"Stranger Things" is one of the biggest television shows in the world. For a long time, it was Netflix's most successful series and since its premiere, it's only been passed by "Squid Game."
Due to the continued popularity of "Stranger Things," fans can be disconnected from the reality of the cast's other work. The younger stars got their start on the series, so it's an earnest mistake to whittle these actors down to their roles in the sci-fi horror series. Reiser says he hasn't been immune to this phenomenon.
During an interview with The Catalyst, Reiser explained the shift in his audience since playing Dr. Owens. "Somebody told me that their kid said 'Wait a minute – the doctor from Stranger Things is going to try to be funny?' I thought well, that's just misinformed," he explained. "No, I'm actually a comedian, and I'm actually not a doctor. Don't come see me for your checkup."
Many newer or younger fans may not be familiar with some of his older work. After all, Dr. Owens is far from a comedic character. As one of the only kind souls in Hawkins Lab, he became integral to the kids' success and safety, but nothing about the horrific reality Owens lives is funny. Mistaking him for a person who doesn't take comedic roles is understandable if "Stranger Things" is your first experience with Reiser's work.
