Netflix's 2-Part Fantasy Series Is So Good, It Could Be The Next Stranger Things

Netflix needs a new flagship series to fill the void left since Stranger Things ended, and there is one clear contender. Netflix is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to creating and releasing original content. A fact which is further emphasized by the sheer quantity of original shows, ranging across just about every conceivable genre.

That being said, Netflix has been without a flagship series since Stranger Things wrapped up in 2025. But, there is a show that manages to connect with audiences across various demographics, and which has the capacity to expand the story for several more seasons. Of course, the show in question is Wednesday, starring Jenna Ortega.

Wednesday Is The Best Bet For A Stranger Things Successor

Wednesday first debuted on Netflix back in 2022, with the captivating Jenna Ortega as the titular leading lady, and the unique imagination and direction of the legendary Tim Burton to bring this classic character to life for a new generation. In a similar way to how Stranger Things grabbed the attention of various generations and audiences with the nostalgic setting and the modern action and storytelling, Wednesday breathes new life into an old story.

As such, the series immediately climbed the ranks upon its release, and it managed to earn the top spot as the most-streamed English-language show of all time on the platform, even beating out Stranger Things during that first season. It was also further helped by the viral images and clips being shared online during that season, which all added up to this being an unmissable series for most.

Netflix Needs A New Flagship Series, And Wednesday Fits The Bill

Wednesday's success was immediate and viral, but there was a significant decrease in the popularity of the show when it came to season 2. When comparing that against Stranger Things, it's a pretty normal occurrence for shows to have peaks and dips throughout their lifespan.

Regardless of this dip in ratings, the show remains one of the most viewed series of all time, with Wednesday just slightly trailing behind Squid Games, a series that has a global appeal unlike anything else on TV. On top of this, the similarities between Wednesday and Stranger Things make it a fantastic contender to fill the void.

Both shows deal with dark and tense subjects. They cross genres into mystery and thriller, before ultimately settling in the realm of fantasy. They both have nostalgic appeal, they feature talented young casts with some standout performers, they create viral moments, and they get people talking. The result is a perfect storm for a Netflix flagship series.

Wednesday Is On Track To Have Several More Seasons

As highlighted above, there was a dip in the ratings and viewership for Wednesday season 2. However, the series still appears to have been rapidly renewed, and the hope for the show is that it will have a thriving future. As an Addams Family spin-off, there is certainly a lot of ground still to cover, but even as a more focused examination of Wednesday Addams, the audience is still just scratching the surface.

Wednesday season 3 is expected to arrive on Netflix sometime in 2027. And while these lengthy gaps between seasons don't appear to be helping the broad appeal of the series, Stranger Things also suffered from extended breaks between seasons. Ultimately, the success of the series stands or falls with the quality of the story, and in that regard, there are high hopes for what comes next.

So, as much as Netflix has been scrambling to try and establish a new flagship series, and they have had marginal success with shows like One Piece, Wednesday is a clear favorite to take the crown. As such, if you haven't seen it yet, you need to tune in on Netflix ahead of the next season's release.