A few months ago, we all said a reluctant goodbye to the nostalgic sci-fi/horror series Stranger Things. This show was an impressive genre mash-up that blended Stephen King-inspired horror with Cold War-era sci-fi tropes, including multiverses, Russian experiments, and psychic heroines. It also incorporated nostalgic ‘80s drama and comedy, along with plenty of references for geeks who grew up in that era. Just as those who lived through the ‘80s recognized many beloved references, a new generation will cherish memories of Eleven and her gang of multidimensional misfit heroes for years to come. Many fans grew up alongside the cast, a hallmark of a coming-of-age story destined to become a classic.
Promotional poster for the final season of Stranger Things; image credit: Netflix
Now that Stranger Things is over, many of us are on the lookout for the next binge-worthy show that can captivate us with its twists, lovable characters, humor, and creepy, cool imagery. While you could wait for the upcoming animated Stranger Things adventure or check out the Duffer Brothers’ next project, if you’re looking for more immediate options, I have a few suggestions. Although nothing is quite like Stranger Things, I’ve compiled a list of TV shows that may scratch the itch the Stranger Things Demogorgon infected us with.
Paper Girls
Take Mike and the gang, imbue them all with girl power, and you’ve got Paper Girls. This series is based on a popular graphic novel and, like Stranger Things, is a sci-fi story set in the 1980s, starring a roving gang of friends on bikes. The girls get involved in a war between time travelers, and a weird romp ensues. It has the same campy sci-fi elements mixed with ‘80s nostalgia: the perfect match for Stranger Things fans.
Watch the trailer here.
Dark
This show is frequently compared to Stranger Things. It’s a German series that shares similar plots and themes. In a small town, a group of children goes missing, and the leading families take it upon themselves to find them. The storyline spans several eras, as time travel is a major element. The wormhole in the show has enough similarities to the Upside Down to create a comparable feel while still delivering a unique, surprising narrative that will delight fans of Stranger Things’ twists.
Watch the trailer here.
Wednesday
Wednesday is the perfect Netflix show for those who like the light-hearted chills of Stranger Things. It also scores points for its nostalgic appeal, as it tells the story of the Addams Family, who have haunted our screens with their spooky, kooky antics since the days of black-and-white television.
The series follows Wednesday, the teenage daughter, as she enrolls at the dramatically gothic Evermore Academy, where she quickly finds herself in the midst of a murder mystery. With plenty of strange creatures, a satisfying mystery, and beloved characters, this Tim Burton-led tale of teenage mutant crime solvers evokes the quirky adventures of the AV Club in Hawkins, Indiana.
Watch the trailer here.
From
This show delves into true horror territory and is as addictive as Stranger Things. It draws many comparisons to Stephen King, a major influence on the Duffer Brothers. It tells the strange tale of a group of people who take a wrong turn and become trapped in a horrifying pocket universe, where they are stalked by flesh-eating ghosts from the town’s past.
The show also shares similarities with the sci-fi classic Lost, as we follow a large cast of characters who are trying to build lives for themselves, escape the town, or find answers to what the heck is going on. If you enjoy the ensemble cast and the eerie moments of Stranger Things, this show is definitely for you.
Watch the trailer here.
The Midnight Club
This show is an anthology in some ways. It follows a group of terminally ill teenagers living in a hospice who gather each night to share stories. While the themes are heavier and scarier than those in Stranger Things, the secret storytelling meetings evoke a vibe similar to the Hellfire Club’s Dungeons & Dragons sessions.
Watch the trailer here.
It: Welcome to Derry
No list of Stranger Things-adjacent shows would be complete without a work from the master of horror, Stephen King. Stranger Things is loaded with King references, particularly the novel It. This story follows a group of misfit kids who bike around their small town, searching for clues about a series of horrific incidents involving the terrifying Pennywise the Clown. Apart from the clown aspect, I’m sure this sounds familiar.
It: Welcome to Derry serves as a prequel to the classic story we know, exploring Pennywise’s first appearance decades earlier. Fans seem satisfied with this chilling narrative that pays proper homage to all things King.
Watch the trailer here.
Freaks and Geeks
This is the perfect pick for fans who love Stranger Things for its humor and ‘80s references. Strip away the creepiness and ground Stranger Things in reality, and you’ve got Freaks and Geeks. The show follows former mathlete Lindsay as she ventures into the world of burnouts and punks. It has all the vibes of Steve buddying up to Dustin, Dustin looking up to Eddie, Max finding her place among the nerds, and Nancy and Jonathan thrown together from opposite ends of the high school social spectrum.
Watch the trailer here.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
This show is a classic. We wouldn’t have Stranger Things without Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I think Eleven and Buffy would be friends because they both possess unique powers. They are unsure of their identities and who they are becoming, yet they confront these challenges bravely and are willing to sacrifice themselves for their loved ones. You won’t find interdimensional aliens in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but you’ll find plenty of creatures from hell, wicked curses, and a host of vampires with complex histories. Buffy’s “Scooby Gang” supports her with their friendship, research, and problem-solving skills, much like Eleven’s friends back her up when it’s time to enter the Upside Down.
Watch the trailer here.
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