Final answer:
The 1980s was an ideal setting for Stranger Things due to its technological advancements, cultural nostalgia, political stability, and economic prosperity, all of which provide a stark background for the series' plot while offering a rich, recognizable setting.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 1980s are often regarded as an ideal time to set a series like Stranger Things due to its unique blend of technological advancements, cultural nostalgia, and the distinctive socio-political climate of the decade. While the '80s were marked by significant economic and technological growth, typified by the proliferation of home computers and video games, the era was also characterized by a surge in cultural nostalgia, which lent itself well to the series' retro setting and aesthetic.
The period's political stability and economic prosperity, especially during the Reagan administration, presented a seemingly serene backdrop, against which the darker, more supernatural elements of the storyline could sharply contrast, enhancing the show's dramatic effect. Additionally, the 1980s were a time of pop culture prominence with iconic movies, toys, and music, shaping a rich and easily recognizable setting ripe for exploration through a modern lens.