Unlocking the Potential: How Wednesday Can Surpass Stranger Things on Netflix
Can Wednesday surpass the success of Stranger Things? Exploring the need for higher stakes and a gripping storyline to make it the next binge-worthy sensation
Summary
Wednesday has the potential to become Netflix's next big hit like Stranger Things, but it needs to introduce larger, overarching storylines.
Wednesday's initial season was a self-contained murder mystery. However, in order to captivate and retain viewers, it requires an ongoing plotline. To achieve the same level of triumph as Stranger Things, Wednesday must introduce more intense conflicts and a more expansive storyline or enigma that unifies every element. Merely relying on a weekly adventure approach will not suffice.
Wednesday is poised to become Netflix's next phenomenon, following in the footsteps of Stranger Things. However, in order to truly take the place of the flagship show, the Addams Family spin-off needs to make a crucial change. Starring Jenna Ortega as the lead character, Wednesday focuses on the coming-of-age journey of Gomez and Morticia Addams' psychic teenage daughter, who attends the Nevermore Academy alongside other supernaturally gifted students. The show's first season quickly became one of Netflix's biggest hits, making a season 2 renewal an obvious decision.
As Stranger Things approaches its fifth and final season, Netflix requires a new genre show that can captivate a global audience and fill the void left by the beloved series. Wednesday is currently Netflix's strongest contender to claim the throne as the streaming platform's flagship show, offering a young and talented cast, an enchanting premise, and a sense of mystery surrounding its characters. However, in order for Wednesday to reach the same level of success as Stranger Things, an issue from its first season must be resolved in the anticipated second season.
Wednesday Needs Bigger Stakes To Be The New Stranger Things
To replace Stranger Things as Netflix's biggest show, Wednesday needs more high-stakes conflicts that provoke discussions amongst viewers. Stranger Things gained popularity due to its introduction of significant mysteries such as the Upside Down and the involvement of an underground lab. Although Will's disappearance was resolved by the end of season 1, there was still much more to explore in the Upside Down, with formidable monsters still roaming.
By introducing numerous enigmatic elements in season 1, Stranger Things gradually unraveled these mysteries over multiple seasons, contributing to its ongoing success. On the other hand, Wednesday season 1 didn't leave many plot threads unresolved. The season focused on Wednesday's pursuit of identifying and defeating the "Hyde" tormenting the campus. However, with the revelation of the Hyde's identity and its definitive defeat in the finale, season 2 lacks a continuation of that storyline. Currently, Wednesday lacks an overarching grand narrative or mystery that ties everything together.
Why Wednesday Needs More Than A Murder Mystery Plot
Moving forward, Wednesday should consider incorporating larger, overarching storylines in its upcoming seasons. While Season 1 successfully captivated audiences with a standalone murder mystery infused with paranormal elements, such limited storytelling may not sustain long-term success. To truly rival renowned shows like Stranger Things, Wednesday must introduce a continuous narrative that keeps viewers engaged. By relying solely on weekly adventures, the series may eventually reach its limits in terms of viewer interest.
