Everything you need to know before watching 'Stranger Things 4'

Relive the first three seasons within minutes!
 By 
Belen Edwards
 on 
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Two men in suits hold the arms of a young woman in a flannel.
How did Eleven get here? Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

Good news, Stranger Things fans: The wait is almost over. Stranger Things Season 4 Volume 1 is upon us, and the anticipation is building faster than Eleven can demolish an Eggo waffle.

It's been three years since the third season of Stranger Things, so it's completely understandable if you've forgotten some of the plot points or minor characters we've encountered along the way. Luckily, Netflix has put together a series of three video recaps (one for each season) that will get you up to speed in no time. Here's what you'll need to remember heading into Season 4.

Stranger Things: Season 1 - everything you need to know

Key things to remember: The disappearance of Will Byers, the death of Barb, Eleven's escape from Hawkins National Laboratory, and Joyce's ingenious way of talking to Will through Christmas lights.


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Stranger Things: Season 2 - everything you need to know

Key things to remember: The Mind Flayer's possession of Will, the arrival of Max and Billy in Hawkins, Eleven and Hopper's father-daughter relationship, the death of Joyce's boyfriend Bob, and Steve's development from pretty boy jerk to single mom/world's best babysitter.

Stranger Things: Season 3 - everything you need to know

Key things to remember: The Mind Flayer's possession of Billy, the introduction of Robin the loss of Eleven's powers, Billy's sacrifice, and Joyce's decision to move her family to California. Oh, and Hopper died. But not really, he's alive and imprisoned in the Soviet Union.

Bonus: The cast explains the plot

And there you have it. Between the video recaps and the cast's efficient recap, you're good to go for Stranger Things Season 4. See you in the Upside Down!

The first seven episodes of Stranger Things 4 hit Netflix May 27, and the last 2 hit Netflix July 1.

A woman in a white sweater with shoulder-length brown hair.
Belen Edwards
Entertainment Reporter

Belen Edwards is an Entertainment Reporter at Mashable. She covers movies and TV with a focus on fantasy and science fiction, adaptations, animation, and more nerdy goodness. She is a member of the Critics Choice Association and the Television Critics Association, as well as a Tomatometer-approved critic.

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