What to watch next: 9 TV shows like Stranger Things

It’s been a three year wait for Stranger Things season 4 and after you’ve finished binging the latest spooky Hawkins adventure on Netflix there’s bound to be a lengthy wait for season 5.

If you're a fan of supernatural mysteries, coming-of-age high school dramas or boxset sci-adventures, don't despair - there are lots of TV shows similar to Stranger Things you can stream now.

If you like Stranger Things, we’ve got 8 TV shows you're going to love...

Stranger Things season 4 review

Stranger Things season 4: Meet the cast

What should I watch after Stranger Things?

1. Locke and Key

First aired: 2020

If you love Stranger Things, The Haunting of Hill House or remember fondly the young adult chills of Goosebumps, Locke and Key is a must-watch.

For those who haven’t read the comics, there are a glut of unexpected twists and the excellent young cast are an immediately endearing and welcoming gang.

The series follows the Locke family, who move into their ancestral home in Matheson, Massachusetts after their father is tragically murdered.

When the Locke kids begin to hear whispers in the shadows, the magical keys beckon them into a new world where everything they previously thought was true is turned upside down.

Where can I watch Locke and Key?

Locke and Key season 1 and 2 are available on Netflix.

2.  I Am Not Okay With This

First aired: 2020

Stranger Things might have been inspired by film classics such as The Goonies, E.T, The NeverEnding Story and Nightmare on Elm Street, but the impact of the Duffer Brothers TV phenomenon was to encourage Netflix and others to release a heap of similar TV series.

Black comedy I Am Not Okay With This was one such show, bringing Charles Forsman’s graphic novel to the small screen. Sadly cut short after one season, largely due to Covid, I Am Not Okay was directed by Stranger Things’ Shawn Levy and had similar supernatural vibes hidden underneath a teen high school story.

Where can I watch I Am Not Okay With This?

I Am Not Okay With This season 1 is available on Netflix.

3. The OA

First aired: 2016

Another Netflix series with a fanbase that simply won’t quit, The OA is one of the most-talked about TV shows of the last decade.

It’s a science fiction mystery series with young girl as the central character, but The OA is much more complex than Stranger Things - it will frequently melt you mind with its multi-dimension storytelling.

The cast includes Brit Marling, Emory Cohen, Scott Wilson, Phyllis Smith and Jason Isaacs and once you’ve finished the two seasons, be prepared to join the online campaigns for more episodes and closure.

Where can I watch The OA?

The OA season 1 and 2 are available on Netflix.

4. Dark

First aired: 2017

This dark European thriller was compared to Stranger Things when it was first released in 2017, but the German series has a much, for want of a better word, darker tone.

But if you like mind-bending science fiction, time travel and mysterious disappearances, this series should go on your watch-list.

Where can I watch Dark?

Dark season 1 to 3 are available on Netflix.

5.  Misfits

First aired: 2009

This British sci-fi series preceded Stranger Things and had a slightly more adult tone as it followed the adventures of a group of young offenders who acquire supernatural powers after an electrical storm.

The E4 series kickstarted the careers of Robert Sheehan, Antonia Thomas, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Joe Gilgun and Iwan Rheon and was ahead of its time with its blend of youthful angst and super-powered adventure.

Where can I watch Misfits?

Every season of Misfits is available on All4.

6. Everything Sucks!

First aired: 2018

It only got one season on Netflix, but this 90s high school series is worth digging out for a feel-good nostalgia rush.

The adorable cast, awkward and heartfelt relationships and incredible soundtrack will sweep you along in this coming-of-age story that is basically a 90s Stranger Things, swapping out the terrors of the Upside Down for everyday teen troubles.

Where can I watch Everything Sucks?

Everything Sucks! is available on Netflix.

7. Freaks and Geeks

First aired: 1999

One of the most influential cult comedy series of all time, this Judd Apatow series set in 80s suburban high school starred a young Seth Rogen and Jason Segal.

The show captures the awkwardness of teenage life in a way few TV shows have ever matched and Stranger Things creators the Duffer Brothers have been open about the influence the show has on the dynamics between the young characters in their own show.

Where can I watch Freaks and Geeks?

The classic series is not currently available on any UK streaming service.

8.  The Returned

First aired: 2013

Twin Peaks meets Stranger Things in this eerie French supernatural series – Les Revenants.

With a Mogwai soundtrack, terrifying children in a small Alpine town and the dead coming back to life, this series earned cult classic status back in 2013.

Where can I watch The Returned?

The Returned season 1 and 2 are available to buy on Prime Video.

9.  Buffy the Vampire Slayer

First aired: 1997

The teen drama that ruled all teen dramas in the 90s, Sarah Michelle Gellar’s high-kicking school girl started as a cult classic and eventually became a global smash hit.

The Scooby gang became more than just a TV show for a whole generation of viewers, as the romances and adventures won over the hearts of millions.

Where can I watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer?

All 7 season of Buffy are available on Disney +.

Watch Stranger Things season 1-4 on Netflix