Stranger Things has captivated audiences for nearly a decade, transforming the fictional town of Hawkins into a cultural touchstone. Since its debut in 2016, viewers have followed the journey of its characters from vulnerable children to resilient adults, witnessed the emergence of strange superpowers, and seen a town besieged by supernatural forces. But like all stories, it has come to an end.
Released on New Year’s Day, the two-hour finale drew massive attention, causing Netflix to crash due to overwhelming viewership. According to Deadline, the episode’s US theatrical release garnered between $25 million and $30 million from concessions alone, as theaters couldn’t charge for tickets due to contractual terms. This performance rivaled, if not surpassed, the season’s blockbuster film, Avatar: Fire and Ash, which earned $23.7 million.
Fans expressed mixed emotions as the final credits rolled. Some mourned the end of an era, sharing emotional TikToks, while others critiqued unresolved plotlines. Notably, an interview with Millie Bobby Brown, who plays Eleven, sparked speculation about the cast’s feelings towards the finale.
Regardless of personal opinions, the conclusion of Stranger Things marks the end of a cultural phenomenon that seamlessly blended sci-fi adventure, 80s nostalgia, and teen drama. For those seeking a new series to fill the void, here are eight shows that might just do the trick.
Exploring New Worlds: Shows to Watch
It: Welcome to Derry
For those who enjoyed the eerie atmosphere of Hawkins, It: Welcome to Derry on HBO Max offers a chilling alternative. This prequel to Stephen King’s iconic story delves into the origins of Pennywise the Clown, terrorizing the town of Derry in the early 1960s. With missing children and sinister government plots, it mirrors the darker elements of Stranger Things.
Hysteria!
Hysteria!, available on Binge, blends horror and comedy in a style reminiscent of the Hellfire Club’s adventures. Set in a small American town, a heavy metal band is wrongfully blamed for a series of crimes amidst supernatural occurrences. Released in 2024, it explores themes of generational tension and mass hysteria, echoing the chaotic spirit of Hawkins.
Yellowjackets
If the complex dynamics of stressed teens appealed to you, Yellowjackets on Paramount+ is a must-watch. This horror series follows a high school girls’ soccer team stranded in the wilderness after a plane crash. Since its 2021 premiere, it has delivered a raw coming-of-age story with psychological drama and a hint of cannibalism, set to conclude with its fourth season later this year.
From
For fans of small towns with dark secrets, From on Stan offers a thrilling narrative. Created by the minds behind Lost, it follows residents trapped in a mysterious town beset by nocturnal monsters. With its cult-like atmosphere and exploration of small-town tensions, it shares thematic similarities with Stranger Things.
Goosebumps
The 2023 remake of Goosebumps on Disney+ captures the family-friendly horror that Stranger Things excelled at. Following a group of teens who unleash supernatural forces, it revisits the nostalgic charm of R.L. Stine’s original books, appealing to both young viewers and their parents.
Paper Girls
On Prime Video, Paper Girls combines 80s nostalgia with sci-fi and friendship themes. This coming-of-age tale follows four newspaper delivery girls caught in a time-travel conflict, confronting their future selves and battling to save the universe. Its blend of adventure and nostalgia makes it a fitting successor to Stranger Things.
Fringe
Fringe, also on Prime Video, delves into parallel universes and fringe science, akin to the mysteries of Hawkins. This 2008 procedural sci-fi series follows an FBI agent and a scientist investigating unexplained phenomena, offering a cerebral alternative for fans of the supernatural.
Twin Peaks
Often cited as a precursor to Stranger Things, David Lynch’s Twin Peaks on Paramount+ explores the dark secrets of a seemingly idyllic town. The investigation into a homecoming queen’s death unravels a web of supernatural oddities, making it a timeless classic for fans of eerie small-town mysteries.
As Stranger Things continues to stream on Netflix, these shows offer a diverse array of narratives to explore. Whether you’re seeking horror, nostalgia, or complex character dynamics, there’s something here to satisfy every fan’s craving for the extraordinary.
