Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure – new Live-Action Series announced

This announcement is sure to get "Stranger Things" fans excited: "Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure," a new live-action spin-off series, will premiere on Netflix in 2028.

Here's what we know so far: The new series is set in the 1950s – decades before the events of the original series, which took place in the 1980s. As Netflix announced, "Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure" also takes place before the events of the stage play "Stranger Things: The First Shadow," which explores Henry Creel's past in Hawkins in 1959. The new spin-off was developed by brothers Matt and Ross Duffer, who originally created "Stranger Things," as well as Kate Trefry, who served as a screenwriter on the original series and is therefore very familiar with the "Stranger Things" universe. Another confirmed detail: Joe Wright will direct the first three episodes. The director has made a name for himself with films such as "Atonement," "Hanna," and "Darkest Hour." Production will take place in New Mexico.

Along with the announcement, a first teaser for "Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure" was also released. While the short clip doesn't give too much away, it certainly helps pique curiosity about the new series. You can watch the teaser here:

"Surreal and exhilarating"

The Duffer Brothers are thrilled at the prospect of expanding the world of "Stranger Things" with the new series. However, they're keeping their cards close to their chest when it comes to the new series' storyline. Netflix quotes them as saying:

"We've been dreaming of 'Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure' for many years now, and to see it become a reality is surreal and exhilarating. It's 'Stranger Things', but also thrillingly fresh, with a new setting, new heroes and villains, and new … actually, we're not allowed to say any more. Now, on to casting. In the meantime – watch the skies, nerds!"

Stranger Things: A huge hit

"Stranger Things" aired on Netflix from 2016 to 2025 and ran for five seasons with a total of 42 episodes. The mix of horror and coming-of-age drama is set in the 1980s in the fictional small town of Hawkins, Indiana. The story centers on a group of kids who must face a supernatural threat. The ever-expanding plot begins when 12-year-old Will Byers disappears without a trace. A mysterious girl with telekinetic powers also appears. Only gradually does it become clear how everything is connected.

The cast included Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Cara Buono, Matthew Modine, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, and Maya Hawke.

The series, which concluded at the end of 2025 with its fifth and final season, became a global success and even helped revive the popularity of old music hits featured in the show. Among them were Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" and Prince's "Purple Rain," which suddenly made a comeback on the charts. In addition, "Stranger Things" has won numerous awards over the years and has been nominated several times for an Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series.

Animated Spin-off: Tales from '85

In April 2026, "Stranger Things: Tales from '85," an animated spin-off of the successful live-action series, premiered. As the title suggests, the animated series is set in the winter of 1985. The stories take place between the second and third seasons of the original series. Once again, the focus is on the teenage heroes familiar from "Stranger Things." In their snow-covered hometown of Hawkins, Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max face a monstrous threat. At first, it's unclear whether the danger originates from the Upside Down this time as well. Together, the friends try to solve the mystery. The series' second season premiered in September.