Full Breakdown
Securing Prince's Music for the "Stranger Things" Finale
1/1/2026, 11:17:12 PM
The Historic Licensing of Prince's Songs
The creators of "Stranger Things," Matt and Ross Duffer, successfully secured the rights to two iconic songs by Prince—“When Doves Cry” and “Purple Rain”—for the series finale, marking a significant moment in television history. These tracks, both from Prince's Grammy Award-winning 1984 album, had never been licensed for use in a TV series before. The finale, titled “The Rightside Up,” aired on New Year's Eve 2026 and featured these songs during pivotal moments, enhancing the emotional stakes of the narrative.
Key Moments in the Finale
In the finale, “When Doves Cry” plays as characters Jim Hopper (David Harbour) and Murray (Brett Gelman) trigger a bomb to destroy the Upside Down, while “Purple Rain” accompanies a dramatic scene involving Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) as she seemingly sacrifices herself. Ross Duffer emphasized the importance of these musical choices, stating, “Nothing really captures epicness like Prince.” The Duffer Brothers had long desired to use Prince's music, but they faced significant challenges in securing the rights due to the strict licensing policies of Prince's estate.
The Role of Kate Bush's Resurgence
The Duffer Brothers attributed their success in obtaining the rights to Prince's music to the viral resurgence of Kate Bush's “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God),” which gained immense popularity after being featured in the fourth season of "Stranger Things." Matt Duffer noted, “Thanks to Kate Bush, we were able to acquire the rights,” highlighting how the success of one song can influence the licensing decisions for others.
Challenges in Licensing
Historically, Prince's estate has been reluctant to license his music for television and film, making the acquisition of these songs a notable achievement. The Duffer Brothers described the process as a “long shot,” with Matt stating, “We just crossed our fingers.” The rarity of Prince's songs being used in media added to the significance of their inclusion in the finale.
Conclusion and Impact
The successful licensing of “When Doves Cry” and “Purple Rain” not only elevated the emotional impact of the "Stranger Things" finale but also underscored the Duffer Brothers' commitment to creating a memorable viewing experience. The series, which has captivated audiences over its five seasons, continues to stream on Netflix, allowing fans to experience this unique musical moment in television history.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Nothing really captures epicness like Prince,” — Ross Duffer, Co-Creator of "Stranger Things."
- “Thank God they agreed.” — Matt Duffer, Co-Creator of "Stranger Things."
- “we were told that it was a real long shot, so we just crossed our fingers,” — Matt Duffer, Co-Creator of "Stranger Things."
