In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the marketing world, KFC has teamed up with Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things to bring a taste of Hawkins to the UK and Ireland. The limited-time collaboration sees KFC rebranded as Hawkins Fried Chicken, with exclusive menu items that are sure to delight fans of the show.
The partnership, created by Mother, celebrates the show’s themes of determination and community, while tapping into KFC’s ‘BELIEVE’ brand. The hero film follows a team of employees on a high-octane mission to deliver Finger-Lickin’ Good chicken to the residents of Hawkins, despite supernatural chaos and military blockades.
“The best brand collaborations identify genuine thematic overlap, not just audience demographics,” said Tomas Coleman and Derek Man Lui at Mother. “The Stranger Things kids’ unwavering belief in protecting Hawkins mirrors BELIEVE perfectly. We’ve created a partnership that pulls fans into Hawkins while reinforcing KFC’s brand truth – demonstrating how entertainment partnerships can drive meaningful brand work, not just awareness.”
The Stranger Things Burger features a spicy Zinger fillet, sweet and spicy secret sauce, crunchy slaw, and a distinctive rift-red bun, while Stranger Wings deliver KFC’s famous Hot Wings with the same proprietary sauce. These menu items are available for a limited time only, from November 10, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
“KFC and Stranger Things fans know that when you have an obsession, you’ll stop at nothing for it,” said Kate Tipper, marketing director at KFC UKI. “It’s this obsessive nature that makes this collaboration a perfect match, placing KFC authentically at the heart of the Stranger Things world.”
The partnership extends beyond advertising and menu innovation, with digital and real-life activations inviting fans into the world of Hawkins Fried Chicken. From social media challenges to in-store experiences, KFC is pulling out all the stops to create an immersive brand experience that will leave fans screaming.
“The creation of Hawkins Fried Chicken shows how Netflix Brand Partnerships can build worlds, not just campaigns, authentically placing KFC within the world of Stranger Things and exciting fans in the build-up to season 5,” said Jordan Peters, senior director, marketing partnerships at Netflix EMEA.
The collaboration is a testament to the power of brand partnerships in driving cultural relevance and engagement. By tapping into the nostalgia and fandom of Stranger Things, KFC has created a campaign that’s more than just a marketing stunt – it’s an experience that will leave fans talking.
As the countdown to Season 5 begins, KFC is giving fans a taste of what’s to come. With its unique blend of nostalgia, creativity, and finger-lickin’ good food, this collaboration is sure to be a hit.
Stranger Things is a Netflix original series created by the Duffer Brothers. The show follows a group of kids in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, as they battle supernatural forces and government conspiracies. With its blend of sci-fi, horror, and nostalgia, Stranger Things has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences around the world.
