If Wednesday has captivated you with its dark humor, unforgettable characters, and gothic mysteries, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there’s an exciting world of similar shows waiting to expand your horizons. From eerie tales of vampires and ghosts to offbeat stories about misfits navigating extraordinary challenges, these series either share Wednesday‘s themes, atmosphere, or both.
So, whether you’re drawn to moody and eerie atmospheres or well-written characters that don’t quite fit in, these are the series you may want to watch next. From What We Do in the Shadows to Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, here’s a curated list of series that will likely satisfy your craving for the unusual and the macabre.
8
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2019 – 2024)
This brilliantly crafted comedy-horror throws wit, warmth, and supernatural silliness into the mix with wonderful results. At the center of this mockumentary-style series are four centuries-old vampire roommates — Nandor the Relentless (Kavyan Novak), Laszlo (Matt Berry), Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), and Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch) — cohabiting in Staten Island. Their day-to-day includes managing ancient rivalries within the vampire community, navigating social blunders among humans, and contending with their human familiar, Guillermo (Harvey Guillén).
Those captivated by Wednesday‘s dark humor and the way it finds laughter in the macabre are probably going to love What We Do in the Shadows. Whether it’s the vampires, the curses, or the ancient lore, this award-winning comedy series is a rich viewing experience. Add its captivating and eccentric personalities, sharp writing, and absurdity to its oddly moving moments, and it’s not surprising that the innovative, genre-blending Jemaine Clement series has captured the hearts of many.
7
‘Stranger Things’ (2016 – Present)
Sure, Stranger Things is quite different from Wednesday in tone and style. While Stranger Things leans heavily into ’80s nostalgia blended with supernatural horror, Wednesday focuses more on dark comedy and gothic mystery. Despite these differences, both shows share a fascination with the supernatural and feature young protagonists navigating unusual — and often dangerous — worlds. The Netflix hit has rapidly become one of the most beloved shows on all streaming platforms, drawing audiences of all ages. Sound familiar?
Beyond their blend of supernatural intrigue and eerie settings, both series explore themes of identity, belonging, and the challenges of adolescence, with a tight-knit group of distinctive and quirky characters that audiences can’t help but root for. Paired with strong performances and great writing, it’s not surprising that the series has had a massive cultural impact so far, with a highly anticipated last season premiering soon.
6
‘Lockwood & Co.’ (2023)
While short-lived, Lockwood & Co. left a lasting impression by combining sharp, atmospheric storytelling with a fresh take on ghost hunting. Adapted from Jonathan Stroud‘s popular young adult books and developed by Joe Cornish for Netflix, the series transports audiences to a world plagued by lethal spirits, where ghost-hunting agencies — including London’s only one run without adult supervision — operate under government regulation.
Much like Wednesday, Lockwood & Co. immerses audiences in a world where the supernatural and eerie mysteries abound​​​​. But the series doesn’t just rely on its atmosphere or thrilling plotlines. Much like Wednesday, it delves into the characters’ struggles, relationships, and growth. Whether it’s the sharp wit and resilience of the teenage leads, moody atmospheres, or intricate mysteries, both shows keep audiences invested by mixing suspense with stories that bring the characters to life.
5
‘The Umbrella Academy’ (2019 – 2024)
Based on the comic book series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá, The Umbrella Academy is a deliciously dark and quirky blend of the superhero genre, dysfunctional family drama, and time-bending mystery that keeps you guessing. The story revolves around a dysfunctional family of adopted siblings (a cast of talented actors, including Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, and Aidan Gallagher) with extraordinary abilities. Raised by an eccentric billionaire, they are forced to reunite after years apart to confront personal conflicts and impending global threats.
Wednesday‘s misfit characters are a big part of the show’s charm, and The Umbrella Academy taps into that same appeal, anchored by a group of unique and flawed individuals whose complicated relationships and struggles drive the story as much as the action and mystery. Beyond emphasizing deep character development, though, the series also features the supernatural and darkly comic tone that makes Wednesday so beloved.
4
‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997 – 2003)
Supported by a strong and captivating female lead, Buffy the Vampire Slayer broke new ground by blending supernatural drama with sharp humor and an engaging, sometimes even emotional narrative. Sarah Michelle Gellar stars as the strong-willed and capable Buffy, who juggles the challenges of typical teenage life with her destiny to fight supernatural evil.
Although they’re very different, Buffy and Wednesday share a lot beneath the surface, including a quest to find their place in a world that often feels against them while facing supernatural chaos and personal challenges. In addition to exploring coming-of-age through a supernatural lens, though, the groundbreaking Buffy the Vampire Slayer mirrors Wednesday‘s supernatural and gothic themes. Vampires? Yep. Demons? You bet. Dark magic? Definitely. And that moody and brooding atmosphere? There in spades.
3
‘Locke & Key’ (2020 – 2022)
Weaving a tapestry of magic, secrets, and dark supernatural elements, this captivating supernatural fantasy series, adapted from the acclaimed comic book series by Joe Hill and Gabriel RodrÃguez, follows the Locke family as they move into their ancestral home after the mysterious murder of their father. They soon discover that the house contains the magical keys that grant various powers and secrets. In return, though, these keys also attract dangerous and dark forces.
It’s not surprising that many Wednesday enthusiasts feel a pull to watch this imaginative supernatural drama, especially when it explores family ties and magical mysteries in a way that mirrors the show. Add that to its high production values, with atmospheric set design and atmosphere that enhance its eerie setting and its original concept, and Locke & Key is easily one of the most fitting watches for fans of the series.
2
‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ (2017 – 2019)
A darkly whimsical and visually absorbing American black comedy drama based on the beloved book series by Lemony Snicket (pen name of Daniel Handler), this fantasy series, available to watch on Netflix, chronicles the perilous adventures of the Baudelaire orphans as they navigate a dangerous, mysterious world and grapple the schemes of Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris).
A Series of Unfortunate Events perfectly mirrors the Tim Burton series in its playful sense of doom, quirky characters, and mysterious storytelling. As such, it’s pretty safe to say that it is one of the closest matches in tone and style for those into the series’ mood. With its faithful take on the books, clever writing, and gorgeous production design, the 2017 Netflix series is a beautifully crafted project that feels like a natural companion to Wednesday.
1
‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ (2018 – 2020)
Perhaps the closest addition to the list when it comes to series that capture the same vibe is Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, a character-driven supernatural drama with the same mix of magic, darkness, and character study. At its center is Kiernan Shipka‘s lovable Sabrina Spellman, a half-witch, half-mortal teenager balancing her mortal high school life with her initiation into the mystical Church of Night.
Fans of Wednesday‘s mystery and dark humor will likely appreciate how Sabrina explores similar themes, anchored by a powerful young woman navigating complicated family dynamics, grappling with identity, and facing supernatural threats that constantly put her to the test. Honestly, it’s pretty easy to imagine a reality where these two universes collide and Wednesday and Sabrina cross paths — that’s how similar the shows are in both tone and characterization. With its rich mythology, moody atmosphere, and perfect balance of darkness and heart, the series stands out as a must-see for anyone drawn to the same eerie storytelling that makes Burton’s show so compelling.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
- Release Date
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2018 – 2020-00-00
- Showrunner
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Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
- Directors
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Rob Seidenglanz, Alex Pillai, Kevin Rodney Sullivan
