Netflix april slate: 'stranger things' animated return & global series surge
April is shaping up to be a heavy-hitting month for Netflix subscribers, with a diverse range of series and films set to land on the platform. Forget the quiet spring doldrums – the streaming giant is deploying a global strategy, bringing everything from Japanese legal dramas to Korean thrillers to compete for your attention.
'Stranger things' gets a retro twist
The biggest draw, undoubtedly, is the return of the Stranger Things universe. On April 23rd, Netflix will unleash Stranger Things: Stories From 85, an animated anthology series. Set between seasons two and three, these stories offer a nostalgic dive into the childhoods of our beloved characters, a welcome departure from the more complex narratives of later seasons. While don't expect this to fundamentally alter the established Stranger Things canon, the animated format promises a fresh, potentially captivating, spin on the familiar world. Fans, predictably, are already clamoring for a glimpse.
Beyond hawkins: global series to watch
But Netflix’s ambition extends far beyond the Upside Down. On April 2nd, the highly anticipated second season of the Korean thriller Clanes finally arrives – a series that’s garnered a devoted following since its 2024 debut. Just days later, on April 17th, Alpha Males, a Korean comedy challenging traditional notions of masculinity, will continue its rapid-fire rollout. The platform is also showcasing a surge of Asian content, with the premiere of Kujo’s Crimes, a Japanese legal drama on April 2nd. This adaptation of the manga follows a lawyer tackling the most controversial cases involving yakuza members, promising a gripping exploration of Japanese society. Accompanying that is Bad Guys: The Series, the animated continuation of the popular film franchise, also premiering April 2nd.
Beyond the headliners: a full month of content
While the aforementioned series command attention, Netflix’s April lineup is packed with other notable releases. Expect a steady stream of options, including The Spectrum Men (April 1st), Bees and Honey (April 2nd), and a slew of international titles such as Alkhallat+: The Series, The Divine Agent, and Hunting Grounds, all debuting on April 2nd. Drama, comedy, and reality television are all represented, catering to a wide range of tastes.
Film frenzy & special events
The film side of things is equally robust, headlined by Storm Tide, a shark-attack thriller set in a flooded town, arriving on April 10th. Other notable film releases include The Last Colossus and Come, Pray, Bark. Beyond the scripted content, Netflix is also bolstering its offerings with stand-up specials like Sarah Millican: Late Bloomer and Sheng Wang: Purple, alongside live sporting events likeTyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov.