Stranger Things creators defend Barb's parents, 'confirm' Jean-Ralphio meme 

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are not available (the streaming service doesn’t release viewership stats), there’s anecdotal evidence of the show’s breakout status in the form of complete and total internet obsession.

Much of the online love has been centered on Barb (Shannon Purser), best friend to Nancy (Natalia Dyer), who ultimately is killed off by

’ slimy monster. Creators The Duffers understand viewer support for Barb (#JusticeForBarb became a popular hashtag) but say her death was necessary for the series.

“There had to be casualties in order for the stakes to be what they are,” says Ross Duffer. “It’s a little of what George R.R. Martin does so well which is you’re always a little bit on edge because you don’t know who’s going to make it to the end. We want continue that obviously.”

And while there wasn’t much time spent on mourning Barb, the Duffers say they had to make hard decisions for story. “The one thing I would like to publicly defend is Barb’s parents,” says Matt Duffer. “People are saying they don’t care – they care. We just don’t go there. You do see them. They’re talking and crying with the Wheeler family when Mike comes in and hugs his mom at the end of episode 3. We made a decision to not open that door and not follow her parents around because we wanted to concentrate on our core group of characters.”

Barb wasn’t the only meme to spring forth from

: another popular fan theory was that Nancy’s boyfriend Steve (Joe Keery) is the father of

character Jean-Ralphio Saperstein. Even Jean-Ralphio actor Ben Schwartz got in on the fun, saying he felt the

“It’s hilarious and it’s obviously true,” laughs Matt Duffer of the meme. “I’ll confirm that.”

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