Stranger Things Helps Boost Netflix to an Unexpectedly Big Quarter

Stranger Things helped boost the number of Netflix subscribers this quarter, the Wall Street Journal reports. Netflix's latest earning report shows the streaming service reached 86.74 subscribers in its third quarter, up from 83.2 million in the second.

Netflix's third quarter lasted from July to September, and its performance surpassed expectations, thanks in part to original programming such as Stranger Things. Perhaps as a sign of recognition, the streaming company announced it will spend $6 billion on original programming in 2017, as opposed to this year's $5 billion.

Stranger Things Season 2 is set to premiere next year, with new characters entering the story. Dacre Montgomery (Power Rangers) will play Max, a charismatic guy with "a violent and unpredictable nature." Sadie Sink (American Odyssey) plays his younger step-sister, who "has a complicated history and is generally suspicious of those around her."

Additionally, both Joe Keery and Noah Schnapp have upped their roles from recurring to full-time regular ones. Keery played Steve Harrington, while Scnhapp played Will Byers, the missing boy that Season 1's story is centered on.

Showrunner Matt Duffer said back in August that Season 2 will be "a little darker and weirder," adding that he believes many people will prefer the first season. Duffer also said that he and his brother Ross have a rough idea of where the show could go in seasons past the second.