Duffer Brothers Unveil First Netflix Series After Stranger Things Finale
Following the monumental conclusion of Netflix's global phenomenon Stranger Things, creators Matt and Ross Duffer are embarking on a new creative chapter. Through their production company, Upside Down Pictures, the visionary brothers are set to roll out three distinct series on the streaming platform this year. While their influence permeates these projects, the Duffers are strategically stepping back from direct creative control to assume more of a guiding, behind-the-scenes role.
Transition to Mentorship and New Creative Direction
As Matt Duffer explained in a previous interview with Entertainment Weekly, their focus has shifted towards nurturing emerging talent. "We're finding talent and creatives that we deeply respect and helping them get the show off the ground, mentoring them, teaching them about what we've learned, the mistakes we've made so hopefully they don't make the same mistakes," he stated. This mentorship approach allows the Duffers to leverage their extensive experience while empowering new voices in the industry.
Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen: A Chilling Debut
Leading the trio of new releases is the horror series Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, scheduled to debut this March. Helmed by showrunner Haley Z. Boston, this eight-episode limited series promises to deliver on its ominous title. Boston emphasized the show's unique premise, noting that while conflict is inherent in television, this series will keep audiences guessing about the nature of the impending catastrophe.
The plot follows Camila Morrone as Rachel Harkin, who embarks on a midwinter road trip with her fiancé, Nicky Cunningham (played by Adam DiMarco), to his family's secluded vacation home. Their goal is to marry within five days, but unsettling events quickly unravel their plans.
Ensemble Cast and Eerie Atmosphere
The series features a compelling ensemble cast, including Jennifer Jason Leigh as Nicky's mother, alongside Jeff Wilbusch, Karla Crome, Gus Birney, Ted Levine, and Sawyer Fraser as various in-laws. Each episode unfolds over a single day leading up to the wedding, masterfully building tension as Rachel's paranoia escalates amidst increasingly bizarre occurrences.
Boston has drawn comparisons to classic horror films like Carrie and Rosemary's Baby, describing the series as a horror exploration of a woman transitioning into wifehood. The atmospheric storytelling aims to captivate viewers with its psychological depth and suspenseful narrative.
Expanding the Duffer Universe: Additional Projects
Beyond this flagship series, the Duffers are maintaining their connection to the Stranger Things universe with Stranger Things: Tales From '85, an animated series set between Seasons 2 and 3 of the original show. While featuring familiar characters, the series will introduce new voices portrayed by actors such as Odessa A'zion, Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips.
Rounding out their 2026 slate is The Boroughs, a sci-fi series set in a retirement community, starring acclaimed actors Bill Pullman, Geena Davis, Clarke Peters, Alfre Woodard, and Alfred Molina. This diverse lineup underscores the Duffers' commitment to exploring varied genres and storytelling formats.
As the Duffer Brothers pivot from direct creators to influential producers and mentors, their new ventures signal an exciting evolution in their careers. With Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen at the forefront, Netflix subscribers can anticipate a year filled with innovative and thrilling content from one of streaming's most successful creative duos.
