As this groundbreaking show takes its final bow, several contenders have emerged as potential successors, ready to fill the void left by Stranger Things. From the eerie town of Derry, Maine in the upcoming It prequel series to the mythological adventures of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, these new shows offer a diverse range of genres and storytelling styles that are sure to captivate and entertain. With each promising its own unique blend of thrills and intrigue, the next binge-worthy obsession is on the way.
One Piece (2023-)
The live-action adaptation of the manga and anime series
Netflix’s One Piece is the live-action adaptation of the beloved manga and anime series that is set to become the next must-watch television show in the wake of Stranger Things‘ conclusion. Created in partnership with Shueisha and produced by Tomorrow Studios and Netflix, this thrilling pirate adventure follows the daring exploits of young pirate Monkey D. Luffy, portrayed by the talented Iñaki Godoy, as he navigates the treacherous seas alongside his loyal Straw Hats gang. With a crew of several interesting characters, Luffy’s quest to become the King of the Pirates promises to be an unforgettable journey.
One Piece has all the ingredients necessary to become the next binge-worthy phenomenon.
As One Piece season 2 is set to arrive in 2025, the series is poised to reach new heights with the addition of Joe Tracz as co-showrunner, writer, and executive producer, joining forces with the accomplished Matt Owens. Owens expressed to Tudum his confidence in Tracz’s abilities, stating, “Joe has brought a wealth of enthusiasm and experience into our second season that will help take One Piece to new heights.”This collaboration of creative minds is expected to elevate the series to unprecedented levels of storytelling and production value, similar to what Stranger Things is already known for.
One Piece offers an immersive experience, filled with high-stakes adventures, complex characters, and a gripping narrative. With impressive visuals, faithful adaptation of the source material, and several One Piece characters that will steal the show in season 2, the series has all the ingredients necessary to become the next binge-worthy phenomenon. As the Straw Hats embark on their perilous journey across the vast oceans, encountering formidable adversaries, forging unbreakable bonds, and uncovering long-buried secrets, it will be easy to become invested in a tale of camaraderie, determination, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.
Wednesday (2022-)
Series based on the character Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family
The captivating Addams Family stand-alone series Wednesday created by Tim Burton has taken the streaming world by storm since its 2022 premiere on Netflix. With its immense popularity and critical acclaim, Wednesday is the perfect Stranger Things replacement. The first season of Wednesday quickly became the most-watched original series in Netflix’s history, amassing an impressive 252 million views and surpassing the viewership of other hit shows like Stranger Things‘ season 4, Dahmer, and Bridgerton‘s inaugural season. The series’ success is a testament to its compelling storytelling, exceptional performances, and the unique blend of dark humor and supernatural elements.
It was confirmed that filming for Wednesday season 2 would commence in late April 2024.
Jenna Ortega’s portrayal of the iconic Wednesday Addams has earned her widespread praise and an Emmy nomination for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, making her only the third Latina to ever be nominated in this prestigious category. While Ortega ultimately lost out to Quinta Brunson of Abbott Elementary, Wednesday garnered an impressive 12 nominations and walked away with four wins, solidifying its status as a critical darling. Despite the challenges posed by the Hollywood strikes in 2023, which delayed the return to production, Wednesday will be back for a highly anticipated second season.
In November 2023, it was confirmed that filming for season 2 would commence in late April 2024, with the production relocating from Romania to Ireland. While the change in location was necessitated by logistical challenges, the new setting promises to bring fresh visual elements and inspiration to the show’s already captivating atmosphere. As of now, no premiere date for season 2 has been announced by Netflix, but the same level of humor, supernatural thrills, and exceptional performances that made the first season an undeniable hit are sure to return.
Welcome To Derry (2025-)
A prequel to It and It Chapter Two
Set in the eerie town of Derry, Maine, this upcoming prequel series to the hit films It and It Chapter Two promises to delve deeper into the chilling world created by Stephen King. Welcome to Derry is being developed by the talented trio of Andy Muschietti, who directed both It movies, his sister and producer Barbara Muschietti, and accomplished writer Jason Fuchs, known for his work on Wonder Woman. Additionally, the series has an impressive cast including Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, Taylour Paige, James Remar, Stephen Rider, and Madeleine Stowe.
