While viewers were captivated by ‘Stranger Things,’ a diverse range of other excellent TV shows—including intense dramas, popular animated series, sci-fi adventures, realistic character-driven stories, and clever comedies—debuted and finished their runs on both streaming services and traditional cable channels.
’13 Reasons Why’ (2017–2020)
The Netflix series *13 Reasons Why* is based on Jay Asher’s book and tells the story of a high school student’s death, revealing the events leading up to it through a collection of audio tapes. Over four seasons, the show explores important issues like school administration, mental wellbeing, and the legal repercussions faced by those involved. The main cast includes Dylan Minnette, Katherine Langford, Alisha Boe, and Brandon Flynn. Much of the filming happened in Northern California, and the series is set at the made-up Liberty High School.
‘Andor’ (2022–2025)
This Disney+ series takes place before the events of ‘Rogue One’ and shows how Cassian Andor became a dedicated rebel. Unlike other recent Star Wars shows, it was filmed using real locations and large sets built in the UK and Europe. Diego Luna stars, alongside Stellan Skarsgård, Genevieve O’Reilly, and Adria Arjona. The series explores the early days of the Rebellion, focusing on spy networks, the inner workings of the Empire, and the first groups fighting back.
‘Arcane’ (2021–2024)
The Netflix series ‘Arcane’ is set in the world of ‘League of Legends’ and tells the story of sisters Vi and Jinx in the cities of Piltover and Zaun. It’s visually striking, using a unique animation style created by Fortiche Production. The show features voice acting from Hailee Steinfeld, Ella Purnell, and Katie Leung, and its plot combines political maneuvering, clashes between social classes, and the exciting possibilities – and dangers – of a new technology called Hextech.
‘Atlanta’ (2016–2022)
I’m a huge fan of ‘Atlanta’ on FX! It’s a really funny and thought-provoking show that follows Earn and Alfred as they try to make it in the Atlanta rap world. Donald Glover not only created it, but he’s also the star, alongside amazing actors like Brian Tyree Henry, Lakeith Stanfield, and Zazie Beetz. What I love is that each episode feels like its own little story, and it’s all done with this really unique, sometimes surreal style. It really makes you think about things like race, what it means to be famous, and family. Plus, it’s beautifully shot – mostly in Atlanta, but they’ve also filmed scenes over in Europe!
‘Big Mouth’ (2017–2024)
This hilarious animated comedy on Netflix follows a group of middle school kids as they navigate the ups and downs of puberty. The show uses funny characters like “Hormone Monsters” to represent the intense emotions of being a teenager. It features a fantastic voice cast, including Nick Kroll, John Mulaney, Maya Rudolph, and Jordan Peele. Throughout its many seasons, the show became known for its catchy musical numbers and appearances by well-known guest stars.
‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ (2018–2020)
This Netflix series offers a more mature and mysterious take on the classic Archie Comics character, Sabrina Spellman. The show centers on Sabrina as she navigates the challenges of being both a witch and a teenager. Starring Kiernan Shipka alongside Miranda Otto, Lucy Davis, and Chance Perdomo, the series creates a visually striking world with real sets and imagery inspired by the occult, particularly within the Academy of Unseen Arts. Fans of ‘Riverdale’ will also notice connections, as the shows share characters and settings.
‘Cobra Kai’ (2018–2025)
Cobra Kai continues the story of the Karate Kid, with Johnny Lawrence restarting the Cobra Kai dojo and picking up his old rivalry with Daniel LaRusso. The show initially launched on YouTube Premium but is now available on Netflix. Both Ralph Macchio and William Zabka return, alongside a new generation of actors like Xolo Maridueña and Mary Mouser. Expect exciting tournament storylines, familiar faces, and plenty of references to the original Karate Kid movies.
‘Derry Girls’ (2018–2022)
This Channel 4 comedy is set in 1990s Northern Ireland, during the last years of conflict. It follows a group of teenagers growing up in Derry, dealing with the everyday challenges of school, family, and local culture. The show stars Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Nicola Coughlan, Louisa Harland, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, and Dylan Llewellyn. It blends funny, relatable stories with real news footage from the time, highlighting important historical events.
