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by Patrick Vogt
The best "Stranger Things" alternatives: These six you can watch after the finale
15/1/2026
Translation: machine translated
"Stranger Things" is over. These six series will tickle a similar nerve to the Netflix hit series.
After nine years and five seasons, «Stranger Things» came to an end. The series presented a group of children, teenagers and adults with mysteries and supernatural monsters. A dash of humour and a lot of heart lightened up the adventures surrounding Hawkins.
This mixture of horror and humanity appeals to a wide audience. So it's no wonder that the question comes up after the end: «What can I watch next?»
The following six series are my recommendation if you're thirsty for more «Stranger Things»
«Twin Peaks»
«Twin Peaks» is a classic and a direct inspiration for «Stranger Things». It also focuses on solving a mystery while still leaving room for interpersonal relationships. In particular, the mood of the first season of «Stranger Things» comes very close to «Twin Peaks».
In the eponymous small town of Twin Peaks, teenager Laura Palmer dies. It quickly becomes clear: there must be a murder behind it. The local sheriff and an FBI agent take on the investigation. What may begin as a classic crime thriller develops in surreal and absurd directions - typical of David Lynch, the creator of the cult series.
Number of episodes: 48 in 3 seasons
Streaming service: Arte-Mediathek, Paramount+ (2 seasons)
«Dark»
Even more mysteries than in «Stranger Things» can be found in «Dark». Netflix produced the award-winning series in Germany. The beginning can be a little confusing, but don't let that put you off. The mysteries unravel in breathtaking twists and turns. It's worth sticking with it.
A child disappears in the fictitious small town of Winden. This prompts several families to investigate. In the process, they uncover a conspiracy spanning several generations.
Number of episodes: 26 in 3 seasons
Streaming service: Netflix
«True Detective»
«True Detective» is a crime anthology with a supernatural core. The series has several seasons, each of which is self-contained. The tone of «True Detective» is significantly darker and more serious than that of «Stranger Things» - and is aimed at adults.
The first season is the perfect starting point because it is also the best. The plot revolves around the two detectives Rust Cohle and Marty Hart, who are investigating an unusual series of murders in Louisiana. The two different men always clash in the process. Rust is a nihilistic alcoholic, Marty a conservative who cheats on his wife. However, their investigation brings them together. The fourth season with Jodie Foster offers the most supernatural vibes.
Number of episodes: 30 in 4 seasons
Streaming service: HBO Max
«Wayward Pines»
More bizarre mysteries abound in «Wayward Pines». A US secret service agent investigates the disappearance of two work colleagues. He gets into a car accident and finds himself cut off from the outside world in the eponymous small town - literally, as Wayward Pines is surrounded by an electric wall. There are strict rules within the walls, and disobeying them is punishable by execution. However, even worse things are said to lurk outside.
The first season of the series is an adaptation of the «Wayward Pines» trilogy by author Blake Crouch and can be watched in its entirety. This is also recommended, as the second season, in which the producers have come up with a sequel, is quite weak in comparison.
Number of episodes: 20 in 2 seasons
Streaming service: Prime Video with German VPN, as only available in Switzerland via DVDs or Blu-rays
«Gen V»
«Gen V» offers supernatural action with teenagers. Compared to «Stranger Things», the mystery aspect is less present in the series. However, you can still expect some surprising twists and turns.
«Gen V» is a spin-off series from «The Boys». It's about superheroes and superheroines. Unlike in the comparable Marvel and DC universes, the reality is brutal and merciless. The main enemies are not villains or aliens, but billion-dollar corporations and their greed. As in the main series «The Boys», there is a lot of violence in «Gen V» - significantly more than in «Stranger Things».
The protagonist of the series is Marie Moreau, who can control her blood and is searching for her missing sister. She attends a specialised school for superheroes and has to navigate her way through school life. As she makes friends and enemies, she uncovers the depths behind the supernatural powers of her fellow superhumans.
Number of episodes: 16 in 2 seasons
Streaming service: Prime Video
«The Prince of Dragons»
«The Prince of Dragons» shows the adventures of a group of children and teenagers. Compared to the other recommendations in the list, the mystery aspect in this series is the weakest. However, like «Stranger Things», the series has a lot of humour and heart. It lives this to the full in its creative fantasy setting.
Not surprisingly, «The Prince of Dragons» skilfully masters these points. The animated series comes from one of the creators of «Avatar - The Lord of the Elements», which years earlier told an epic story in an emotional, humorous and exciting way. If you somehow missed that, it's also worth a recommendation.
«The Prince of Dragons» is set in a magical land where power-hungry humanity is at war with magical races. One day, night elf assassins attack a human king and discover a lost treasure in his fortress: the egg of the dragon prince. The king's two sons then set off with an assassin to bring the egg back to its mother and hopefully restore the long-awaited peace.
Number of episodes: 63 in 7 seasons
Streaming service: Netflix
Header image: Netflix
Cassie Mammone
Freelance Editor
cassie.mammone.freelance@gmail.comI wrote my first text about video games when I was eight years old. I haven't been able to stop since. The rest of my time is spent on my love for 2D husbandos, monsters, my cats and sport.
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