Welcome to Derry has the potential to be the next streaming addiction.
With Andy Muschietti reportedly set to direct multiple episodes, Welcome to Derry is in capable hands, ensuring a seamless transition from the big screen to the small screen. With several other Stephen King stories set in Derry, Welcome to Derry has lots of source material at its disposal. This ensures a strong possibility for a new hit show once Stranger Things concludes its final episodes. This new material available for the prequel series to tackle will not only serve as a compelling companion to the films, but also delve into the characters and events that make King’s story so captivating.
As Stranger Things comes to a close, Welcome to Derry has the potential to fill the void left by the beloved Netflix show. With its mix of horror, suspense, and character-driven storytelling, the series has the potential to be the next streaming addiction. The involvement of the Muschietti siblings, who have already proven their ability to bring King’s work to life on the big screen, coupled with the talented cast and the promise of exploring the untapped depths of the novel, sets the stage for a thrilling and immersive television experience.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians (2023-)
Based on the Rick Riordan novels
Percy Jackson and the Olympians is on its way to being the next binge-worthy sensation. The first season of the show, which faithfully brings Rick Riordan’s beloved novel series, follows the thrilling adventures of Percy Jackson, a young demigod who finds himself on a quest to return Zeus’ master bolt and prevent an all-out war among the gods. As Percy navigates the treacherous landscape of mythological America, he must outrun terrifying monsters and outsmart powerful deities, all while grappling with his own identity and place in a world where he feels like an outsider.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 2 will deliver the same level of excitement that Stranger Things brought during its run.
Accompanied by his loyal quest mates, the intelligent and resourceful Annabeth and the steadfast satyr Grover, Percy embarks on a journey of self-discovery and heroism. The series masterfully weaves together elements of adventure, fantasy, and coming-of-age storytelling, creating a compelling narrative that will resonate with viewers of all ages. The richly imagined world of Percy Jackson and the Olympians has several book storylines to expand upon for season 2. The overwhelming positive reception to the first season, which premiered to critical acclaim and enthusiastic fan response, bodes well for the future of the series.
With its faithfulness to the source material and the promise of four more seasons to come, Percy Jackson and the Olympians has the opportunity to delve deeper into the intricacies of Riordan’s expansive universe. The prospect of witnessing the epic Titans’ attack on Olympus, a climactic event from the fifth novel, brings much anticipation for the show’s progression. However, for now, viewers can look forward to the second season, slated for release in 2025, which will undoubtedly continue to deliver the same level of excitement, humor, and heart that Stranger Things brought during its run.
Happy Face (2025-)
Based on the true story of Melissa Moore
Dennis Quaid has taken on a leading role in the forthcoming Paramount+ series Happy Face, starring alongside the talented Annaleigh Ashford. The series draws inspiration from the eponymous podcast and the true-life story of Melissa Moore and her book Shattered Silence. The narrative revolves around Moore’s shocking discovery at the age of 15 that her father was the notorious serial killer known as “Happy Face.” As an adult, Moore has gone to great lengths to protect her identity and keep her past a secret, while her father serves a life sentence in prison.
Happy Face’s focus on the long-lasting effects of a serial killer’s actions offers a fresh perspective on a well-established genre.
The official synopsis for Happy Face reveals that the series expands upon Moore’s real-life experiences. Quaid portrays the incarcerated serial killer known as “Happy Face,” who is Melissa’s (played by Ashford) estranged father. After years of no contact, he orchestrates a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. Melissa finds herself in a race against time to determine if an innocent man is facing execution for a crime her father committed. Throughout this ordeal, she uncovers the profound impact her father had on the lives of his victims’ families and must confront the truth about her identity.
Just as Stranger Things captivated audiences with its blend of supernatural horror, nostalgia, and compelling characters, Happy Face has the potential to engage with its unique mix of true crime, family dynamics, and psychological suspense. The series’ focus on the long-lasting effects of a serial killer’s actions on his family and the families of his victims offers a fresh perspective on a well-established genre. As production on the eight-episode first season is set to begin in Vancouver this spring, Happy Face could become the next must-watch series for fans of thought-provoking and emotionally charged television.
