David Bowie’s “Heroes” Soars After Soundtracking the Stranger Things Finale

When the final episode of Netflix’s hit sci-fi series Stranger Things premiered on New Year’s Day, it delivered more than an emotional farewell for fans. The closing credits featured David Bowie’s 1977 classic “Heroes,” sparking a massive surge in streaming that underscored the enduring power of iconic music when paired with a cultural moment.

A Nearly 500 Percent Streaming Surge

According to new data from music analytics company Luminate, reported by Rolling Stone, streams of “Heroes” jumped nearly 500 percent in the days following the finale. Over the previous five months, the track averaged around 94,000 digital streams per day. That number surged to 342,000 plays on January 1, followed by 456,000 on January 2 and 470,000 on January 3. The figures, collected on January 5, show how quickly a beloved song can reconnect with both longtime fans and a new generation of listeners after a major pop-culture moment.

Why “Heroes” Was the Perfect Finale Song

The song’s inclusion was no coincidence. Stranger Things co-creator Ross Duffer revealed that the idea came from actor Joe Keery, who plays Steve Harrington and also releases music as Djo. “Once Joe said that, we immediately knew that was the right song to end the show on because it is, in some ways, an anthem for Stranger Things,” Duffer explained. “To use the original Bowie version just felt right and fitting for the conclusion.” While a 2010 orchestral cover by Peter Gabriel appeared in earlier seasons, the original recording added emotional weight to the series’ final moments.

A Broader Music Revival Sparked by the Show

“Heroes” wasn’t the only classic to benefit from the finale’s massive audience. Prince’s “Purple Rain” and “When Doves Cry” also appeared in the episode, with streams more than doubling on Spotify. The trend mirrors earlier seasons, when Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” experienced a global resurgence after its inclusion in the show. Beyond streaming, Bowie’s legacy continues to be celebrated, with the 10th anniversary of his death set to be marked by an event at the British Library in London featuring guests Jehnny Beth and producer Tony Visconti.

The dramatic rise in streams highlights how television soundtracks can reshape listening habits and introduce classic music to new audiences. As Stranger Things comes to a close, Bowie’s “Heroes” stands as a powerful reminder that great songs never fade — they simply find new moments to shine.