, I'm trying to learn about relationship communication patterns!
13. Get hit on by Chad from Racist Apple Pi.
Dude, you'd have better luck with Tweedle Daddy's Credit Card. At least you won't have to pay for the meal, and you can save up for more beer!
I hope you were able to extract a few laughs from this listicle just like my dentist extracted my wisdom teeth!
Making this list I realized even more what a huge geek I am, but hey, just imagine actually getting to spend the "most romantic day of the year" with one of these 20 hotties...
1. The Winchester Bros
Nerdy and geeky, strong and heroic, naughty and nice, yes please! I'm more a Sam girl, but I would never turn down a night out with Dean. Guaranteed he knows the best joint in town to get a burger!
And Sammy, we'd be up all night talking literature and fantasy (specifically Harry Potter) after he gets me some flowers and makes dinner of course.
Either sounds like a perfect Valentine's Day to me!
2. T'Challa aka Black Panther
Smart, strong, hero, handsome, selfless, and king! I'd love to be his queen this Valentine's Day. The accent and beautiful country that come with, yes please!
3. The Doctor
Maybe not in a romantic way but spending a day (maybe more) with a time-traveling alien would be amazing! How cool would it be stargazing... in space! And then visiting each one of those stars!
That would probably be the best Valentine's Day ever!
4. Han Solo
Never tell me the odds of this happening, but let's keep a little optimism here!
5. Marty McFly
Here's a guy who's really going places and I don't just mean in time! He's handsome and super smart! I'd love to spend a Valentine's Day with him, jamming out to some classic rock and riding in his truck with the windows down.
6. Flynn Rider aka Eugene Fitzherbert
Yes. I know he is a cartoon character! But if it's alright to have a crush on another fictional TV character, I can have a crush on an animated character.
I'd spend a Valentine's Day with him anytime. Bad boy on the outside, teddy bear on the inside. Heck yeah!
7. Westley
Cute farm boy turned sexy pirate, yes please! This is a guy whose mastered wit, sass, and unconditional love and could give a girl that perfect happily ever after. Who wouldn't want to spend a day with him?
8. Newt Scamander
Look at that adorable smile!!
As an animal lover, I absolutely fell in love with Newt Scamander the moment he appeared on the screen. He's willing to do anything for his creatures but he wouldn't hurt a fly. I'd spend the day with him just to explore his suitcase and meet his creatures!
9. Prince Naveen
Free spirited guy but who's looking for something real, I'll spend Valentine's day with him in New Orleans! But we'll be avoiding all the evil witch doctors.
10. One of these dorks.
Maybe they're not necessarily TV hunks but they're all sweethearts. Chandler is my favorite of the three, but I'd spend Valentine's day with Joey anytime. Maybe with Ross, just as a friend though, sorry Ross, I'm not looking for a divorce.
11. Dimitri
Such a sweet heart with the best intentions in mind. I'll let him train me to be a princess any day. And now I can legitimately have a crush on him because there's a live Broadway musical now, so ha!
12. Arthur Curry aka Aquaman
Okay, maybe I just really like Jason Momoa, But, king of the sea, he's taking me to the beach and swimming with dolphins for Valentine's Day.
13. Loki
Who doesn't love a bad boy? As long as he doesn't try to stab me, I'd spend Valentine's Day getting into all sorts of mischief with him!
14. Owen Grady
Maybe not at Jurassic World per se, but he seems like a damn cool guy! And pretty brave at that. Just as long as he doesn't introduce me to any of his reptilian friends, I'd spend Valentine's day with him.
15. Li Shang
Alright, lets get down to business... You're welcome, good luck getting that song out of your head all day. But seriously! Who wouldn't want to spend a special day with the hero of China?!
16. Indiana Jones
Spending a day with Indy, talking myths and legends would be a great Valentine's day. He just may not like that I've wanted to get a pet snake for several years now.
17. Peter Parker aka Spiderman
Tom Holland's Spiderman preferably. Doesn't have to be a date for Valentine's day, I'd rather just hang out and build some LEGOs or watch a movie. He seems like a fun guy!
18. Dr. Smolder Bravestone
Or just the Rock. Any of his action characters really. Yep. He's just awesome.
19. Milo Thatch
Valentine's would either be spent talking over dinner about all our favorite stories from mythology or off on some crazy adventure. Either way, I'd be content!
20. Bond, James Bond.
I've got a taste for adventure and I believe this man could provide. As long as I'm not the damsel in distress.
https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-spiral-notebook-1605357/
1. Build-A-Bear Pig
https://www.buildabear.com/online-exclusive-year-of-the-pig-gift-set/23787_26872.html?cgid=giftshop-our-favorites
This pig and shirt is currently on sale for $30! You are never too old to buy a build-a-bear! You can purchase it here.
2. TOMS Canvas Shoes
https://www.toms.com/women/pink-year-of-the-pig-canvas-womens-classic-alpargatas
These TOMS are totally adorable and they have a pair for adults, youth, and children! You HAVE to see how adorable the children ones are. You can check them out here.
3. Kate Spade Portia
https://m.zappos.com/kate-spade-new-york-year-of-the-pig-portia-the-pig?oosRedirected=true
Kate Spade has an adorable pig portia, keychain, and card holder. They'll cost you a pretty penny since it's Kate Spade, but I mean have you ever seen a pig portia? You can drool over these here.
4. Gucci Tote
https://www.gucci.com/us/en/pr/men/mens-bags/mens-totes/ophidia-gg-tote-with-three-little-pigs-p-5479479VE1C8685?gclid=Cj0KCQiA-JXiBRCpARIsAGqF8wU2JYpKwf5s58rRsu260QZjN1q79vkHjf5n8EubOEPB6J5p8wLgikkaAnp5EALw_wcB
If you love Gucci and love pigs, this tote bag is perfect for you! Although I hope you have $1,980 for this bag. But hey, if you have some extra money from that year end bonus, might as well spend it on your passion for pigs! You can find this exclusive bag here.
5. Starbucks
http://www.starbucks.com.hk/coffeehouse/merchandise/chinese-new-year-series
If you love Starbucks, you'll be sure to love their Happy Piggy Year Series! You can find their cute mugs, tumblers, and water bottles here.
6. Estee Lauder Powder Compact
https://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/estee-lauder-year-of-the-pig-perfecting-pressed-powder-compact-prod213540237
You may have lots of makeup, but you probably don't have a pig powder compact. Look at how beautiful this bedazzled compact is here.
7. LEGO
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lego-40186-Year-of-the-Pig-New-Exclusive-FREE-SHIPPING-WORLDWIDE-/223306305733
LEGO has created a new Year of the Pig set and it is adorable! It's great if you have kids that share your passion for pigs. You can purchase it here.
8. Swarovski Crystal
https://www.swarovski.com/en-US/p-5302557/Zodiac-Determined-Pig/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA-JXiBRCpARIsAGqF8wVqraSYDM09TbtRh6oDsyJxVW8sazc7i_CJVt4k8ee0IyuUn7kr-ZIaAul0EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Get yourself a determined pig from Swarovski for this year! You can check it out here.
