"According to data released by Spotify, "Purple Rain" saw a 243% increase in global streams between December 31st (when the Stranger Things finale debuted) and January 1st, 2026. Additionally, the song saw a 577% increase in streaming by Gen Z users, who hopefully weren't hearing it for the first time. "When Doves Cry" experienced smaller but similar results: a 200% increase in global streams, with a 128% increase for Gen Z specifically. The feature also brought an increased interest in Prince's catalog overall, with a 190% increase in global streaming."
"Without getting into spoilers for the series finale, "When Doves Cry" and "Purple Rain" played a key role in "The Rightside Up," underscoring a key action scene as well as an emotional farewell. "We knew we needed an epic needle drop, and so many ideas were thrown around," Ross Duffer told Netflix's Tudum. "I think there's nothing really more epic than Prince.""
"Getting "Purple Rain" in particular was not a sure thing, as the Prince estate very rarely allows for that song to be licensed. But over its five-season run, Stranger Things developed a track record for making '80s hits into present-day chart-toppers, exemplified by the massive success of "Running Up that Hill" after being featured in Season 4. As Matt Duffer put it, "Thanks to Kate Bush, we were able to acquire the rights [to 'Purple Rain'].""
Spotify data shows a dramatic streaming surge after the Stranger Things Season 5 finale placement: "Purple Rain" rose 243% globally and 577% among Gen Z between December 31 and January 1, 2026. "When Doves Cry" increased 200% globally and 128% among Gen Z. Prince's catalog saw a 190% global streaming boost. Both songs underscored key moments in the episode, including an action sequence and an emotional farewell. Licensing "Purple Rain" was difficult because the Prince estate rarely approves that song. Past success with Kate Bush helped secure the rights and renewed interest in '80s hits.
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