Stranger Things is loved for several reasons: its on-point casting, 80s nostalgia, and deeply engaging plot. In fact, the only real downside of Stranger Things seems to be that no one can stop themselves from binge-watching all 22 hours of it.
So, what are you to do when you're all caught up and Stranger Things' next season isn’t due out anytime soon? Watch a similar show! While the TV shows listed are not perfect emulations of the tone, atmosphere, or writing of Stranger Things, they share similar qualities in some regards.
Warning: This post contains mild spoilers about Stranger Things and the other shows mentioned.
1. Black Mirror
Plot
Black Mirror isn’t so much a series as it is a collection of independent short films, each set in the not-so-distant future. Each episode presents some kind of technology or scenario and then tells the story of people who live in a world with it. While there are plenty of good shows to watch on Netflix, Black Mirror is one of the best.
For example, one particularly poignant episode features characters who all use a small implant called a Grain, which records every waking moment of their lives, and can be replayed in real-time. The personal conflicts and lifestyle choices that result from its use raise some well-timed questions for us about where we each draw the line between the kinds of technologies we accept and reject.
How It’s Like Stranger Things
If you’re a general fan of shows set in different time periods, you may like that Black Mirror is set in a slightly futuristic world. This is somewhat similar to the way that Stranger Things was set in the slightly outdated time period of the 80s: both shows take place in times opposite of one another but are close enough to our current time that we can empathize with the characters and strange situations they face.
As a forewarning, the first episode of Black Mirror is the least characteristic of the show. You don’t need to watch the episodes chronologically at all. Many people watch the episodes out-of-sync and get to the first episode at some other point. Otherwise, you might get the wrong impression about the content that will be featured in the rest of the show.
2. Hemlock Grove
Plot
Hemlock Grove tells the story of a Pennsylvanian town where a series of brutal murders happen. Focusing on the point-of-view of the Godfrey family, you'll be kept on tenterhooks throughout the series as more of the truth behind the family and their connection to the town is explored.
How It's Like Stranger Things
Both Stranger Things and Hemlock Grove offer you a horror/thriller fix, both focusing on fictional, 'sleepy' towns that become stricken with deaths, opening up secrets about the characters and their relationship to the town.
You may find that Hemlock Grove's narrative is darker than Stranger Things, despite their clear similarities. Both shows end up veering off in different directions, but this initial similarity between them will make the initial jump easier.
3. The Umbrella Academy
Plot
An adopted family of superheroes reunite after their adopted father's death, with whom they'd all had a troubled relationship. While dealing with their father's death, the characters also discover that the world is facing an impending apocalypse. So spawns a fight on two fronts as the family members resolve their differences (mostly) and work together to save the world as they did during their formative years.
How It's Like Stranger Things
The Umbrella Academy is similar to Stranger Things because both shows focus on a group of misfits who work together for the sake of saving the world but don't necessarily get along.
You may find that the shows differ in terms of tone as they find their grooves in their respective second seasons, but there are certainly comparisons between the two to be made.
4. Shadowhunters
Plot
Shadowhunters focuses on a group of half-angels who, living on Earth, protect the world from demons that attempt to cross over. The series focuses on Clary Fray, who discovers on her eighteenth birthday that she belongs to this group of demon hunters, thrusting her into a world she was woefully unprepared for.
How It's Like Stranger Things
Shadowhunters is similar to Stranger Things in how they both deal with creatures from beyond and the unknown. Both shows bring fantastical ideals, like angels, demons, and parallel dimensions, into a modern, contemporary period without coming across as completely ridiculous.
The plots of these shows may differ, but they cover a lot of the same ground in abstract ways.
5. A Series of Unfortunate Events
Plot
A Series of Unfortunate Events tells the story of Count Olaf, who seeks to steal the inheritance of his distant relatives following their parents' death in a fire. The series explores many themes, such as family dynamics, betrayal, heroism, and morality, with a science-fiction backdrop that keeps you hooked on the mystery aspects of the narrative.
How It’s Like Stranger Things
A Series of Unfortunate Events and Stranger Things both play with the science-fiction genre without fully embracing the genre as the dominant feel of the show. Both shows also have a cast of pre-teens who grow into teenagers, creating similar coming-of-age themes shared between both stories.
A Series of Unfortunate Events is definitely tamer than Stranger Things, but that's not always bad if you're looking for something more lighthearted.
6. The OA
Plot
The OA is a show about a blind woman named Prairie, who returns to the world after disappearing with her sight restored, scars on her back, and self-identifying as the Original Angel. As time goes on, her powers and motives for returning are made clear to a group of local people that she draws into her supernatural crusade.
How It's Like Stranger Things
The OA embraces the supernatural and fantasy tones that Stranger Things is known for. While these shows differ wildly in terms of cast, narrative, and tone, you can draw similarities in how they both flirt with these different, extraordinary genres.
7. Wormwood
Plot
This miniseries offers an extended look at the scientist Frank Olson who worked for the CIA and died after meeting operatives involved in the MKUltra program. The docudrama shifts between the events leading up to Olson's death as well as the present day with his son, who discusses his beliefs about his father's death.
The death of Frank Olson is shrouded in many theories and can send you down an interesting if terrifying, rabbit hole.
How It's Like Stranger Things
Both Stranger Things and Wormwood deal with the notorious MKUltra program by the CIA in the late 20th century. The program is at the forefront of Wormwood's focus, but if you found yourself interested in it after seeing its importance to the character of Eleven in Stranger Things, then you'll enjoy delving deeper into what happened.
8. Locke & Key
Plot
The Locke family moves to a new house in a new area, finding numerous strange keys that unlock secret, magical doors that perform a variety of functions. Pretty soon after the characters discover the keys and the doors, they realize that they have to find the keys before a group of demons do, who want to use the doors to merge different worlds together and increase their power over the world.
How It's Like Stranger Things
Both Stranger Things and Locke & Key deal with children having to deal with demons, parallel worlds, and sci-fi, as well as fantasy elements. Additionally, both shows play into the horror drama, keeping you creeped out while juxtaposing that with charming moments of comedy between the characters.
9. Dark
Plot
Two children go missing in a German village, prompting an investigation and curious mystery that stretches throughout three seasons and multiple time periods. It's one of the best Netflix shows to binge-watch if you're looking for some distraction.
An intricate mystery drama that incorporates time travel sets Dark as one of the most unmissable TV shows around. Filled with an ensemble cast of compelling characters, you'll enjoy the twist and turns in the story as you learn more about what connects the inhabitants with the village.
How It's Like Stranger Things
Both of the shows have narratives embroiled in mystery; both shows have a cast of young teens bearing far more responsibility than they should be dealing with.
You could argue that Dark is darker than Stranger Things, even despite the upbeat feel in terms of its cinematography. You'll find a lot less comedic moments in Dark and a much more gritty feel. Who knows, you may even find that you prefer Dark to Stranger Things by the end of it.
What Will You Watch Next?
If you're all caught up with Stranger Things, be reassured that there are plenty of similar shows which are (nearly) as great.
Maybe you want something a bit different in tone? In this case, you can watch plenty of other great shows to get out of your comfort zone. Good TV is in no short supply, and there are plenty of streaming services with expansive libraries.