Why Netflix's Best Monster Series Since Stranger Things Is Making Streaming History

Published Oct 15, 2026, 12:30 PM EDT

Mary Kassel is a Senior Writer & Critic who joined the Screen Rant team in 2023. 

After graduating from Emerson College with a degree in Media Arts Production, Kassel started at Screen Rant with a focus on the critical analysis side of movies and television while continuing to work on set in film production. 

At Screen Rant, Kassel primarily writes for the Classic TV section, mining their encyclopedic knowledge of television history for content. However, they also contribute to the Books team and review both film and television as a critic. 

Stranger Things is one of the defining TV shows of the streaming era. Known for its 1980s aesthetics, fantastic monsters, and beloved ensemble cast, Stranger Things changed the way audiences view Netflix original series, and the streamer has been capitalizing on this success ever since. Monster horror TV shows are right at home on Netflix, and the service keeps proving that it knows how to pick the speculative fiction projects that will dominate the streaming landscape.

The Stranger Things spinoffs have kept audiences hooked on the franchise, but there are some exciting new additions to the monster horror genre coming out every day, and many of them are on Netflix. The monsters, action, and nostalgic feel of Stranger Things set the series apart compared to other horror series of its era. In the wake of Stranger Things' continued success, new writers and showrunners are putting their spin on these tropes and pushing boundaries while doing so.

Below is the latest TV series following in Stranger Things' footsteps, while carving out its own niche on the streaming service. Starring Josh Hartnett, Mackenzie Davis, and Charlie Heaton, Below follows the characters as they navigate mysterious and horrifying events in their small fishing town in Newfoundland. Created by Jesse McKeown, Below is having a moment on Netflix. Viewers who haven't watched it yet should dive in to find out what the fuss is about.

Below Is Making Monster-Sized Waves On Netflix

Much like the terrifying sea creature at the center of Below's mystery, the TV show is making quite the splash on Netflix. Below is setting Netflix viewership records, reaching number one on the Top 10 most-watched English-language series list the week of October 5th (via Screen Rant). This would be significant for any new show, but it's especially exciting for Below as a Canadian project that's outperforming American series in the English-language market.

With a current critic score of 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, Below isn't just successful in terms of viewership. It's rising to prominence thanks to critical acclaim, which could be a good sign for the future of the show. Premiering at the perfect time, close in proximity to Halloween and as the weather changes, curling up to binge all six episodes of Below is the perfect way to spend an evening this fall. Below was only just released on Netflix, so the series has plenty more time to cement itself as a breakout hit of 2026.

Below Is More Than Just A Stranger Things Clone (Despite The Parallels)

Credit: Jan Thijs/Netflix

There are many obvious parallels to draw between Below and Stranger Things. Both premiered on Netflix to near-instant success, both revolve around the investigation of a monster, and both feature Heaton in a lead performance. However, these similarities don't mean that Below is simply copying Stranger Things to find an audience. The series is a distinct piece of fiction that has its own voice and atmosphere. This is what audiences are responding to.

The Below ending proves that the show is distinct within its genre, paving the way for a possible season 2, though there's no confirmation of this yet. Below's success demonstrates that there's an audience hungry for more episodes, and this wouldn't be the case if Below were merely a Stranger Things rip-off. Below will likely continue to top the charts on Netflix, using the familiar setting of a small community disrupted by shock and horror to explore some of our deepest questions about humanity.