‘Designated Survivor’ (2016–2019)
This gripping political thriller starts with a devastating attack that unexpectedly puts a relatively unknown government official in the Oval Office. Kiefer Sutherland stars as President Tom Kirkman, alongside Natascha McElhone, Kal Penn, and Maggie Q. Originally airing on ABC, the show concluded with a final season on Netflix. The series explores intense political challenges like constitutional dilemmas, frequent cabinet changes, and the pressures of running for re-election.
‘His Dark Materials’ (2019–2022)
This BBC and HBO series is based on Philip Pullman’s popular book trilogy and tells the story of Lyra Belacqua as she travels between different worlds. The show stars Dafne Keen, alongside Ruth Wilson, Amir Wilson, and James McAvoy. It features impressive visual effects to bring magical creatures like dæmons and armored bears to life, and was filmed in various locations both in the UK and abroad. Future seasons will adapt the remaining books in the series, including ‘The Subtle Knife,’ ‘The Amber Spyglass,’ and the ‘Republic of Heaven’ storyline.
‘Killing Eve’ (2018–2022)
This thrilling spy series follows an intelligence officer and a captivating assassin whose paths unexpectedly cross. Starring Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer, with a significant role played by Fiona Shaw, the show is set in various European locations and features a different lead writer each season, resulting in unique styles and atmospheres. It’s also praised for its stylish costumes and carefully chosen music.
‘Marvel’s Luke Cage’ (2016–2018)
This Netflix Marvel show takes place in Harlem and centers on Luke Cage, a superpowered man who can’t be harmed by bullets. He fights crime and navigates the complex political landscape of his community. The series stars Mike Colter, alongside notable actors Mahershala Ali, Alfre Woodard, and Simone Missick. Its music blends hip-hop and soul, and each episode is named after a famous musical group. ‘Luke Cage’ is connected to other Marvel series like ‘Daredevil’, ‘Jessica Jones’, and ‘The Defenders’ through shared storylines and characters.
‘Ozark’ (2017–2022)
As a huge fan of crime dramas, I was completely hooked by this Netflix series. It follows a financial advisor who uproots his family to the Ozarks, and gets involved in some seriously dangerous money laundering. Jason Bateman and Laura Linney are fantastic, but Julia Garner really steals the show. Visually, it’s really striking – they use a lot of muted colors, and the lakeside scenery, filmed in Georgia to look like Missouri, is beautiful but also adds to the tense atmosphere. The story gets complicated quickly, with pressure from drug cartels, local criminal gangs, and the development of a casino all playing a part.
‘Raised by Wolves’ (2020–2022)
This HBO Max science fiction series centers around two androids who are raising human children on a faraway planet after Earth has been destroyed. Ridley Scott helped create the show and directed the first few episodes. The story delves into themes of religion, artificial intelligence, and what it takes to survive in a difficult world. The series was filmed in South Africa, using a lot of real, physical sets rather than relying heavily on digital effects.
‘Riverdale’ (2017–2023)
I’m totally hooked on this CW show! It takes the classic Archie characters and throws them into this really dark and mysterious town – it’s not your typical Riverdale. The main cast – KJ Apa, Lili Reinhart, Camila Mendes, and Cole Sprouse – are all amazing. What’s really cool is that the show isn’t afraid to change things up; one minute it’s a cult thriller, the next it’s a musical, and then they’ll jump forward in time! They film a lot in Vancouver, and it’s fun to see characters and storylines connect with other Archie-related shows and comics too.
‘Sex Education’ (2019–2023)
This Netflix series takes place in a British high school and explores the lives of students and their families as they deal with relationships and figure out who they are. The show stars Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa, and Emma Mackey. It has a unique visual style, blending British locations with the look and feel of American high schools. Expect storylines about student-run health services, changes happening around school, and the ups and downs of family life.
