Stranger Things season 4 debuted on Netflix, impressing fans, including the great Stephen King, but leaving them a bit disappointed. We only got the first seven episodes of season 4 instead of the complete season. Stephen King called the decision to split the season ‘kind of lame.’ The show’s Twitter account replied:
“Sorry Uncle Stevie, 8+9 aren’t done yet, but we’re working as fast as we can! Glad you’re enjoying and that you picked up on our super subtle Carrie riff.”
The bizarre Stranger Things would fit right into a Stephen King novel. However, Stranger Things isn’t based on a book – it draws from something infinitely more sinister.
Stranger Things is based on a rumored government experiment that happened in Montauk, New York
The creators of Stranger Things, Matt and Ross Duffer, drew inspiration from a rumored government experiment that happened in the Long Island town of Montauk.
The Montauk Project allegedly involved mind-control experiments on abducted children that improved the government’s military machine.
Engineer Preston B. Nichols popularized the rumored project, writing a book titled ‘The Montauk Project: Experiments in Time.’ He also told The Sun:
“I found myself on this screwball project which became known as the Montauk Project. We began to look at how you could interface minds with computer systems, the idea being you could fly a fighter plane by pure thought.”
“But it soon evolved into developing a mind-control device. They wanted to flip a switch and have everyone respond to a computer programme.”
The government hasn’t confirmed Nichol’s claims, but many people believe that the Montauk Project took place. They base their suspicions on another illegal government experiment titled Project MK-Ultra.
The CIA-led program tested drugs and techniques on humans to determine which ones could brainwash and torture people during interrogations. It involved hypnosis, sensory deprivation, isolation, administration of psychoactive medications, and electroshocks.
Stranger Things books were published after the show’s premiere
Super fans of Stranger Things know there are Stranger Things books.
These books don’t form the basis of the show. They were written and published after the series premiered to provide additional information about the characters.