Since Stranger Things premiered on Netflix in 2016, it has quickly become a pop culture phenomenon, drawing praise for its unique blend of supernatural horror, 1980s nostalgia, and well-rounded character arcs. Among the standout characters, Steve Harrington, portrayed by Joe Keery, has evolved from a seemingly one-dimensional high school bully into one of the most beloved and complex figures in the series. Steve’s journey from a cocky, spoiled teenager to a courageous and caring protector is emblematic of the depth and nuance that Stranger Things consistently brings to its character development. In this article, we’ll explore Steve’s character evolution, his relationships, the actor’s portrayal, and the impact Steve has had on both the series and its fans.
The Initial Introduction: The Stereotypical 80s “Jock”
When we first meet Steve Harrington in season one, he embodies the quintessential 1980s high school archetype—the popular, handsome jock dating the pretty girl (Nancy Wheeler, played by Natalia Dyer). In a world already filled with supernatural mysteries and otherworldly threats, Steve’s role in the beginning seems almost like an afterthought. He’s the “bad boyfriend,” the rich, cool guy who’s more concerned with maintaining his social status than anything else.
At first glance, Steve seems shallow, self-absorbed, and the typical antagonist to the “nerdy” protagonists like Jonathan Byers and the younger kids. His initial characterization is designed to fit into a particular mold, one that mirrors the teen movies of the 1980s (The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles, for instance). In those films, characters like Steve are often two-dimensional and serve merely as plot devices for the actual heroes. However, Stranger Things quickly begins to subvert these expectations, turning Steve into something much more.
Season One: The Seeds of Transformation
As season one progresses, it becomes clear that Steve is more than just a stereotype. His relationship with Nancy is central to this shift. When Nancy’s best friend, Barb, goes missing (captured by the Demogorgon), Nancy becomes consumed with finding out what happened. At first, Steve’s reaction is largely selfish. He doesn’t want his perfect life interrupted by Nancy’s growing obsession with something he doesn’t believe or understand. He tries to distance himself from the situation, even as Nancy gets closer to Jonathan, a character he sees as a rival.
However, as the danger escalates, Steve shows an unexpected capacity for bravery and empathy. One of the defining moments of his character arc in season one is when he returns to Nancy’s house to apologize and ends up joining Nancy and Jonathan in their fight against the Demogorgon. Armed with nothing more than a baseball bat, Steve helps the pair fend off the monster in one of the season’s most iconic scenes. This moment marks a significant turning point for Steve, illustrating that beneath his superficial exterior, he has the heart of a hero.
Season Two: The “Mom” Steve Era
By season two, Steve’s transformation is in full swing. His relationship with Nancy deteriorates, but instead of reverting to his old ways, Steve begins to mature. This is most evident in his interactions with the younger kids, particularly Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo). When Nancy leaves Steve for Jonathan, Steve doesn’t lash out or retreat into bitterness. Instead, he forms an unlikely friendship with Dustin, who looks up to him as a sort of big-brother figure.
This is where the affectionate moniker “Mom Steve” comes from. Throughout season two, Steve takes on a caretaker role for Dustin and the other kids, guiding them through the Upside Down-related chaos. His guidance is often comedic but also deeply heartfelt. He gives Dustin advice on girls, drives the kids around, and even fights off demodogs to protect them. What makes this transformation so engaging is how natural it feels. Steve doesn’t become a perfect person overnight; he still has moments of insecurity and self-doubt. But his willingness to put others before himself signals a major evolution from the selfish teen we met in season one.
Season Three: The Scoop Troop and the Growth of Steve’s Heroism
Season three of Stranger Things pushes Steve into yet another new role—this time as a part-time worker at Scoops Ahoy, an ice cream shop in Starcourt Mall. Now removed from the high school setting, Steve’s character is further developed as he adjusts to life post-graduation, a time when he struggles to figure out what to do next. His partnership with Robin Buckley (Maya Hawke), his coworker at Scoops Ahoy, adds a new dynamic to his character.
