Stranger Things type TV Show network Netflix

Stranger Things came out nowhere to become one of the most buzzed-about shows of the summer — and thanks to Instagram, the stars are giving fans a whole new take on the making of the series.

Set in the 1980s, Netflix’s supernatural drama endeared itself to audiences through nostalgia, homages to classic movies, and plenty of scares. Yet, over the last few months, the cast has shared pictures from the set, proving plenty of fun was to be had between all the hard work.

Among the fun moments captured are David Harbour (Chief Jim Hopper) and Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers) in those hazmat suits, the first day on set for the child actors, and a few bromances brewing. Then there’s Millie Bobby Brown having her long hair cut down for Eleven’s distinct look, video of which went viral earlier this month.

Read on for some of the best behind-the-scenes photos we’ve seen so far.

1. Not even Hazmat suits keep Harbour (Hopper) and Ryder (Joyce) from having fun as they prepare to enter the Upside Down.

2. In real life, Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven) doesn’t seem to be quite as stressed to see Matthew Modine (Dr. Martin Brenner).

3. The young cast takes a break from Dungeons & Dragons to enjoy some lunch on their first day. Sadly, they don’t seem to be eating waffles.

4. Between shooting, the kids get together for a group hug with one of the Duffer Brothers, who created the show. Once again, everyone forgets about Barb (Shannon Purser).

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5. Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair) and Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson) become fast friends as they hang together on their first day on set.

6. Brown (Eleven) has to say goodbye to her long locks as she begins the transition to her character’s distinct look.

7. The haircut continues for Brown (Eleven). Thank goodness they didn’t do this to Joe Keery (Steve Harrington).

8. The transition to Eleven is complete for Brown. Hopefully no scientists were harmed in this process.

9. Keery (Steve) and Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers) take a break from fighting over Nancy Wheeler (Natalie Dyer) to form their own bromance.

10. Jonathan may have a leg up on winning Nancy’s affections as Heaton plays the guitar for Dyer.

11. Brown (Eleven) and her brain get a rest as she chats up director Shawn Levy (Night at the Museum and Real Steel) between takes.

12. Brown (Eleven) tries to keep warm on set. If she’s cold there, then only imagine how many blankets Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) could have used.

13. Keery’s hair was a signature trait for Steve, but luckily these prop teeth didn’t make the cut.

14. It’s not the monster, but Harbour (Hopper) faces off with a different creature.

15. Who knew Harbour (Hopper) and Keery (Steve) were friends? We can only hope the second season finds Steve being the newest recruit to the force.

16. Lucas (McLauglin) may have had issues with Eleven (Brown), but off-camera the actors snuggle together under a blanket. Brown adorably adds the hashtag, “#friendsforever.”