With the anticipated conclusion of Stranger Things, the creative duo known as the Duffer Brothers are shifting gears and focusing on new projects slated for Netflix. At the recent Next on Netflix event, Matt and Ross Duffer unveiled details about their upcoming shows, The Boroughs and Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, both set to premiere in 2026.
Stranger Things, which famously captivated audiences for nearly a decade, is winding down with its fifth and final season expected later this year. But the Duffer Brothers are not ready to say goodbye to the supernatural genre just yet. “Of the two projects, The Boroughs probably shares the most DNA with Stranger Things because it’s about a group of misfits who fight an otherworldly evil,” Matt Duffer explained, hinting at the familiar thematic elements fans have come to love.
Intriguingly, The Boroughs is set against the backdrop of a retirement community located in the picturesque New Mexico desert. The quirky premise posits unlikely heroes who band together to confront some ominous threat. “Only unlike Stranger Things, it’s set in a retirement community, so that's something different. This time our misfits are a little on the older side. They ride golf carts, not bikes,” Matt added, showcasing the novel twist on the classic misfit trope.
The Netflix description describes the series as featuring characters who must stave off retrogressive entities aiming to erase their precious time. This series isn't just about scares; the Duffer brothers promise it’s also “fun, scary, and touching.” Jenkins and Alfre Woodard, Alfred Molina, and Geena Davis are among the star-studded cast, with Matt expressing excitement having already viewed the first three episodes. “We’re really pumped with it! We can’t wait for you to see it,” he enthused.
On the other hand, the second series, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, takes on a different tone. Ross Duffer described it as “a chaotic, anxiety-filled week leading up to their wedding.” Delving deep, the show explores the dread tied to enduring commitments, offering viewers relatable content through the lens of horror. “Bad things do happen,” he assured, echoing the series title.
With Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, the Duffer Brothers highlight the arrival of new talent. Created by 29-year-old Haley Z. Boston, the project showcases the burgeoning talents of stars Camila Morrone and Adam DiMarco, along with director Weronika Tofilska, noted for her work on well-received projects like Baby Reindeer.
Both shows will premiere after the last hurrah of Stranger Things, which is slated for release later this year. Reportedly, the final season will likely drop around October 2025, leaving fans clamoring for the mix of nostalgia and new thrills from the Duffer Brothers. With the transition to new narratives, it’s clear there is still much to explore within their creative lens.
Overall, the Duffer Brothers may be departing from their iconic series, but their experimentation with new stories promises to retain the thrilling and mystical elements fans hold dear. From retirement communities to wedding jitters, expect another rollercoaster of emotions and supernatural twists when both The Boroughs and Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen make their way to screens.