5 Netflix TV Shows That Can Be the Next Stranger Things

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December 2025 will be a significant month for Netflix as the popular series Stranger Things ends with three final parts. This marks the end of a show that has been a major success for the streaming service over the past decade, consistently capturing the public’s attention and setting a high standard for Netflix’s original content. With Stranger Things concluding, it’s crucial for Netflix to find its next breakout hit.

It’s going to be tough to find a show that captures the same magic as Stranger Things. The series uniquely combined a nostalgic feel with original stories, creating a rare and unexpected hit. It’s impossible to know which of Netflix’s shows, either currently airing or still to come, will be its successor. But based on early reactions and what makes them stand out, these five seem like the most promising possibilities.

5) Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 (or Any Other Spinoff)

It seems fitting that the best way to recapture the popularity of Stranger Things is with more Stranger Things. As expected, Netflix is expanding the show into a larger franchise, starting with an animated spin-off called Stranger Things: Tales From ’85. Set to premiere in 2026, the series will follow the characters during events between seasons two and three. While this is good news for fans, it’s not a guaranteed success. Because the story takes place between established seasons, it won’t have the same high stakes, and animated series can be harder to attract viewers. Plus, the Stranger Things universe can only expand so much. However, there’s also potential for live-action spin-offs that could truly carry on the show’s success on Netflix.

4) Avatar: The Last Airbender

While Netflix’s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender isn’t quite the hit that Stranger Things was right away, it has potential. The original animated series was incredibly popular, and this new adaptation is off to a promising start. Season 1 didn’t quite capture all the magic of the original, but it quickly became one of Netflix’s most-watched shows in 2024, racking up 71.1 million views and over 515 million hours of watch time. Although critics haven’t been overly enthusiastic, if the show improves based on that feedback, it could become a huge success, similar to how Stranger Things gained momentum in its later seasons.

3) The Forgotten Realms

Details about Netflix’s upcoming live-action Dungeons & Dragons series, currently known as The Forgotten Realms, are still scarce, and it won’t be released for some time. However, this show has the potential to make Netflix a major player in the fantasy genre, especially given its similarities to Stranger Things. Stranger Things famously incorporates D&D into its plot, and once that show ends, viewers might turn to a dedicated D&D series for a similar experience. Shows like Honor Among Thieves, The Legend of Vox Machina, and The Mighty Nein have proven how engaging fantasy series based on the tabletop game can be. If Netflix can recreate that same blend of humor and emotion, its D&D show could become very popular and even rival Stranger Things in viewership.

2) Wednesday

After its debut in 2022, many people immediately compared Wednesday to Stranger Things, especially since Stranger Things was nearing its end. There was a lot of excitement for the new Addams Family series, with Jenna Ortega leading the cast and a storyline set in a magical school. Wednesday seemed poised to deliver the same kind of appeal that made Stranger Things so popular – and initially, it did! Its spooky atmosphere and engaging characters made it a hit, and the first season was very successful. However, the second season wasn’t as well-received, and Variety reported a drop in viewers. This makes it unclear whether Wednesday can ultimately replace Stranger Things as a flagship show. A third season is planned, so there’s still a chance for the series to regain its momentum and become the streamer’s next big hit.

1) One Piece

I was really hooked by Wednesday, and it definitely felt like the next big thing after Stranger Things. But if I had to bet on which show will have lasting power, I’d say it’s One Piece. It already has a huge fanbase thanks to the manga and anime, and they seem genuinely happy with how it’s been adapted so far. Plus, the stakes feel higher in One Piece, and the characters are just unforgettable. I think that combination will really draw people in and keep them watching as the story gets more intense. It reminds me of how Stranger Things built up over time, and I can easily imagine the final season of One Piece being a massive event – though thankfully, we have a long wait ahead of us!

As a huge Netflix fan, I’m always wondering what show will be the next cultural phenomenon like Stranger Things was. Seriously, what do you all think? Drop a comment and let’s chat about it over on the ComicBook Forum – I’d love to hear your picks!

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2025-12-04 02:10