The barrier between Hawkins, Indiana, and the real world just got a little thinner. If you have been diving into the first volume of Stranger Things Season 5, you likely noticed the prominent role of the pirate radio station, WSQK 94.5 FM, also known as “The Squawk.” In a massive promotional move, Netflix has partnered with UK audio company Global to turn this fictional broadcaster into a real, live station that you can stream right now.
This isn’t just a simple playlist of 80s hits on a loop; it is a fully immersive “in-world” experience designed to sound exactly like a radio broadcast from 1983. On the real-life stream, you will hear original commentary from fictional DJs Vance Goodman and Mindy Flare. They discuss local Hawkins news that often contains Easter eggs and plot clues for the new season. Between the non-stop 80s tracks, you will also hear period-accurate commercials for local businesses like the Starcourt Mall and Scoops Ahoy, as well as segments like “Talk to Tammy” and “Rewind at 9.”
In the actual Season 5 storyline, the station serves as a crucial hub for the gang—specifically for Robin Buckley and Steve Harrington, who have found new jobs there. Robin has taken on the role of the station’s morning DJ, hosting “The Morning Squawk” and broadcasting under the handle “Rockin’ Robin.” The station acts as a “pirate radio” style resistance against Vecna, using music as a weapon to keep the Upside Down at bay.
The station is currently live and is expected to stay on the air through the holidays until January 1st. Accessing the stream is surprisingly easy, and it is available on more platforms than originally expected. You can listen globally by visiting the Global Player website, using the Global Player app, or simply asking your Alexa or Google smart speaker to “Play The Squawk.” Additionally, the station has been spotted on TuneIn and Apple Music (listed directly under radio stations), making it even easier to add to your daily rotation.
Now you can use WSQK to soundtrack your own day, just like Robin and Steve. Just keep an ear out for any interference; you never know who—or what—might be trying to break through the signal.