Stranger Things

Original characters in an original story; no established characters to swap.

Eleven is a powerful female lead and several women are capable, but the male characters are written as fully realized heroes without being mocked or diminished as a message.

• Eleven's powers drive the plot
• Hopper, Mike, Steve, and Dustin all get heroic, competent arcs

Robin comes out as a lesbian in S3 and Will's implied gayness becomes a notable arc by S4, but it's supporting, not the central focus.

• Robin confides to Steve that she's into girls (S3)
• Will's unspoken feelings for Mike explored in S4

Diverse supporting cast (Lucas, later Erica and Argyle) that fits a 1980s small-town ensemble without overriding the setting.

• Lucas as part of the core friend group
• Erica's expanded role in later seasons

A nostalgia-driven horror/adventure show that prioritizes story and character over messaging.

No framing of masculinity or the West as villainous; male heroism is celebrated.

• Hopper portrayed as a flawed but heroic father figure

Original property with no source material to betray.