Overview
- The series closer features Prince’s When Doves Cry and Purple Rain in key moments, an unusually rare use outside the Purple Rain film.
- Matt and Ross Duffer describe a challenging rights process, noting they had never debated a music cue more for the show.
- Spotify reports Purple Rain up 243% and When Doves Cry up 200% in global streams, with Gen Z surges led by a 577% jump for Purple Rain.
- Prince’s overall Spotify catalog streams rose 190% after the finale, underscoring the show’s ability to reintroduce legacy music to new listeners.
- The finale’s soundtrack also spotlights era staples from Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie, Pixies and more, with creators stressing an intentionally open-ended conclusion.