Every Duffer Brothers TV Show, Ranked from Worst to Best

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The last ten years have been transformative for the Duffer Brothers, launching them to fame with a huge success and leading to several exciting new projects. Now that Stranger Things has concluded, there’s a lot of anticipation for whatever they do next. Expectations are varied – some people are very hopeful, while others are more cautious. To get a better sense of what they might deliver, it’s helpful to look back at their previous work and examine each series they’ve created or produced.

As a huge fan of the Duffer Brothers, I’ve been thinking a lot about all their shows. I decided to rank them, starting with the least strong and going all the way to my favorite. I based my ranking on how consistently the stories are told, how unique each show feels, and whether it brings something new to the table – something beyond what we’ve already seen in the style they’re known for.

4) Stranger Things: Tales from ’85

Following the popularity of Stranger Things, creators began considering spin-off ideas. This led to Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, an animated series intended to give fans more stories with the beloved characters they’d followed for nearly a decade. Set between seasons two and three, the show features self-contained adventures where the group tackles new, *Upside Downrelated problems, often in the style of individual cases within the larger story.

The animated series aims to go beyond what the live-action show could achieve, though the Duffer Brothers were primarily consultants rather than actively involved in daily production, while still maintaining their creator and executive producer credits. Unfortunately, the spin-off doesn’t feel as impactful as Stranger Things because it doesn’t significantly develop the story or characters. It essentially uses the same familiar formula with a new animated style. While it’s not a bad show – it’s even been renewed – it’s the least essential piece of content connected to the creators’ work.

3) Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen

There was a lot of anticipation for this series, as it was the first new project from the creators of Stranger Things. While Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen aims higher than their previous work, it doesn’t quite manage to be truly memorable. The show centers on a couple planning their wedding who begin to experience bizarre and unsettling events. It quickly moves from a story about their relationship to a psychological thriller with horror aspects.

The show starts with a compelling premise, creating a sense of unease within a familiar, everyday setting. Unfortunately, that initial tension doesn’t last throughout the season. While it begins promisingly and builds anticipation, the story eventually slows down and some ideas don’t quite deliver on their potential. Ultimately, the core idea is stronger than how it’s presented. It’s not a bad show, but it lacks a distinctive quality to really stand out from everything else available.

2) The Boroughs

The Duffer Brothers’ show, The Boroughs, is arguably their most compelling work yet, as it’s a departure from their usual teen-focused characters. The series centers on a group of seniors in a quiet neighborhood who find themselves facing strange, supernatural occurrences. They must confront a mysterious threat that’s beyond their comprehension and control. This unique premise sets it apart from anything else the Duffer Brothers have created.

The series stands out not because of how it’s made, but because it tries something new with the established formula. While you can still see echoes of Stranger Things in the way the mystery unfolds and the supernatural appears, the story feels different because the characters are facing new challenges in their lives. It’s a good show that leaves you wanting more, but it doesn’t completely escape the style of its creators. Ultimately, it’s a solid effort that’s more thoughtful and ambitious, even if it stays somewhat familiar.

1) Stranger Things

Though the finale wasn’t perfect and some plot points were left unresolved, Stranger Things is a truly significant series that will likely be remembered for years to come whenever the Duffer Brothers are mentioned. The show centers around the mysterious disappearance of a boy in a small town in the 1980s, which leads to the discovery of secret government projects, a terrifying alternate reality, and a group of kids who find themselves caught in the middle of it all.

This series is fantastic because it expertly blends mystery, horror, drama, and a sense of nostalgia. What truly sets it apart is its consistent delivery of compelling storylines, expansive world-building, and a noticeable influence on pop culture. It’s not just style over substance either; the show features a clear, evolving plot and allows its characters to grow and change emotionally. Despite any flaws it may have, it’s the most well-rounded and accomplished work from the Duffer Brothers to date, making it a top contender.

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2026-05-26 02:42