Stranger Things is an American science fiction-horror web television series created by the Duffer Brothers. The first season focuses on the disappearance of a young boy, and the appearance of a psychokinetic girl, who helps his friends in their search, while the boy's older brother, his mother, and the town police chief start their own investigations. The show was released on Netflix on July 15, 2016. It received critical acclaim for its characterization, pacing, atmosphere, acting, soundtrack, directing, writing, and homages to 1980s genre films. On August 31, 2016, Netflix renewed the series for a second season of nine episodes, which is set to be released on October 31, 2017.