It is no secret that Netflix’s “Stranger Things” is arguably the most popular program that is available for streaming right now. With the first season garnering critical acclaim, the question became, “Can season two live up to expectations?” Well, friends, the answer is it certainly did live up to them and even succeeded. Here are seven reasons why this season was arguably better than season one.

Spoilers ahead! You've been warned!

1. Steve freaking Harrington

If one character shined the most this season, of all people, it had to be Steve Harrington. The way he unintentionally took responsibility for the gang and was the voice of reason this season made it all worth it. Steve Harrington didn’t need Nancy after all. Steve Harrington is probably that older brother figure that we probably all could use sometimes. Oh and he finally shared his hair tips with Dustin. What a pal.

2. El’s Character

We know by this point about what happened in the upside down and the lab, but we got to see a different side to Millie Bobby Brown’s character, Eleven. We saw a more sensitive, interpersonal side to her and that made my life. We saw a softer side. We saw her relationship with Hopper (total surprise) and with her sister, Eight/Kali. At first this likely sounds straight up normal with numbers. However, we get to meet Eight, Eleven’s sister. We also learn about what happened to their mother and why she is in that particular state. While the episode featuring Eleven, Eight, and Eight’s group in Chicago received harsh criticism as “taking away from the plot,” it was definitely an episode we needed and certainly part of the plot as this triggered Eleven’s cause back to her group back in Hawkins, Indiana. Plus, it helped Eleven gain closure in her journey from the past and into the future.

3. Superhero Bob

Bob was the love interest of Joyce and honestly an ongoing and growing father figure for Will. He was the one character we didn’t really expect to appreciate as much as we did in the beginning of the season, but Superhero Bob really made his short time with us quite memorable, sacrificing himself for the Byers family and crew. RIP Bob. We will miss your puzzle-solving prowess and the slight sense of normality that you brought to the show. The map almost killed me this season.

4. Winter Dance

Again, this show capitalizes on the idea that what we may feel is normal really is not. Plus, after the emotional turmoil we experienced, it was nice to have a few minutes of just everyone living halfway normal lives. Seeing the kids all experience their first dance is something a lot of us can connect with, especially at that age. It takes us back to a time where everything was so innocent and pure and, quite frankly, exciting. Plus, our ship of Mike and Eleven finally sailed. Bless.

5. Mike Wheeler

Mike is seriously the friend we all need. Someone who is more soft spoken, but he keeps it real when needed. He’s loyal and understands his friends and is clearly in touch with their feelings. During this time period, that trait was not viewed as positively as it is now. When Mike and Will had that heart-to-heart conversation about his dreams and visions, that made me enjoy Mike even more. Everyone needs a friend with the loyalty and honest as Mike does with his friends.

6. "(Mad) Max" and Billy

Okay, Billy was hands down a total turd, but he really reflected the 80's stereotype of the “violent metalhead junkie.” Not until the end of the season did we know how he and Max were related or why he was so violent. We do see Billy be more empathetic in the sense that he knows teenagers need their space growing up. Also seeing an outsider within Max comprehend the situation in Hawkins from one year ago gave the show an extra layer of awesomeness.

The group needed another female and I’m interested to see her character interact now that El is back. Plus, Max kicked Billy’s butt in the end which we were honestly all waiting to see. These two characters that were introduced this season gave the show a boost and really added to the complexity of the show and story.

7. Justice for Barb

We finally got a funeral for Barb and the real reason why they died through Murray Bauman that Nancy and Jonathan visit to get answers behind the laboratory experiments. RIP Barb. You were seriously the voice of reason in season one and you did not deserve to die the way you did. At least we finally have #JusticeForBarb.

Stranger Things season two did not disappoint. The story became more complex and there were many aspects of the story that we finally gained closure with. This season, to me, matched and succeeded the expectations set by season one. I never get into shows that are watched by everyone, but this show is certainly one you do not want to miss.