10 Shows to Binge If You're Obsessed with Stranger Things
Here are some of the lesser-known series with those Stranger Things-like vibes to watch while we all wait for Season 5.
1. Dark (2017-2020)
This story unfolds in a small German town of Winden, where four interconnected families are grappling with a web of secrets. As if stepping through the looking glass, two children vanish, triggering a series of events that reveal a mysterious knot of time travel spanning decades. But who's pulling the strings?
Enter Jonas, a teenager caught in a time loop, uncovering his family's clandestine history. Nuclear power plants, a mysterious cave, and a relentless cycle that binds everything together. Winden hides more than it shows, and the more Jonas unravels, the murkier it gets.
2. The OA (2016-2019)
A blind woman, Prairie, who went missing for seven years, suddenly resurfaces with her sight restored. "What happened?" you ask. She was in another dimension, of course! Prairie reveals she's an "angel" and recruits five locals to help rescue others like her. As they dig deeper, they discover a twisted experiment led by a man named Hap, involving near-death experiences. As Prairie narrates her ordeals, the group forms an unlikely bond and realizes the power of collective will.
3. Les Revenants (The Returned) (2012-2015)
In a sleepy French town, the dead rise again. Wait, what? Yes, you heard right. The deceased reappear, completely unaware of their demise. They don't behave like zombies; they just want their lives back. As they reunite with their families, strange occurrences plague the town. Floods, power cuts, and, yes, a serial killer emerges, turning this reunion into a nightmarish puzzle.
4. Counterpart (2017-2019)
Enter the world of espionage, where Howard Silk, a lowly UN bureaucrat, stumbles upon a secret parallel universe. His double from the other world, an assertive, top spy, recruits him for a mission. Together, they unravel a conspiracy that threatens both their worlds. Oh, did I mention the assassin from the other side, who's got a bone to pick? The two Howards navigate a Cold War-like divide, uncovering a twisted plot of treachery and deceit.
5. Wayward Pines (2015-2017)
Secret Service agent Ethan Burke wakes up in a quaint town called Wayward Pines. He's investigating the disappearance of two fellow agents, but something's off. The townspeople are cagey, and there's a chilling secret lurking. As Ethan delves deeper, he realizes he can't leave – the town is surrounded by a massive fence, keeping out terrifying creatures. As the layers of deceit unravel, Ethan discovers that he's the last hope for humanity's survival.
6. Utopia (2013-2014)
Welcome to the world of comic books – but not the superhero kind, oh no. When a group of fans discovers the graphic novel "Utopia," they're thrust into a deadly conspiracy involving a shadowy organization called The Network. As they're hunted by relentless assassins, they uncover a diabolical plot involving population control and a sinister virus. The more they learn, the deeper they're pulled into this twisted web.
7. The Rain (2018-2020)
Try to picture a terrifying world where rain becomes deadly, carrying a virus that wipes out almost the entire Scandinavian population. A brother and sister, Simone and Rasmus, emerge from their bunker six years later and team up with other survivors. Their mission? Find a cure for Rasmus, who may hold the key to saving humanity. As they journey through the post-apocalyptic landscape, they encounter danger, secrets, and unexpected allies. But time is running out, and not everyone can be trusted.
8. Halt and Catch Fire (2014-2017)
Step into the early days of the computer revolution. Joe MacMillan, a former IBM executive, recruits a team of engineers and business partners to build a new, revolutionary computer. As they face off against tech giants and navigate personal conflicts, their loyalties are tested. With the rise of the internet and online gaming, they pivot their focus. The group grapples with innovation, ambition, and the cost of chasing their dreams.
9. 12 Monkeys (2015-2018)
Welcome to a post-apocalyptic world decimated by a deadly virus. James Cole, a time-traveling scavenger, is sent back to the past to prevent the outbreak. As he races against the clock, he's joined by virologist Dr. Cassandra Railly. Together, they hunt for the mysterious group known as the "Army of the 12 Monkeys" that unleashed the virus. As they navigate the complexities of time travel, they uncover dark secrets, shifting alliances, and a future that may be impossible to alter.
10. Jericho (2006-2008)
Take a seat in the small town of Jericho, Kansas, as its residents struggle to survive in a post-apocalyptic world following a nuclear attack. As resources dwindle and tensions rise, the townspeople face off against outsiders and grapple with their own internal divisions. Led by Mayor Johnston Green and his son Jake, they struggle to rebuild their community and maintain hope. But, as they uncover a larger conspiracy involving the attacks and the government's role, they must navigate the murky waters of power, trust, and survival.