Netflix’s most popular series has made its much-anticipated return. After a three-year hiatus, Stranger Things is back with a fresh set of episodes.

This season heralds the Hawkins crew’s ultimate showdown. Set in 1987, they have one last opportunity to vanquish Vecna. Though he disappeared after the climactic events of Season 4, his ominous presence continues to shadow their every step. Meanwhile, with government scrutiny tightening around Eleven as the anniversary of Will’s vanishing approaches, the gang can no longer evade this formidable confrontation.

According to the Stranger Things Season 5 synopsis, “The final encounter is imminent—and with it, a darkness more potent and perilous than anything they’ve previously encountered. To dispel this nightmare, they must rally everyone—the entire party—together, one final time.”

The series has firmly established itself as one of Netflix’s most iconic shows. While elements of the storyline draw clear inspiration from Dungeons & Dragons, is there any truth behind the tale of Stranger Things?

Is Stranger Things based on a true story?

In a recent interview with FOX4, creators Matt and Ross Duffer revealed that the inspiration for their story initially sparked after watching Denis Villeneuve’s 2013 film Prisoners. This intense thriller revolves around the mysterious disappearance of two young girls, leading to a stalled investigation that compels a desperate father to take action himself.

Ross said they were interested in exploring a developing a long-form series that uncovers a town-wide search for a child. They “combined” the idea with a conspiracy theory they were toying with for another project, called the Montauk Project.

The Montauk Project was a top-secret military operation based in Montauk, New York, where the U.S. government allegedly kidnapped children and conducted psychological experiments on them during the Cold War. Conspiracy theorists believe the project aimed at developing modes of time travel, mind control and other similar abilities.

“And we went, well, what if we just combine these ideas? What if a monster took this kid?… And that was really how Stranger Things was birthed,” Ross said.

The Duffer brothers have also previously shared they were heavily inspired by the works of Stephen King and Steven Spielberg.

Now, fans can tune into Season 5, Volume 1. The next three episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 will premiere on Christmas at 5 p.m. ET, and the big finale will premiere on New Year’s Eve at 5 p.m. ET.