When Netflix's "Stranger Things" debuted last year, the web series-turned pop culture icon introduced a character that would become the subject of memes, hashtag campaigns, and Buzzfeed articles. Shannon Purser's Barb, the underdog who appeared in a mere three out of the eight episodes of the show, became a pop culture icon because of what she represented.
Barb's memory lives on in 'Stranger Things' fans
Vanity Fair was right: Barb is all of us. She's the complete opposite of Nancy (Natalia Dyer), the pretty, skinny, popular girl in high school who dates the cool jock (Joe Keery's Steve).
Barb is awkward, looks out of place, and is a firm representation of what puberty (and subsequently, life) is: a strange and difficult period in time that we are all forced to work with.
That's why when Barb was taken by the Demogorgon in the second episode, many "Stranger Things" fans were worried that she may not make it out alive. The underdog, the one character on the show that represented all of us, was taken to never return alive. "#justiceforBarb" became a trending topic all over the internet, spawning arguments on why Barb's death was completely unjustified.
But "Stranger Things" creators Ross and Matt Duffer admitted that Barb wasn't really supposed to be a "big deal." But even as writing the first season of the breakout series, the Duffers kept thinking about how she's such a "tragic character."
Shannon Purser makes a comeback with NBC's 'Drama High' after 'Stranger Things'
It's all good with the 19-year-old Shannon Purser, however, as she's already moving on to other television projects.
Deadline reported that she is the newest cast addition to NBC's upcoming series, "Drama High," which also stars "Moana" actress Auli'i Cravalho.
"Drama High" is written and executively produced by Jason Katims, whose credits include "Friday Night Lights," also for NBC. Broadway hit "Hamilton" producer Jeffrey Seller will also lend his talents to executively produce along with Katims.
The series will follow drama teacher Lou Volpe as he changes his students' lives.
Purser is set to play the recurring role of Annabelle, who auditions for a role in her school's production of "Spring Awakening" despite her not fitting the image that everyone has in mind for the role. Katims created the role of Annabelle specifically for Purser, after the two met to discuss another role.
"Moana" breakout star Auli'i Cravalho will also play one of Volpe's students, Lilette.
If the pilot is successful at NBC, "Drama High" will arrive to the network this fall. Meanwhile, "Stranger Things" season 2 is set to debut this October 31st, and will bring back Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, and Caleb McLaughlin to Hawkins.