‘Snowfall’ (2017–2023)
FX’s crime drama tells the story of how crack cocaine took over Los Angeles in the 1980s. Damson Idris plays Franklin Saint, and he’s joined by Carter Hudson and Emily Rios. The show vividly brings to life the neighborhoods, police work, and drug organizations of that era. As the series goes on, it explores the fights for control, changing partnerships, and the increasing attention from federal investigators.
‘Squid Game’ (2021–2024)
Netflix’s hit Korean series is a thrilling survival drama where desperate people compete in fatal games based on childhood favorites. The show stars Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, and Jung Ho-yeon. Its striking visuals feature bold colors and complex, maze-like sets. Through each round of the game, the series explores themes of debt, social inequality, and the nature of spectacle.
‘Star Trek: Discovery’ (2017–2024)
Star Trek: Discovery, available on Paramount+, follows Captain Michael Burnham and the crew of the USS Discovery as they journey through different time periods. The show stars Sonequa Martin-Green, along with Doug Jones, Anthony Rapp, and Mary Wiseman. Throughout the series, the crew encounters alternate realities like the Mirror Universe, travels far into the future, and helps rebuild the Federation. The show features impressive visual effects to bring to life the ship’s unique spore-drive technology, diverse alien lifeforms, and epic space battles.
‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch’ (2021–2024)
This Disney+ animated series centers on a group of highly skilled clone troopers after the Clone Wars have ended. Dee Bradley Baker provides the voices for all the troopers, while Michelle Ang voices a character named Omega. The show dives into the changes happening with the rise of the Empire, the struggles of the clones themselves, and secret missions they undertake throughout the galaxy. It’s connected to the storylines of both ‘The Clone Wars’ and ‘Rebels’.
‘Succession’ (2018–2023)
This HBO drama centers on a powerful family who own a major media company, and the challenges they face both in business and in their personal lives. The show features a talented cast including Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, and Kieran Culkin. Filmed in New York and various international locations, it realistically depicts the world of high finance with scenes shot in offices that resemble real financial centers. The series explores corporate power plays, company buyouts, and the pressures of government oversight.
‘Superman & Lois’ (2021–2024)
This TV series centers on Clark Kent and Lois Lane as they move back to Smallville with their teenage sons. Starring Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch, the show features characters from the ‘Arrowverse’ and combines the challenges of family life with exciting superhero adventures and the world of local journalism. It uses special effects to bring to life flying scenes, Kryptonian technology, and the latest villains.
‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)
This Netflix series tells the story of Queen Elizabeth II’s life and reign over many decades. To reflect the passage of time, the main actors change every two seasons. The show is filmed at famous locations around the UK and features incredibly detailed costumes and sets, especially when depicting important events. Each season explores major political events, royal romances, and the history of the British monarchy.
‘The Good Doctor’ (2017–2024)
This series is set in the bustling San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital and centers around a surgical resident who has autism. Starring Freddie Highmore alongside Antonia Thomas, Richard Schiff, and Hill Harper throughout its run, the show is filmed in British Columbia and relies on medical professionals to ensure realistic procedures. Each episode explores challenging ethical questions, changes within the hospital’s management, and the specialized training doctors undergo.
‘The Good Place’ (2016–2020)
NBC’s new comedy takes a unique look at what happens after death, following a group of people who study ethics. The show stars Kristen Bell, William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil, Manny Jacinto, and Ted Danson. It uses clever techniques like repeating storylines, building detailed settings, and impressive visuals. Each episode blends actual philosophical ideas with surprising plot twists.
‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (2017–2025)
As a critic, I’ve been following Hulu’s adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s novel, and it’s a chilling experience. The series plunges you into the terrifying world of Gilead, a theocratic regime where life is brutally controlled. Elisabeth Moss is phenomenal, carrying the weight of the story alongside strong performances from Yvonne Strahovski, Joseph Fiennes, and Ann Dowd. What’s fascinating is how the show is visually built – filmed in Ontario, they seamlessly create both the oppressive atmosphere of Gilead and the relative freedom of Canada. And it doesn’t stay contained; the later seasons really broaden the scope, showing us the growing resistance, the attempts at legal challenges within the system, and the increasing pressure from the outside world.
‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ (2017–2023)
This Prime Video series is a funny and heartwarming drama about a 1950s housewife trying her hand at stand-up comedy in New York City. Starring Rachel Brosnahan, alongside Tony Shalhoub, Alex Borstein, and Michael Zegen, the show is visually striking with its accurate costumes and detailed sets, and features impressive camera work. The stories explore the challenges of building a career in comedy, dealing with the entertainment industry, and navigating opportunities on television.
‘Marvel’s The Punisher’ (2017–2019)
As a huge Marvel fan, I really got into ‘The Punisher’. It’s a gritty series following Frank Castle, and it digs into some seriously tangled conspiracies connected to his time in the military. Jon Bernthal is fantastic as the Punisher, and the show also stars Ben Barnes, Amber Rose Revah, and Deborah Ann Woll. What I loved was how realistic the action felt – they clearly put a lot of work into the fight choreography and gunplay, and the show is set in these really cool, gritty city locations. Plus, it’s connected to the wider Marvel universe, with nods to ‘Daredevil’ and other heroes operating on the streets.
‘The Righteous Gemstones’ (2019–2024)
This HBO comedy centers on a rich family who run a huge religious broadcasting network. The show stars Danny McBride, John Goodman, Edi Patterson, and Adam DeVine. It’s filmed in South Carolina and features elaborate church sets and exciting action scenes. The storylines revolve around conflicts with other religious organizations, the family’s own internal power plays, and investigations into their finances.
‘The Umbrella Academy’ (2019–2024)
This Netflix series is based on the comic book by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá and centers around adopted siblings who have special powers. The show stars Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, and Aidan Gallagher. Throughout the series, the characters travel through time, including to the 1960s, and explore different timelines that impact their lives. The production uses a mix of real stunts and visual effects to bring the story to life.
‘This Is Us’ (2016–2022)
This NBC drama follows the Pearson family through different stages of their lives. Starring Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chrissy Metz, the show jumps between time periods using impressive makeup and set design to depict the characters over many years. Most of the filming happens in California, utilizing specially built sets for homes and hospitals.
‘Westworld’ (2016–2022)
HBO’s sci-fi series starts in a futuristic theme park filled with lifelike androids. The show features stars like Evan Rachel Wood, Thandiwe Newton, Jeffrey Wright, and Ed Harris. Filming takes place in the scenic landscapes of New Mexico and Utah, as well as on massive sound stages. As the series progresses, the story moves beyond the park to explore themes of corporate power and the nature of artificial intelligence.
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2019–2024)
This comedy series is presented as a documentary and follows the daily lives of vampire roommates in Staten Island as they navigate the modern world. The show stars Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, and Mark Proksch, and relies on realistic special effects, a lot of improvisation, and appearances by supernatural beings in council meetings. Each episode includes well-known guest stars and humorous encounters with city government.
‘Yellowstone’ (2018–2024)
The Paramount Network drama follows the Dutton family and their sprawling Montana ranch, focusing on the challenges they face to hold onto it. The show stars Kevin Costner, along with Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, and Luke Grimes. It’s filmed on location, showcasing the beautiful Western scenery and real ranch life. The series explores themes of land ownership battles, political maneuvering, and the shifting dynamics within the family.
‘Young Sheldon’ (2017–2024)
This CBS show is a prequel to ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ telling the story of young Sheldon Cooper growing up in East Texas. Iain Armitage leads the cast alongside Zoe Perry, Lance Barber, and Annie Potts. The show combines humor with a nostalgic look at the late 80s and early 90s, filmed on studio sets and around Los Angeles to create the feel of a small town.
Let us know your top choices from the list below, and tell us which one you believe was the most influential during the time ‘Stranger Things’ was popular.
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2025-10-18 18:49