The “Stranger Things” effect is back, and this time, the Purple One is the one wearing the crown. Following the series finale that debuted on New Year’s Eve, Prince’s “Purple Rain” has seen an astronomical resurgence that mirrors the Kate Bush “Running Up That Hill” phenomenon from previous seasons. Spotify data released just this weekend reveals that “Purple Rain” experienced a 243% increase in global streams immediately following the episode. Even more impressive is the impact on younger audiences; Gen Z streams of the iconic track surged by a massive 577% as a new generation discovered the magic of the 1984 classic.
The surge isn’t limited to just the title track. “When Doves Cry,” which also played a pivotal role in the finale’s climax, saw its own 200% boost in global streams. The Duffer Brothers revealed that securing these tracks was a “real long shot,” as the Prince estate rarely licenses the original master recordings for scripted television. It appears that the historical success of past 80s needle drops in the show helped convince the estate to allow the songs to underscore the series’ final moments.
Beyond the streaming numbers, Prince’s entire catalog is feeling the heat with a 190% uptick in overall interest. The “Purple Rain” album has already begun climbing the Billboard 200 again, proving that while the show may have ended, the “Purple Reign” is far from over. Fans are flocking to digital platforms and record stores alike, cementing the finale’s soundtrack as the first major cultural music moment of the new year.