The Gotham Film & Media Institute (The Gotham) announced today that creators, writers, executive producers, and directors Matt and Ross Duffer will receive the Visionary Tribute for Netflix’s global phenomenon “Stranger Things” at the Third Annual Gotham Television Awards, taking place live and in person on Monday, June 1st at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.
“With Stranger Things, Matt and Ross Duffer built a world entirely their own and reimagined the possibilities of event storytelling,” said Jeffrey Sharp, Executive Director of The Gotham Film & Media Institute. “The Visionary Tribute recognizes boundary-pushing work that will inspire the next generation, and Matt and Ross have created a defining cultural force that reshaped the television landscape. We are proud to celebrate their singular contribution at this year’s Gotham Television Awards.”
Created by the Duffer Brothers, “Stranger Things” debuted in 2016 and quickly became one of the most influential and widely celebrated series of the streaming era. Blending science fiction, horror, and coming-of-age drama, the series follows a group of young friends in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, as they confront supernatural forces and secret government experiments.
Throughout its run, “Stranger Things” has captivated audiences worldwide, earning critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including 12 Primetime Emmy Awards from 57 total nominations. Upon the release of Season 5, all five seasons remained in the global top 10 for a record-breaking eight weeks. Season 5 Volume 1 also debuted with 59.6M global views, the biggest premiere week for an English-language show.
The series has become a cultural touchstone, inspiring a devoted global fanbase and expanding into a multi-platform franchise spanning publishing, games, immersive experiences, and consumer products.
Additional honorees for the Third Annual Gotham Television Awards will be revealed in the coming weeks. Nominees in the competitive categories will be announced on April 28th, 2026. Winners will be honored at the awards ceremony at Cipriani Wall Street on Monday, June 1st.
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