In 2016, Stranger Things made its debut, enchanting audiences with its fusion of supernatural intrigue and 1980s nostalgia. Set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, the series swiftly became a cultural phenomenon. As the show’s popularity surged, so did recognition of its main cast, comprising Matarazzo, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, and Joe Keery.

By the third season, the young actors enjoyed substantial pay raises, with Matarazzo and his peers earning $250,000 per episode, while the older teen cast members received $150,000. Notably, Millie Bobby Brown negotiated her deal separately from the rest of the younger cast.

Matarazzo recalled how crucial the parents’ involvement was in securing better deals for the young actors, explaining that the parents discussed what would be best for all of them collectively as they were negotiating before the cast turned 18. This coordinated approach ensured fair compensation as the show’s popularity soared.

Despite the financial gains, Matarazzo admitted he remains somewhat unaware of the intricacies of salary negotiations, noting that they are still the age of college juniors. He expressed gratitude for the collective support of the parents, which helped navigate the complexities of contract negotiations.

Reflecting on how Stranger Things transformed his life, Matarazzo acknowledged the significant financial security the show provided for him and his family, contrasting it with the real struggles they faced growing up. He also highlighted the unusual experience of becoming a family breadwinner, noting the difficulty of understanding the impact on his family at such a young age.

Matarazzo expressed deep appreciation for the opportunities and stability that Stranger Things brought to his career. He is realistic about how the show will likely be the pinnacle of his professional life, acknowledging that he is okay with Stranger Things being the biggest thing he will ever do. He emphasized his contentment with the show’s legacy and the opportunities it created, prioritizing happiness, security, and continued work.

Sikiru “SK” Alagbada is ready to speak out about his conduct and the allegations he was facing about cheating. In an interview, he explains that he’s not doing it as an apology tour. He feels he has to face his actions and take responsibility. His take on everything is that he owes it to Raven Ross and the world watching Love Is Blind to take stock of his actions. He wants to reflect on what he did and how he acted, take a step back, and learn from the experience.

No Physical Cheating

“SK” Alagbada is speaking out on allegations that he cheated on his fiancee Raven after they were reunited. In the beginning, when charged with such allegations, Alagbada denied it all but later decided to speak out. He explained that he and Raven were not in a seriously committed monogamous relationship, there was a team, and he was a single man. However, he takes accountability for having inappropriate conversations with a woman, which he says, he should not have ever done!

“SK” Was Hurt and Heartbroken

The couple split up in 2021 after a failed wedding on the show but later rekindled their love for each other in 2022. Alagbada explains that they were trying to build something meaningful, but on the occasions when they would visit each other in California and Texas, he witnessed communication between her and an older guy. He says navigating a long-distance relationship off-cameras was getting to be too much. He was heartbroken and hurt by everything that was happening.

Should Have Called it Quits

Sikiru had begun seeing a lot of red flags in his relationship with Raven, even though they both seemed to be trying to make it work. But while her ambition and drive drew him to her in the first place, he explains that on a New Orleans trip to see her mother, he didn’t get that from her. They had discussed their long-term goals and priorities, but he felt they did not have the same outlook. He says that does not excuse his actions, and he should have called an end after seeing that their priorities did not match up.

The Reasoning Behind Proposing

“SK” Alagbada proposed for the second time on the Love Is Blind special edition, but he has reasoning behind it. He explains that he was already out the door with one foot, and there are a lot of behind-the-scenes circumstances and reasons that he does not want to share. He even felt uncomfortable about how the proposal was portrayed, so he asked the show to cut it.

Raven has announced that she is in a new relationship and foresees an engagement soon. While “SK” commented that it was interesting, he says he has no bad feelings for her and wishes her well for the future!