Some Stranger Things Fans Have A Particular Soft Spot For Joyce And Hopper's Relationship

"Stranger Things" may be a show focused primarily on delivering chills and thrills, but in its nearly decade-long reign on Netflix, the show has made more than enough room for romance. And while some fans may not be the biggest fan of some of these ongoing relationships, one ship, in particular, remains strong.

Since the sci-fi horror series' debut in 2016, Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) and Chief Jim Hopper (David Harbour) have contributed heavily to the show's beating heart. As the main adult characters amongst a cast primarily consisting of child and teen actors, the duo brings a different energy to the show that has become welcome amongst fans, especially when they're together. Their relationship has taken its time to fully bloom, with the pair finally kissing in Season 4, but the wait has been more than worth it.

On Reddit, u/Amazing-Occasion6485 expresses their dislike for many of the show's relationships, particularly amongst its younger cast. However, they and many other fans agree that one pairing stands above the rest, with u/Fun-End6065 commenting, "I agree. The only one I really care about is Hopper and Joyce."

Of all the romantic pairings in "Stranger Things," the relationship between Jim Hopper and Joyce Byers has always felt the most grounded and tender. Both having had their own painful experiences with love in the past, it's been endearing to see their romance organically unfold over the show's four seasons as they take time to break down each others' barriers. 

Redditor u/Amazing-Occasion6485 is especially content with seeing the progression, comparing their relationship to the other characters' by saying, "This one I can get behind, dragging it out over 4 seasons has made it more inevitable/believable." Others similarly wish the best for the lovable pair, such as  u/TheLadyMado, who says that they are "Only rooting for Joyce and Hopper,"  and u/HappyBreadfruit58  who goes as far as to comment, "Jopper is endgame." 

With the fifth and final season of "Stranger Things" heading our way in the near future, fans hope that the show's nail-biting final act will leave Hopper and Byers unscathed by the end of it all. Redditor u/TrueBlue_55  is one of these hopeful viewers, saying, "I'm so excited to see what the Duffers have done with them and they better live happily ever after (or as happily as they can lol) when the show is done!" Whichever way the tide turns for the adorable couple, it's clear that fans will be cheering them on every step of the way.