Netflix Announces 1950s “Stranger Things” Prequel for 2028

A new chapter before Hawkins

November 6, 2026 · 9:00 a.m. Central / 10:00 a.m. Eastern

The world of “Stranger Things” is going back to the 1950s. Netflix announced Friday that a new live-action prequel, “Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure,” is coming in 2028.

The series will unfold decades before the original show and before the events of the stage play “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” Netflix said. An announcement trailer places the story in Marion, Nevada, in April 1955, according to Bloody Disgusting.

Netflix announced the project on Stranger Things Day, November 6, the fictional date in 1983 when Will Byers disappears in the original series.

Who is making it

“Stranger Things” creators Matt and Ross Duffer co-created the new series with Kate Trefry, who will serve as writer and showrunner. Trefry also wrote “The First Shadow,” Netflix said.

Joe Wright, whose credits include “Atonement” and “Darkest Hour,” will direct the first three episodes. Production is planned in New Mexico, though the story is set in Nevada. Deadline reported that the Duffer brothers will executive produce rather than serve as day-to-day showrunners.

The creators said the show will introduce a new setting and new characters. Netflix has announced a 2028 release window but has not given a specific premiere date or released a cast list in its announcement.

Where it fits

The original “Stranger Things” began in 2016 and centered on the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. The franchise has since expanded to the stage and to the animated series “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85.”

“Other Worlds” is a prequel, but Netflix has not disclosed enough plot details to explain how its story will connect to every event in the original. The new setting and date come from the promotional announcement, not a historical event.

The franchise timeline

Story dates and release dates refer to different timelines.

1955 The new prequel is set, according to the announcement trailer.
1959 “The First Shadow” explores Henry Creel’s earlier years in Hawkins, Netflix says.
2016 The original television series debuted.
2028 Netflix plans to release “Other Worlds.”