As fans count down to the much-anticipated final season of Stranger Things slated for 2026 the wait doesn’t have to feel endless. The world of science fiction is buzzing with gripping alternatives, many of which are trending on X (formerly Twitter) for their immersive stories, visual flair, and genre-bending twists. Whether you're into cosmic conspiracies, dystopian dramas, or supernatural sagas, here are 10 shows perfect for your 2025 summer binge.
1. The Expanse (Amazon Prime Video)
Set in a colonized solar system, The Expanse is a sprawling space opera where a detective, a rogue ship captain, and a UN diplomat uncover an interplanetary conspiracy. Fans on X rave about its grounded science and high-stakes political drama. With six seasons, it’s an epic ride through space.
2. Dark (Netflix)
This German-language series combines time travel with deep family secrets in a small town. Often compared to Stranger Things for its eerie tone and adolescent leads, Dark stands out for its cerebral plot and haunting atmosphere. It’s a complete story told across three intense seasons.
3. Westworld (HBO)
In Westworld, androids in a futuristic theme park begin to awaken, leading to philosophical chaos and identity crises. With rich storytelling and spectacular visuals, this four-season series explores what it means to be human. X users call it “a sci-fi thrill ride with brains.”
4. The Mandalorian (Disney+)
Set in the Star Wars universe, The Mandalorian follows a lone bounty hunter and the beloved Baby Yoda on galactic escapades. Its blend of Western grit, space adventure, and emotional depth has won over fans of all ages. Three seasons make for a fast-paced, heartwarming binge.
5. His Dark Materials (HBO)
Based on Philip Pullman’s fantasy trilogy, this series explores parallel worlds, magical creatures, and a coming-of-age cosmic battle. The show’s mystical tone and youth-centered plotline appeal to fans of Stranger Things. It wraps up its story in three visually stunning seasons.
6. Severance (Apple TV+)
This chilling workplace thriller imagines a world where employees split their work and personal memories. It's suspenseful, strange, and deeply original. X users call it “one of the smartest sci-fi concepts in years.”
7. Black Mirror (Netflix)
An anthology of tech-themed cautionary tales, Black Mirror explores the dark side of innovation. Each standalone episode packs a punch, making it ideal for short binges. From social credit systems to digital consciousness, its ideas linger long after the credits roll.
8. The Peripheral (Amazon Prime Video)
This high-concept thriller blends virtual reality, time travel, and corporate manipulation. With a moody, futuristic setting and a strong female lead, The Peripheral has earned comparisons to Stranger Things for its mystery and momentum.
9. For All Mankind (Apple TV+)
What if the space race never ended? This alternate history series imagines a world where the Soviet Union beat the U.S. to the moon. It offers emotional character arcs and stunning space sequences, earning praise on X for its intelligent storytelling.
10. Raised by Wolves (HBO Max)
Created by Ridley Scott, this dystopian drama follows androids tasked with raising human children on a remote planet. The show blends existential themes with unsettling visuals, creating an eerie yet thought-provoking experience.
Final Word:
From mind-bending mysteries to sweeping galactic sagas, these shows capture the essence of what makes Stranger Things so beloved—while charting new sci-fi territory of their own.
