Summary
Stranger Thingsis coming to an end after season 5, meaning that fans have to search for a replacement series, and, thankfully, Stephen King is developing an adaptation of a 2019 book that shares similarities with the Netflix show. The science fiction horror drama television series,created by the Duffer Brothers, debuted in 2016 and instantly took the world by storm. After four triumphant seasons,Stranger Thingsis sadly set to end with its fifth season,which will consist of eight episodes and likely premiere in late 2025 or early 2026.
TheStranger Thingscast and crew began filming season 5 in January 2024 and, as of the writing of this article, are still shooting the final episodes.
Unfortunately, by the time the new episodes roll around, it will have been three (or more) years sinceStranger Thingsseason 4’s ending. Production delays and the writers' and actors' strikes in 2023 contributed to the lengthy hiatus, making fans exceptionally eager for the next and last season. However, while many are looking forward toStranger Things' final story in season 5, they should also be looking for a show that can replace the Netflix sci-fi horror drama.
Stephen King’s The Institute Is Like Dr. Brenner’s Secret Facility In Stranger Things
MGM+ Greenlit An Adaptation Of Stephen King’s 2019 Novel
A newStephen King series based on the author’s 2019 sci-fi horror novelThe Instituteis in development at MGM+, and parts of its premise are comparable toStranger Things. MGM+ has greenlit the upcoming adaptation and given it an eight-episode order. Ben Barnes and Mary-Louise Parker are set to star inThe Institute, and they, along with other unannounced cast members, will start filming the series in Nova Scotia sometime this year. Of course, any adaptation of one of King’s works is exciting, butThe Institute’s story sounds similar toStranger Things, making it even more compelling.
Barnes' character sounds a lot like David Harbour’s Jim Hopper inStranger Things, despite the fact that Tim’s an ex-cop, especially since both of them take on the hero role in their respective stories.
InThe Institute, Luke Ellis, a 12-year-old genius, iskidnapped and taken to The Institute (hence the book’s name).There, he finds other gifted children who were also taken and capable of preternatural abilities. Anyone who has watched even justthe first episode ofStranger Thingswould know that the novel’s premise parallels the Netflix sci-fi horror drama’s plot. The Institute is like the Hawkins Lab, led by Dr. Brenner, where scientists experimented on children, including Eleven, who all possessed powers. However, that isn’t the only thing the two works share in common.
Millie Bobby Brown’s Two Stranger Things Replacements Explain Why An Eleven Spinoff Is So Unlikely Now
Millie Bobby Brown’s recent career successes make an Eleven spinoff less likely after Stranger Things season 5 ends her iconic character’s story.
Ben Barnes' Tim Jamieson Is A Small Town Cop Like Stranger Things' Hopper
Jamieson & Hopper Share Many Things In Common
Ben Barnes is set to play Tim Jamieson, a disgruntled former police officer haunted by his past who moves to the small town inThe Instituteand becomes the night knocker. Barnes' character sounds a lot like David Harbour’sJim Hopper inStranger Things, despite the fact that Tim’s an ex-cop, especially since both of them take on the hero role in their respective stories. So, whenStranger Thingsends, fans should giveThe Institutea try (whenever it premieres).
Stranger Things
Cast
Stranger Things is a Netflix series set in the 1980s, where the mysterious disappearance of a young boy leads a small town to uncover secret experiments and supernatural forces. A significant focus is on a peculiar girl who may hold the key to the unfolding mystery.
