A post-finale surge reshapes the streaming charts
A Chart Shake-Up Driven by Fandom
January 8, 2026: Djo’s track End of the Beginning has surged to the top of the Spotify charts, dethroning Taylor Swift in the wake of the Stranger Things finale. The spike followed renewed emotional engagement with the song after its prominent association with the show’s concluding moments.
Streaming momentum shifted almost overnight.
Image Credit: Alive Coverage
How the Finale Fueled the Climb
As fans processed the ending of Stranger Things, many returned to music tied closely to its emotional arc. “End of the Beginning” resonated as a reflective anthem, mirroring the sense of closure and nostalgia sparked by the finale.
That connection translated directly into streams.
Image Credit: Netflix
Taylor Swift’s Reign Interrupted
Swift’s track had been holding the top position prior to the surge, making Djo’s ascent particularly notable. While Swift remains a dominant force on streaming platforms, the moment highlighted how pop culture events can temporarily upend even the most stable chart leaders.
Context, in this case, mattered more than longevity.
Image Credit: Getty Images
The Power of Television-Music Crossovers
The chart shift underscores the growing influence of television on music discovery and resurgence. Songs tied to major series often experience renewed life, especially when paired with emotionally charged storytelling.
In the streaming era, timing is everything.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Fans Drive the Numbers
Social media played a significant role in amplifying the track’s rise, with fans sharing clips, lyrics, and personal reactions tied to the show’s ending. Collective listening turned into a form of communal mourning—and celebration.
The charts reflected that emotion in real time.
A Defining Moment for Djo
For Djo, the milestone represents a career-defining achievement, introducing the project to a broader global audience. The success positions the artist beyond cult recognition and firmly within mainstream streaming conversation.
Exposure turned into dominance.
Final Thoughts
Djo’s “End of the Beginning” reaching the top of Spotify after the Stranger Things finale proves how deeply storytelling and music are now intertwined. In moments of cultural climax, the right song can eclipse even the biggest names.
Sometimes, the ending is exactly what launches a beginning.
Published by HOLR Magazine