Stranger Things is the biggest Netflix show of all time. With the hit series coming to an end recently, fans all over the world want to know what's next. And, no, I'm not talking about the secret ninth episode of Stranger Things 5 the conspiracy theorists are talking about.
There are two upcoming Stranger Things spinoffs in the works. The first one, Stranger Things: Tales from '85, is coming to Netflix in 2026. The other spinoff, which was teased in the finale, is just getting off the ground, but the Duffers have confirmed it will not include any of the characters from Stranger Things.
While I'm hyped for both of these shows, I have to admit I'm a little disappointed that we don't have more shows on the way from this world. I also don't know if those two spinoffs are the ones fans are asking for. So, I put together a short list of the seven Stranger Things spinoffs that fans actually want to see.
Let's get the list started with a spinoff about Hopper and Joyce when they were kids growing up in Hawkins, Indiana.
Young Hopper and Joyce
Setting: 1950s Hawkins
Throughout Stranger Things, we've heard Joyce, Hopper, and others talk about their past, but we don't really get much of anything until Stranger Things: The First Shadow. Sadly, most fans have not seen the play. It's basically the most exclusive medium to continue the Stranger Things story, but there's so much history with Joyce, Hopper, Henry Creel, and the rest of the "adult gang" in Hawkins.
I think we'd all love to see a horror/sci-fi series set in the 1950s in Hawkins that tells the stories of these great characters when they were younger. Imagine a Breakfast Club-style series with Hopper, Joyce, Karen, Ted, Bob Newby, and the other important characters from this story. Maybe, something happens that keeps that connects these characters for life, something they never talk about, and especially something their kids never know about. It would be really fun, and there's a lot of inspiration that can be drawn from The First Shadow to act as the connective tissue between the projects.
USS Eldridge
Setting: 1940s Naval base / the Abyss
There's a really good chance that we're about to see the story of the USS Eldridge and Dr. Brenner's father, known as Captain Brenner, in the upcoming Stranger Things spinoff. The Duffer brothers have spoken about what to expect, and the only thing we actually know is that it's going to include the rock that infects Henry Creel in the cave in the desert.
Well, years before that happened, Dr. Brenner's father was transported with the crew of the USS Eldridge during World War II to the Abyss. Captain Brenner is the only person who survives the ordeal.
I'm imagining some Alien-type series where the soldiers are transported into the Abyss and fall, one by one, to the demogorgons and Mind Flayer before Captain Brenner escapes, shares what he knows with his son, and that kicks starts this whole story.
Nevada Project
Setting: 1950s Nevada
Similarly, we could be getting the Nevada Project, which was obviously what led to that scene in the cave with the scientist who is losing his mind. At that time, we know the US government continued doing experiments and pushing the boundaries of technology and science. We don't know exactly what they were up to, but we also know that there was a Russian spy in the midst, which obviously led to the Russians knowing about Dr. Brenner, Hawkins, and more that led to the Starcourt Mall being built before Stranger Things season 3.
I don't know interesting this series would be, but there's so much untapped potential with storylines revolving around these scientists and more.
Stranger Things anthology series
Setting: New group of kids in any time period
Look, I love all of the lore in Stranger Things: the Mind Flayer, the demogorgons, wormholes, Abyss, etc. I think that's all good, great, grand, and wonderful. But, the real magic of Stranger Things is not connected to the lore. It's all about the kids and these great characters. That's what makes the series so good, and it's what makes fans so invested.
I would love the Duffer brothers, or other creative minds, to make "Stranger Things" anthology seasons. You could go anywhere in the world during anytime. You could have a group of kids or teens facing the horrors of the world, the supernatural, and beyond. They'd work together to get to the bottom of mysteries, save towns, and then go back to school after it's all said and done.
Of all of these ideas, this is the idea that makes the most sense to me. It's basically a blank slate for any story about youngsters fending off the coming apocalypse. I have a feeling all Stranger Things fans would tune in.
27 Years Later
Setting: Hawkins in 2016
We all know how much Stephen King's It influenced Stranger Things. There are a lot of parallels, including Bob Newby's speech about a clown that haunted his childhood while growing up in Maine. Well, in It, there are two timelines: the story when the Losers are kids in the 1950s in Derry, Maine, and the story when they come back 27 years later because Pennywise has returned.
I would love, after some times passes, if the Duffer brothers got the band back together at Netflix. It's so easy to imagine. Hawkins is in danger again! Vecna is dead, but there's another mysterious force or alien causing problems in the small town.
Can you imagine all the characters coming back together to stop another menace in Hawkins? We'd see how their lives have changed, all the things that have happened, and all the potential these characters still have together after such a long time. I'd watch that series, and I know you would, too.
It just can't happen for a very long time.
Eleven's adventures
Setting: Early 1990s Iceland
One interpretation of the Stranger Things ending suggests Eleven lived, escaped to Iceland, and made a life in a small, remote town outside the grasp of Dr. Kay and the United States government. I would love to see that part of the story, and I think it would make for a great story.
We've seen so many good stories about characters who start over in new towns, fleeing from the past. Eleven is the perfect character for that story. Imagine there's some supernatural adventure or mystery to solve, as well. That would give Eleven a chance to fall in with the locals, build bonds she desperately needs, and also help out those people. She is a hero, after all.
Of course, this final spinoff suggestion is not realistic. The Duffer brothers have chosen to keep Eleven's fate a secret. Outside of Matt, Ross, and Brown, there are probably only a handful of people who actually know if Eleven lived or died in their story. I don't think this series is totally necessary, but I have no doubt that fans would tune in.
Steve "The Hair" Harrington spinoff
Setting: Anytime, anywhere
Last but certainly not least, I would love to see the Steve Harrington spinoff series. We don't know where Steve is headed, but I think the rest of the fandom would tune in for a spinoff about Joe Keery. Maybe, finally, Steve leaves Hawkins for sunny California where he becomes a coach or teacher and has to help other kids fight back against the forces of evil. We could even get some cameos from Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Robin (Maya Hawke), and the rest of these characters.
Of all the characters in the show, Steve appears to be in the best spot for this show to happen. Like, no offense to the great youth coaches of the world, Steve doesn't have a lot going on or a lot of prospects, compared to Nancy (Natalia Dyer), the journalist, Jonathan (Charlie Heaton), the film director, and Robin. That's the perfect canvas for chaos!
Plus, I think we all just love Joe Keery, and we're going to miss him as Steve.
Stay tuned for more news about the upcoming Stranger Things spinoffs!