Today, we are looking at a fascinating story from the Morning Brew newsletter involving Netflix and the hit show Stranger Things. Our hosts, Luna and Mimyo, discuss how Netflix managed to show the series finale in theaters without legally selling tickets—using a creative strategy involving “snack vouchers”.
If you listened to the podcast, you know that Maya and Alex went to the cinema but bought “vouchers” instead of tickets. Here is the full transcript of the conversation, followed by a breakdown of the key expressions they used to describe this unique situation.
🗣️ Dialogue Transcript
Maya: I can’t believe how packed the theater was for the Stranger Things finale. People still have a big appetite for that show after all these years.
Alex: I know! And the weirdest part? We didn’t buy tickets, per se. We just bought “snack vouchers.”
Maya: Yeah, that was such a clever workaround. If they sold actual tickets, it would have complicated the actors’ contracts.
Alex: Exactly. Selling tickets might interfere with the residual payments Netflix owes the cast.
Maya: So instead, we paid $25 to chow down on popcorn and candy while watching the world end.
Alex: Honestly? Totally worth it. The sound of those monsters on the big screen was terrifying.
Maya: Agreed. Plus, the theater gets to keep all that concession money, so it’s a win for them too.
Alex: A nice little stocking stuffer for the theaters, I guess!
💡 Expression Spotlight
Big appetite for
A strong desire or demand for something.
~에 대한 큰 욕구, 엄청난 관심/수요.
While “appetite” usually refers to hunger for food, in business and casual English, we use it to describe a strong market demand or public desire for something. It implies that people “want” it very actively. In the dialogue, Maya uses it to say that fans are still very eager to watch Stranger Things.
“Investors currently have a big appetite for AI technology.” (투자자들은 현재 AI 기술에 대해 엄청난 관심을 보이고 있다.)
“After the scandal, the public has no appetite for more political drama.” (그 스캔들 이후, 대중들은 더 이상의 정치 드라마에는 전혀 관심이 없다.)
Per se
Strictly speaking; by itself; inherently. (Latin phrase).
엄밀히 말하면, 그 자체로는, ~라기보다는.
This Latin phrase is used to add nuance or correct a detail. It signals that a statement is mostly true, but not technically true. Alex uses it to explain that while they paid money to enter, they didn’t buy a “ticket” in the legal sense.
“The job isn’t stressful, per se, but the hours are very long.” (그 일 자체가 스트레스인 건 아닌데, 근무 시간이 너무 길어.)
“I didn’t quit, per se; we just agreed it was time for me to leave.” (내가 그만둔 거라기보다는, 그냥 서로 떠날 때가 됐다고 합의한 거야.)
Workaround
A creative method for overcoming a problem or limitation without fixing the original cause.
(문제 해결을 위한) 우회로, 차선책, 묘수.
This term comes from the tech world. If a program has a bug you can’t fix, you find a “workaround” to bypass it. In this story, Netflix couldn’t sell tickets legally, so the “snack voucher” was their clever workaround to get people into the theater anyway.
“The elevator is broken, so the workaround is using the freight lift in the back.” (엘리베이터가 고장 나서, 뒤쪽에 있는 화물용 승강기를 이용하는 게 임시방편이야.)
“We don’t have the budget for a new hire, so our workaround is hiring a freelancer.” (신규 채용 예산이 없어서, 프리랜서를 고용하는 걸로 해결책을 찾았어.)
Interfere with
To prevent a process or activity from continuing or being carried out properly; to get in the way.
방해하다, 지장을 주다, 간섭하다.
This phrase implies an unwanted interruption or an obstacle. Alex explains that selling real tickets would change the legal status of the show and “interfere with” (mess up) the complex residual payments Netflix owes the cast.
“Lack of sleep can seriously interfere with your ability to focus.” (수면 부족은 집중력에 심각한 지장을 줄 수 있어.)
“Please don’t let your personal feelings interfere with your professional decision.” (사적인 감정이 공적인 결정에 방해가 되지 않도록 해주세요.)
Chow down on
To eat food enthusiastically or quickly.
(음식을) 와구와구 먹다, 맛있게 먹어 치우다.
“Chow” is American slang for food. To “chow down” implies eating with great energy and enjoyment, usually casual comfort food. It paints a picture of the audience happily eating popcorn while watching the movie.
“After the marathon, the runners chowed down on pasta.” (마라톤이 끝난 후, 주자들은 파스타를 폭풍 흡입했다.)
“Let’s order some pizza and chow down while we watch the game.” (피자 좀 시켜서 경기 보면서 맛있게 먹자.)
🧠 Pop Culture Quiz
Question: Which iconic 80s item saw a massive sales spike in real life because of Stranger Things?
A) Eggo Waffles B) Rubik’s Cubes C) Walkman Cassette Players
Answer: A) Eggo Waffles!
Fun Fact: After Season 1 aired, Eggo waffle sales jumped by 14% because the character Eleven ate them in so many scenes. It shows just how powerful a “big appetite” for a TV show can be!