One of the standout moments in season three is Steve’s growing friendship with Robin. Initially, it seems as though the series is setting up a romantic relationship between the two, but this is subverted in a powerful way. Steve’s confession of his feelings for Robin is met with a reveal—Robin is gay. In an incredibly mature moment, Steve not only accepts this revelation but remains a supportive and loyal friend. This is another example of Steve’s growth; his capacity for empathy and understanding shines through, reinforcing his shift from self-centered high schooler to a genuinely good person.
The third season also solidifies Steve’s role as a key protector of the younger characters, particularly Dustin, who he continues to mentor. His involvement with the “Scoop Troop” (a team composed of Steve, Dustin, Robin, and Erica Sinclair) in uncovering the Russian plot beneath the mall shows that Steve is now fully entrenched in the adventure and mystery at the heart of the series. His courage in facing dangerous enemies and willingness to put his life on the line for his friends underscores the depth of his heroism.
Steve’s Relationships: Growth Through Connection
A large part of what makes Steve’s character so compelling is the way his relationships with others evolve over time. In the beginning, his identity is largely tied to his relationship with Nancy. But as the series progresses, Steve’s connections with characters like Dustin, Robin, and even Jonathan, become central to his arc.
Steve and Dustin’s Friendship: One of the highlights of Stranger Things is the unlikely yet heartwarming friendship between Steve and Dustin. From the moment they team up in season two, their dynamic has been a fan favorite. Steve serves as an older brother figure to Dustin, offering him advice and protecting him when danger arises. Their relationship is equal parts comedic and touching, adding a layer of emotional depth to both characters. Dustin helps humanize Steve, while Steve’s mentorship helps Dustin grow more confident and assertive.
Steve and Robin: Steve’s friendship with Robin is another key relationship that adds dimension to his character. Their banter and camaraderie in season three give viewers insight into Steve’s more vulnerable side. Robin’s coming out scene is handled with grace, and Steve’s response shows just how far he’s come since the shallow teen we met in season one. Their platonic friendship is a refreshing break from the usual romantic subplots, and it allows Steve to develop emotionally in a different way.
Steve and Nancy: Though their romantic relationship ends in season two, Steve’s dynamic with Nancy is also crucial to his growth. Initially, Nancy serves as the catalyst for Steve’s shift from a self-centered jock to someone capable of empathy and bravery. Though their breakup is painful, it’s a pivotal moment in Steve’s development, forcing him to stand on his own and find a sense of purpose outside of his romantic life.
Joe Keery’s Portrayal: Bringing Depth to the Role
While Steve’s character is undoubtedly well-written, much of the credit for his evolution goes to Joe Keery’s performance. Keery brings a nuanced portrayal to the role, balancing Steve’s cocky exterior with moments of genuine vulnerability. His comedic timing is impeccable, particularly in his scenes with Dustin, but he’s equally adept at conveying the emotional weight of Steve’s more serious moments. Keery’s performance has made Steve one of the most beloved characters on the show, and his ability to grow with the character has been crucial to Steve’s success.
Keery’s portrayal of Steve has also garnered significant attention from fans, with many praising the actor for turning what could have been a flat, one-note character into someone genuinely compelling. Steve’s mix of bravado, insecurity, and heart make him one of the most relatable and human characters in the series.
Why Steve’s Evolution Matters
Steve’s transformation from an arrogant, popular kid to a selfless, caring protector is one of the most compelling character arcs in Stranger Things. In a show filled with supernatural horrors and otherworldly threats, Steve’s journey is grounded in something deeply human—the desire to belong, to be loved, and to protect the people who matter. His evolution mirrors the broader theme of the show: that heroism often comes from unexpected places, and that people are capable of profound change when faced with challenges.
Moreover, Steve’s growth resonates with audiences because it subverts the traditional high school tropes that often limit characters like him to shallow stereotypes. In many 1980s films, characters like Steve don’t change—they remain bullies, or they receive minimal development. Stranger Things turns that convention on its head, showing that even the seemingly self-centered jock can grow into a hero.
Conclusion: A Character for the Ages
Steve Harrington’s evolution from a high school bully to a beloved hero is one of the most impressive character arcs in recent television history. His journey, shaped by his relationships and personal growth, has made him a fan favorite and a standout figure in the rich tapestry of Stranger Things. Whether he’s wielding a baseball bat to fight monsters or offering heartfelt advice to his friends, Steve has proven time and time again that he’s more than meets the eye.
