Prince Classics Soar on Spotify After Stranger Things Finale Moment

When Netflix dropped the highly anticipated Stranger Things series finale on New Year’s Eve, viewers weren’t the only ones buzzing. Two iconic Prince tracks, “When Doves Cry” and “Purple Rain,” experienced a dramatic surge in Spotify streams after their emotional placement in the closing moments of the episode. The renewed attention underscores how powerful music moments in streaming television can revive even the most celebrated catalogs for new generations of listeners.

According to reporting by Variety writer Steven J. Horowitz, “Purple Rain” saw a 243 percent jump in global Spotify streams, with Gen Z listening climbing even higher. “When Doves Cry” followed closely behind, posting more than a 200 percent increase worldwide. Overall, Prince’s catalog enjoyed a major boost as fans rushed to revisit the legendary artist’s music following the episode’s release. It’s a striking reminder that streaming audiences often seek out the songs that shape their favorite on-screen moments.

A Rare and Emotional Music Moment

The placement itself carried special significance. In the finale, the characters use Side Two of Prince’s 1984 album Purple Rain as they prepare for a climactic showdown in the Upside Down. The scene crescendos as Eleven, portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown, appears to sacrifice herself while saying goodbye to Mike, played by Finn Wolfhard, with “Purple Rain” swelling in the background. The emotional weight of the sequence amplified the impact of the music, making the moment instantly memorable for viewers.

Why the Songs Were Hard to Secure

Securing the tracks was no easy feat. Series creator Matt Duffer admitted, “We were told that it was a real long shot, so we just crossed our fingers.” Co-creator Ross Duffer echoed that sentiment, explaining that Prince’s estate rarely allows the songs to be licensed outside of the original Purple Rain film. “We had never talked about a song choice as much as we did for that moment,” he shared with Netflix’s Tudum, emphasizing how carefully the creative team approached the decision.

The Power of Sync Licensing

Prince, who passed away in 2016, remains one of music’s most influential artists, and this surge proves his work continues to resonate across generations. The success of this placement highlights the growing influence of sync licensing and how a well-timed television moment can reintroduce timeless music to millions of listeners worldwide.

In the end, the Stranger Things finale didn’t just deliver an emotional conclusion—it reignited global interest in Prince’s legacy, demonstrating how smart music placement can bridge eras, spark discovery, and drive massive streaming engagement.