Miss Stranger Things? There’s a Complete, 3-Season Netflix TV Series That You’ll Love

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The end of Stranger Things marks a turning point for streaming TV, but its final season created a mixed reaction for Netflix. Although the series broke viewership records and sparked widespread discussion after its December 2025 finale, longtime fans weren’t as enthusiastic as they had been in the past. Many felt the creators played it safe with a predictable ending, rather than continuing the bold and surprising storytelling that made the earlier seasons so compelling. This dissatisfaction even led to the “Conformity Gate” conspiracy theory, where fans speculated the happy ending was a trick created by the villain, Vecna. Despite debates about how characters developed and whether the final fight dragged on, many viewers will still be sad to say goodbye to the show and its characters.

If you’re missing the world of Stranger Things, you won’t need to switch streaming platforms to find something similar! Netflix is also home to Locke & Key, a complete three-season show with 28 episodes. Based on the popular comic book series by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez, the story follows the Locke family – Nina (Darby Stanchfield) and her three children, Tyler (Connor Jessup), Kinsey (Emilia Jones), and Bode (Jackson Robert Scott) – as they move into their family’s old house after a tragedy. They soon discover that the house, called Keyhouse, is filled with magical keys that give them amazing powers, like the ability to enter dreams, change how they look, or travel anywhere instantly. But unlocking these powers also awakens a dangerous creature who wants the keys for itself.

Why Is Locke & Key a Perfect Stranger Things Follow-Up?

What makes Locke & Key so good is its skillful blend of magical elements and the realistic struggles of growing up. Like the characters in Stranger Things, the Locke siblings are forced to grow up quickly when they discover the adults around them are either unaware of the dangers they face or hiding their own secrets. The show also cleverly uses its magic to represent the characters’ inner battles. For example, a certain key helps explore Kinsey’s struggles with trauma and Tyler’s feelings of guilt. By focusing on these personal, psychological issues, the show keeps the stakes high and relatable, even when the world is in danger—similar to what made Stranger Things so popular with viewers worldwide.

The world of Keyhouse is incredibly well-designed, creating a deeply immersive atmosphere that feels as memorable as places like the Upside Down in Stranger Things. The house itself almost feels like a character, with its confusing layout and a history that unfolds for attentive viewers. Though the show has a lighter tone than the intense horror of the Mind Flayer, it consistently maintains a sense of danger. The villain, Dodge, is both captivating and frightening, constantly pushing the family to their limits and forcing them to rely on their ingenuity and loyalty to survive. This strong focus on family bonds provides a heartwarming and consistent emotional core throughout the show’s three seasons.

Locke & Key is currently available to stream in its entirety on Netflix.

Did Locke & Key do a better job of bringing the feel of its comics to life compared to how Stranger Things developed its own story and secrets? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-25 20:42