With the final episode of Stranger Things arriving on New Year's Eve 2025, fans have been left searching for a new series to fill the void. A recent online discussion has revealed a top contender, a critically acclaimed Netflix show described as the 'perfect fill-in'.
The Search for a New Obsession
Following the conclusion of the beloved show after nine years and five seasons, viewers took to forums like Reddit to seek recommendations. They were looking for series with similar hallmarks: interconnected plotlines, compelling sci-fi elements, and a core group of richly developed friends. While suggestions ranged from Apple TV's Severance to Netflix's Sense8, one title consistently emerged as the overwhelming favourite.
Dark: The Complex German Thriller
The show in question is Dark, a German sci-fi mystery thriller that spans three series. It centres on a small town where the disappearance of two children unravels the intricate connections between four families. Fans were quick to highlight its 95% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes and an impressive 8.7/10 rating on IMDb.
Like Stranger Things, it is packed with supernatural surprises and a deep, compelling mystery. One fan noted, "If you love the mystery aspect of Stranger Things, that is the one thing that does carry over. The mystery behind the conflict is astounding."
A Grittier, More Complex Tone
However, enthusiasts were also keen to point out a significant tonal shift. Viewers describe Dark as substantially darker, more nihilistic, and bleaker than the adventures in Hawkins. It lacks the upbeat, teamwork-driven vibe, instead fostering a constant feeling of existential dread.
"It's just so much darker... there's this constant feeling of existential dread throughout the series," one viewer explained. "The mystery is what makes it phenomenal, but it doesn't make you feel good." Despite this, it has been praised for having one of the most intricate plots in all of media.
For those ready to dive into a more complex and mature narrative, all three series of Dark are available to stream on Netflix now, offering a substantial and critically adored binge for displaced Stranger Things fans.
