As “Stranger Things” approaches its final season, creators Matt and Ross Duffer discuss plans for spin-offs that focus on new stories and characters.
An Update On Post-Stranger Things Season 5 Spin-Off Shows

Key Takeaways:
- “Stranger Things” will conclude with season 5, ending current storylines.
- Spin-offs will introduce new characters instead of revisiting existing ones.
- The Duffer Brothers prioritize meaningful content over commercial motives.
- Past experiences, like the episode “The Lost Sister,” inform their approach to new projects.
- Their next venture is a horror series titled “Something Very Bad is Going to Happen.”
‘Stranger Things’ Approaches Final Season as Creators Plan New Horizons
As the acclaimed series “Stranger Things” gears up for its fifth and final season, creators Matt and Ross Duffer are already contemplating the future of the franchise. Fans eager for more adventures may find solace in the Duffer Brothers’ plans for spin-off series that promise fresh narratives and characters.
A Thoughtful Approach to Spin-Offs
“We’re taking it one step at a time,” Matt Duffer shared, emphasizing a deliberate pace in developing new content. “We don’t wanna rush anything,” added Ross Duffer. “We don’t wanna just do something just to do it, or for commercial reasons. We want it to have a real reason to exist and something that we’re all excited about.”
This careful consideration suggests that while streaming giant Netflix may be keen on expanding the “Stranger Things” universe, the creators prioritize storytelling integrity over profitability.
Focusing on New Characters
Dispelling speculation about spin-offs centering on fan-favorite characters, the Duffers made their intentions clear. “This story, these characters’ stories, that’s done,” Matt stated. “That whole story is coming to an end. There’s not like a Steve/Dustin spin-off or something like that.”
By shifting the spotlight to new characters, the creators aim to explore different facets of the intriguing world they’ve built without rehashing familiar narratives. This approach opens possibilities for innovative storytelling that can captivate audiences anew.
Learning from Past Experiences
Reflecting on the series’ history, the episode “The Lost Sister” from season two serves as a cautionary tale. Attempting to introduce a new group of characters, the episode was met with criticism and is the lowest-rated in the series, scoring a 6.1 out of 10 on IMDb compared to the usual 8s and 9s. This experience informs the Duffers’ strategy moving forward, steering them away from repeating past missteps.
Venturing Beyond the Upside Down
In addition to potential spin-offs, the Duffer Brothers are expanding their creative horizons. Their next project, “Something Very Bad is Going to Happen,” is a horror series focusing on the tumultuous week before a bride and groom’s wedding. This endeavor indicates their continued passion for the horror genre and storytelling beyond the confines of Hawkins, Indiana.
Anticipation for the Future
As “Stranger Things” concludes its original saga, the prospect of new stories within its universe generates excitement and speculation. With the Duffer Brothers at the helm, audiences can anticipate thoughtfully crafted narratives that honor the essence of the original series while exploring uncharted territories.