WARNING! This List contains spoilers for Stranger Things season 4.
With the upcoming fifth season of Stranger Things set to be its last, there is a natural interest in a potential spinoff series among those who are not ready to leave Hawkins just yet. In fact, the Duffer Brothers have recently given a positive update on the progress of a spinoff show, saying that “it’s going to be different than what anyone is expecting.”
With that in mind, fans have taken to Reddit to share the spinoff ideas that they would like to see. These include series that depict characters’ lives years after the events in Stranger Things, explorations of smaller characters such as Suzie Bingham (Gabriella Pizzolo), and even an anthology horror series.
Demogorgon Sitcom
Redditors are running wild with their spinoff theories and are unafraid to explore some of the more weird and wonderful concepts. For example, gunnervi’s suggests a Demogorgon spinoff as “a 90s sitcom, with a working class demogorgon family moving next door to a wealthy human family.”
The suggestion might have been made tongue-in-cheek, but given the success of the adventurous spinoff series WandaVision, there is certainly potential there to take the franchise in a completely unexpected and experimental direction.
DI Harrington
A popular spinoff suggestion made by multiple Redditors is one that depicts the main characters later on in their lives. One such suggestion, made by KneeHighMischief, proposes the idea of Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) working with a detective agency.
In response, DominicBSaint humorously suggests an American Ultra-type scenario, with “Steve trying to work at a gas station and being hunted down by the government for having contact with a top secret CIA coverup.”
Eddie On Tour With His Band
Likeable new character, Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn), quickly became a fan favorite in season 4, leaving viewers heartbroken when he inevitably fell victim to Stranger Things‘ unspoken new character rule. People are not willing to let the lovable metalhead go just yet, leading some users to suggest spinoffs starring Joseph Quinn.
One suggestion, made by Educational_Hand9604 prior to the release of season 4, vol. 2, centers around “Eddie and his band touring the US and fighting off evil with their music.” Although this exact scenario unfortunately cannot happen, there is definitely a desire for a similar concept that the creators can lean into.
Kali and the Gang
Fans are conflicted when it concerns the suggestion of a Kali Prasad (Linnea Berthelsen) spinoff centered around her gang. GaryV83 admits “The whole Kali plotline left a bad taste in a lotta people’s mouths, including mine.” Meanwhile, Kalldaro wants “to see more of them getting into shenanigans.”
Regardless of the mixed opinions on the Kali and Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) “soul sisters” storyline, the scope of material to be extracted there is undeniable, whether it’s a prequel or a where-are-they-now type situation.
Fifteen Years Later
Another spinoff idea, that stems from the popular umbrella suggestion of a series depicting the characters later in life, is one that takes place specifically 10-15 years later. Themilfdestroyer proposes that the majority of focal characters should leave Hawkins at the end of season 5, save for a select few.
Their chosen characters are Dustin, Steve, and Robin, with the former becoming a school teacher and the latter two embarking on their own paranormal mystery, separate from the events of the main storyline. The concept received a number of upvotes, with KrzysztofKietzman calling it “the new Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys.”
Meet The Binghams
Suzie Bingham has saved the day on multiple occasions in her brief moments on Stranger Things. It is clear that she has her own story to tell, given her super intelligence and chaotic home life, making her an obvious choice for a potential spinoff.
DominicBSaint suggests a one-shot movie, where “the government traces/tracks the radio signals and shady activity coming from their residential location and she ends up on the run with Argyle, Eden and maybe a younger sibling or two,” adding that director Shawn Levy’s Cheaper by the Dozen credentials could be utilized here.
The MKUltra Days
A prequel spinoff series delving into project MKUltra would make for heavier viewing than some of the more light-hearted suggestions, but it could potentially help answer some longstanding questions about the origins of Eleven’s powers and allow writers to experiment more with the real-life source material.
GaryV83 says, “I’d love to see the MKUltra days with the early test subjects. Doesn’t have to center on Dr. Brenner and Terry Ives, could do all the rest of the children and their various powers.”
Steve and Robin
Steve and Robin (Maya Hawke) have proven inseparable since the latter’s arrival in season 3. Fans adore their friendship with many, including MyriVerse2, calling for “something with Steve and Robin” that has a more light-hearted focus.
A popular suggestion currently in circulation across social media calls for a workplace buddy comedy where they get fired at the end of every season and have to find a new job by the next, including their stints at Scoops Ahoy and the video store. After the darkness of season 4, a series such as this would be a welcome respite.
Nancy And Jonathan As Paranormal Investigators
Despite their relationship becoming strained by their separation in season 4, no one can deny that Nancy (Natalia Dyer) and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) make a dynamic duo. Their real-life chemistry manifests on screen, even when they are at odds, making for an authentic onscreen relationship.
Themilfdestroyer admits that they have had enough of Hawkins following the most recent season and would rather follow the couple to a new location if they were to be the focus of a Stranger Things spinoff series. They pitch them as possible paranormal investigators, saying “maybe Nancy and Jonathan move to a city and we get like an urban horror about them or something.”
Tales From Pennhurst Anthology Series
The suggestion with arguably the most potential for success comes from PatchworkGirl82, who pitches a “Tales from Pennhurst” anthology series hosted by the iconic Robert Englund. The Duffer brothers have previously mentioned the idea of an anthology series, so perhaps they had something like this in mind.
The resurging popularity of anthology series, such as Creepshow and Marvel’s What If…?, indicates that this could be a worthwhile move. There are plenty of stories that can spring from the Pennhurst Hospital, and the retro aesthetic would suit that of the main show.
