Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now” Finds New Life Thanks to “Stranger Things”
The 1980s pop sensation is experiencing a resurgence in popularity after her hit song was prominently featured in the latest season of the hit Netflix series, mirroring the recent revival of Kate Bush’s career.
Tiffany, the artist behind the 1987 chart-topper “I Think We’re Alone Now,” was as surprised as anyone to discover her music had found a new audience through “Stranger Things.” The singer revealed she was unaware her track would be included in Season 5, Volume 1, which premiered on November 26th, until her phone “started blowing up” with messages from friends while she was home in Nashville for the winter.
“I didn’t know that that was going to happen,” Tiffany, whose full name is Tiffany Renee Darwish, exclusively told a reporter. “I’m truly a fan of the show. Being home, it’s been on my bucket list to get caught up on all my TV shows.”
The song’s placement in the show’s narrative is particularly impactful. During Episode 3, Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher) listens to “I Think We’re Alone Now” while navigating Vecna’s dream world, receiving a cassette tape – complete with Tiffany’s 1987 self-titled album – as a gift from Henry Creel (Jamie Campbell Bower). The scene features an upbeat montage of Holly dancing, baking, and trying on dresses, culminating in a direct address to the singer herself.
“Of course, I watched it, and I love the theme,” Tiffany shared. “I love her dancing, I love her in the kitchen. I love that she was talking to me: ‘Well, what do you know? You’re just a pop star.’” She jokingly added, “Yeah, it’s kind of spawned out a new little cameo thing for me where I’m going to be a pop star. Come on, join me on Cameo. I thought I was more than just a pop star.”
This isn’t the first time “Stranger Things” has resurrected a musical artist’s career. Three years prior, Kate Bush experienced a massive surge in popularity after her 1985 hit “Running Up That Hill” was featured in Season 4. Now, a similar phenomenon is unfolding for Tiffany, with “I Think We’re Alone Now” reaching #1 on Shazam as of December 1st. “Wow #1 on Shazam with ITWAN…This girl is THRILLED…and truly touched…what a way to end 2025!” she posted on Instagram.
Interestingly, Tiffany initially hesitated to record the song. In a July interview with The Guardian, she explained, “I didn’t want to record ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ when I first heard it. It was dancey, and I worried that it wasn’t going to show that I could actually sing. I was 14, and I had this vision of me being Stevie Nicks or Janis Joplin.” However, after playing the song for her friends, she realized its undeniable appeal. “I realized there is something about this song that makes people feel good. Still today, it never lets me down.”
While the “Stranger Things” boost is a welcome highlight, Tiffany is far from resting on her laurels. She is preparing to release her highly anticipated cookbook, “POPLife,” in the spring of 2026. Created in collaboration with Chef Alicia Shevetone, the cookbook will feature 55 recipes inspired by 1980s music and pop culture.
Furthermore, Tiffany will be releasing new music alongside the cookbook, with proceeds from both projects benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network. “But the album now coming out with the cookbook is going to be specially for raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network,” she explained. “So it’s a charity album, but you’re going to get some great music. It’s really cool music.”
Looking ahead, Tiffany embraces a spirit of ambition and giving back. “I’m excited about some of the charity events that we can pair with that music and just have fun with it,” she concluded. “I think for 2026, my theme is: Go for it.”
