Stranger Things
With the final season of Stranger Things on the horizon, fans are preparing to say goodbye to Hawkins, the Upside Down, and the thrilling 80s nostalgia that defined the series. But the big question remains: what should you watch after Stranger Things? If you're searching for shows that deliver a similar blend of supernatural mystery, coming-of-age drama, and retro vibes, you're in the right place. This list of 10 must-watch TV series will help fill the void, offering mind-bending sci-fi, small-town horror, and suspenseful paranormal adventures that capture the spirit of what made Stranger Things a global phenomenon. Get ready to find your next TV obsession right here.
1. Twin Peaks
**Premise:** In the peculiar town of Twin Peaks, a quirky FBI agent investigates the mysterious murder of a young woman. What begins as a standard homicide case soon unravels into a surreal and supernatural mystery filled with haunting dreams, enigmatic doppelgängers, and otherworldly entities that defy explanation. This classic series is a must-see for anyone looking for shows like *Stranger Things*.
**Why you'll like it:** If you're drawn to the small-town mystery and atmospheric horror elements of *Stranger Things*, then *Twin Peaks* is essential viewing. It’s the original “weird town with a dark secret” show, and its profound influence on modern supernatural thrillers, including *Stranger Things*, is undeniable. This series is a masterclass in building suspense and a perfect paranormal TV series to dive into next.
2. Dark
**Premise:** When two children vanish in a small German town, the dark and sinful past of its residents is unearthed, revealing a complex, multi-generational time-travel conspiracy. The gripping narrative unfolds across several different time periods, with characters' past and future selves interacting in shocking and unexpected ways. This mind-bending show is a top pick for sci-fi fans.
**Why you'll like it:** If you were captivated by the intricate timelines and mind-bending sci-fi elements of *Stranger Things*, then *Dark* will become your new obsession. It’s a masterful puzzle box of a show that rewards attentive viewers with its tightly woven plot, shocking twists, and suspenseful atmosphere, making it a perfect follow-up for those who love a complex supernatural mystery.
3. The OA
**Premise:** A young blind woman, Prairie Johnson, mysteriously returns home after being missing for seven years with her sight fully restored. She gathers a group of five locals and shares her incredible story, which involves harrowing near-death experiences, interdimensional travel, and a brilliant but dangerous scientist. This sci-fi drama is a unique and compelling watch.
**Why you'll like it:** *The OA* shares the same sense of wonder and deep mystery that defines *Stranger Things*. Its central theme of a group of misfits uniting to solve a supernatural puzzle will feel familiar and compelling. This thought-provoking TV series will keep you guessing until the very end, making it an excellent choice for what to watch after finishing *Stranger Things*.
4. Black Mirror
**Premise:** This anthology series masterfully explores the dark and often unsettling side of technology and its impact on modern society. Each episode presents a standalone story, ranging from chilling sci-fi thrillers and speculative horror to sharp social satires that hit unnervingly close to home. It is a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking television.
**Why you'll like it:** If the speculative sci-fi and horror elements are what you love most about *Stranger Things*, *Black Mirror* offers a contemporary and often terrifying take on those themes. This show will challenge your perceptions and make you think about the world in a new, unsettling light, delivering a suspenseful experience with every episode.
5. Paper Girls
**Premise:** In the late 1980s, four 12-year-old newspaper delivery girls find themselves caught in the crossfire between warring factions of time-travelers. Unexpectedly transported to the future, they must find a way to get back home while being relentlessly hunted by a mysterious and powerful organization. This show is a perfect example of a coming-of-age sci-fi adventure.
**Why you'll like it:** This series is a loving homage to 80s nostalgia, complete with a group of kids on bikes at the heart of a thrilling sci-fi adventure. The compelling coming-of-age story and the strong, authentic bond between the four girls will definitely resonate with fans of the Hawkins crew, making it a perfect show to watch after *Stranger Things*.
6. Locke & Key
**Premise:** Following their father's tragic murder, the Locke siblings relocate to their ancestral home, Keyhouse, where they uncover a set of magical keys that grant them a vast array of extraordinary powers and abilities. However, they soon discover that a malevolent demonic entity is also hunting for these keys and will stop at nothing to possess them. This is a must-watch supernatural mystery.
**Why you'll like it:** *Locke & Key* delivers a similar family-centric supernatural mystery vibe that fans of *Stranger Things* will appreciate. The core theme of a group of kids discovering magic and battling a sinister supernatural threat makes it a highly engaging and suspenseful TV series that explores themes of loss, family, and adventure.
7. Wayward Pines
**Premise:** A Secret Service agent awakens from a car accident in the eerie and isolated town of Wayward Pines, Idaho. He quickly discovers that he is unable to leave and that the town is not the peaceful community it appears to be. The residents live under a set of strict, oppressive rules, and any attempt to escape is met with a brutal public execution. This psychological thriller is a standout.
**Why you'll like it:** If you enjoy the unsettling mystery of a town with a dark secret and a pervasive sense of being trapped, *Wayward Pines* will keep you on the edge of your seat. It masterfully builds a “there’s something deeply wrong with this town” atmosphere, similar to the paranormal horror feel of *Stranger Things*.
8. The X-Files
**Premise:** Two FBI agents, the believer Fox Mulder and the skeptic Dana Scully, team up to investigate unsolved cases involving paranormal phenomena. Mulder is convinced of the existence of aliens and the supernatural, while Scully is assigned to scientifically debunk his work. Together, they uncover a vast and shadowy government conspiracy. This is a classic sci-fi TV series.
**Why you'll like it:** *The X-Files* is the blueprint for many of the sci-fi, horror, and mystery elements that make *Stranger Things* so compelling. If you love the monster-of-the-week format combined with an overarching government conspiracy, this iconic paranormal TV show is the perfect series for you to binge-watch next.
9. Fringe
**Premise:** An FBI agent is compelled to work with an institutionalized and eccentric scientist and his estranged son to investigate a series of unexplained, and often horrifying, events that defy scientific explanation. The show expertly blends sci-fi, horror, and mystery, with a strong focus on a dedicated team investigating strange and supernatural phenomena.
**Why you'll like it:** *Fringe* is an excellent choice for viewers who enjoy the scientific investigation and paranormal mystery aspects of *Stranger Things*. The show features a team of compelling characters investigating bizarre and unexplained events, much like the Hawkins crew, making it a perfect sci-fi series to dive into.
10. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
**Premise:** A young woman, Buffy Summers, is chosen by destiny to be a “Vampire Slayer” and is tasked with battling against vampires, demons, and other forces of darkness that threaten her town. She is supported by her loyal friends, who form a “Scooby Gang” to help her fight the forces of evil. This show is a landmark supernatural drama.
**Why you'll like it:** The concept of a “Hellmouth” located under the town, a group of loyal friends fighting supernatural threats together, and the perfect blend of horror, comedy, and drama make *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* a spiritual predecessor to *Stranger Things*. This iconic TV series is a must-watch for fans of coming-of-age stories and paranormal adventures.
