Story perspectives

Stranger Things Finale Secures Rare Prince Songs Rights

1/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Duffer Brothers, co-creators of Stranger Things, secured rights to Prince songs "When Doves Cry" and "Purple Rain" for the finale.
Prince's music has rarely been licensed for television.
"When Doves Cry" plays during a Hopper–Murray scene, and "Purple Rain" accompanies Eleven's moment.
The Duffer Brothers credited Kate Bush's resurgence, "Running Up That Hill," with helping sway Prince's estate.
The finale, titled "The Rightside Up," is streaming on Netflix.

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Story summary

The Duffer Brothers, co-creators of Stranger Things, secured rights to Prince songs "When Doves Cry" and "Purple Rain" for the finale.
Prince's music has rarely been licensed for television.
"When Doves Cry" plays during a Hopper–Murray scene, and "Purple Rain" accompanies Eleven's moment.
The Duffer Brothers credited Kate Bush's resurgence, "Running Up That Hill," with helping sway Prince's estate.
The finale, titled "The Rightside Up," is streaming on Netflix.