Stranger Things has never been a mere hit show—it’s a cultural phenomenon with a passionate, devoted fan base. But like many popular franchises, fervent fandom sometimes gets out of control.
When Joseph Quinn and Grace Van Dien both appeared in Season 4 as Eddie Munson and Chrissy Cunningham, their fleeting but iconic on-screen relationship immediately became a fan favorite. Unfortunately, that popularity was met with unforeseen and distressing results.
The Eddie and Chrissy Effect
Misunderstood metalhead Eddie and picture-perfect cheerleader Chrissy only had a handful of scenes together. But their dynamic left a mark. Viewers immediately fell in love with the pair, covering social media with fan art, TikTok edits, and a ship name—\”HellCheer.\” Though both characters died in Season 4 in heartbreaking ways, the bond between them stuck with viewers, making one of the season’s most popular moments.
When Fandom Goes Too Far
But the same fervor that had brought Eddie and Chrissy’s tale to life also brought out a worse aspect of fandom. Grace Van Dien, the actress who played Chrissy, was the victim of online harassment and hate.
A lot of the hate was tinged with misogyny and fan entitlement, with people criticizing her on everything ranging from screen time between her character and Eddie to presumed meddling in other fan-preferred relationships. It’s a painful reminder of how rapidly admiration can shift to aggression in virtual environments.
Joseph Quinn Speaks Out
Joseph Quinn, who played Eddie, addressed the harassment candidly at the London Comic Con Spring. When asked about Van Dien’s encounter, he was not tactful. Calling the incident “awful” and “disgusting,” Quinn said that he had spoken with Van Dien regarding what was occurring.
He spoke of the two-edged sword of online fandom—”able to express deep affection and deep violence.” “She was being massacred by association,” he explained, illustrating how brutal online shooting can be for actresses who are merely doing their job.
The “Bigger Problem with Toxic Fandom”
What was done to Van Dien is not an isolated occurrence. With fandoms growing and extending into broader realms of influence, the line between enthusiastic engagement and personal harassment can come into question.
Females who receive their breakout roles—be it actors or musicians—are often over-criticized and harassed both on and off the internet. The cast of Stranger Things has previously discussed the pressure of fame, particularly how it can impact younger stars who’ve found themselves with overnight fame.
A Moment for Reflection
Quinn’s defense of Van Dien brought to light a necessary conversation about the reasoning behind fandom.
Although enthusiasm for a television show or its star can unite individuals in powerful ways, it should not do so at the cost of the well-being of the performers bringing the characters to life. Respect, empathy, and understanding should be the foundation of any fan community, especially one as committed and influential as the Stranger Things nation.