Apple TV+ has added its own version of Stranger Things

Stephen Porzio

As you wait for Stranger Things S5 to drop, you could do worse than check out Apple TV+’s new supernatural mystery thriller.

Last week, we got an update from Netflix about Stranger Things’ upcoming fifth and final season, with the streamer confirming that it will premiere sometime in 2025.

That means obviously there is still a little time to wait. But if you’re looking for something to scratch that particular Stranger Things itch, you could do worse than Apple TV+’s new supernatural mystery thriller Before.

The show stars an against type Billy Crystal as Eli, a recently widowed child psychologist plagued by a variety of odd phenomena.

These intensify as the psychologist takes on the case of a troubled young boy, Noah (Jacobi Jupe), who seems to have a haunting connection to Eli’s past.

“As Eli attempts to help Noah, their mysterious bond deepens,” the plot synopsis reads.

Co-starring Judith Light (Poker Face), Maria Dizzia (Orange is the New Black) and Rosie Perez (The Flight Attendant), Before shares some broad similarities with Stranger Things.

Mainly, both revolve around grieving, sarcastic adults who unexpectedly find themselves caring for mostly silent children possessing strange supernatural abilities.

Also, both men seek to uncover the mystery of where their new wards came from.

Before has earned mixed reviews for the most part from critics and it’s fair to say that the Apple TV+ show lacks the incredible style, lovable supporting characters and propulsive storytelling of Stranger Things.

That said, based on its first four episodes, it does boast some compelling mysteries, as well as a strong central performance from Crystal (even amidst the sometimes oppressively sombre tone of the show, his comedic chops shine through).

Plus, each episode is only around 30 minutes long, meaning the series never hugely lags.