The legendary David Bowie — an artist whose influence on modern music is immeasurable — has just witnessed an extraordinary surge in streaming for one of his most iconic songs, “Heroes”, following its dramatic placement in the final episode of Stranger Things Season 5.
Originally released in 1977, “Heroes” has stood the test of time as an anthem of resilience and hope, widely regarded as one of Bowie’s greatest masterpieces. But in the first days of 2026, after the Netflix series concluded on January 1, the track experienced a near-unprecedented resurgence on streaming platforms — propelled by its emotional role during the end credits of the finale.
According to recent data from Luminate, before the finale aired, “Heroes” was averaging around 94,000 daily streams over several months. In the first three days of the new year, that number soared to 342,000 → 456,000 → 470,000 daily plays — representing roughly a 4–5× increase over its typical figures.
The song’s placement was not random. Series creators Matt and Ross Duffer revealed that actor Joe Keery — who portrays Steve Harrington and is also a musician — suggested using the original Bowie version to close out the entire series. The Duffers agreed, believing it delivered just the right emotional payoff after a decade of storytelling.
Stranger Things has a long history of reviving timeless music — most notably Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” in Season 4 — and its finale continued that tradition. Other classics, like Prince’s When Doves Cry and Purple Rain, also saw renewed interest following their inclusion.
This resurgence of “Heroes” isn’t just about impressive statistics — it’s a testament to the enduring power of a song that continues to inspire listeners across generations, reinforcing how deeply cultural moments can extend the life and relevance of art.