In the wake of the writers’ strike resolution, Netflix is gearing up to resume production on its high-profile series, with a particular spotlight on “Wednesday,” the Addams Family spinoff. The series, which debuted in late 2022, quickly garnered a substantial fanbase and critical acclaim, positioning itself as a potential successor to the immensely popular “Stranger Things.”
A Swift Rise to Popularity
“Wednesday,” starring Jenna Ortega as the iconic Wednesday Addams, became a sensation shortly after its release, with Ortega’s self-choreographed dance even sparking a TikTok trend. This unexpected social media phenomenon played a pivotal role in expanding the show’s reach and popularity, leading to its swift renewal for a second season in early 2023. However, the subsequent actors and writers’ strike temporarily halted the series’ momentum.
Prioritizing Production Post-Strike
The resolution of the strike has allowed writers to return to their desks, and it seems scripts for “Wednesday” season 2 are high on Netflix’s priority list. Alongside “Wednesday,” “Stranger Things” season 5 is also receiving expedited attention due to the aging of its young cast and the narrative constraints this imposes. These strategic moves by Netflix hint at the platform’s intention to fast-track the production of its most successful franchises.
The Successor to the Throne
With “Stranger Things” approaching its narrative conclusion, speculation arises about which series could fill the void it will leave. “Wednesday,” with its blend of mystery and distinctive style, seems poised to become the new face of Netflix. The series has already set up multiple potential storylines and has a wealth of original material to explore, offering a rich tapestry to diversify and expand upon in future seasons.
A Lucrative Future for “Wednesday”
The decision to prioritize “Wednesday” alongside “Stranger Things” for development strongly suggests that Netflix sees the former as a lucrative successor to the latter. The similarities in genre between the two series facilitate a smooth transition for fans from one series to the other, making it a logical move for Netflix to invest heavily in both productions. With “Wednesday” still in its infancy, there is ample opportunity for the series to grow and potentially surpass the success of “Stranger Things.”
Potential to Surpass “Stranger Things”
“Stranger Things” has enjoyed a successful run, with each season building on the fanbase and reaching new heights in viewership. However, “Wednesday” has already shown signs of potentially outperforming “Stranger Things,” with its first season breaking the 1 billion mark in viewers and trailing only behind “Stranger Things” season 4 and “Squid Game” in terms of popularity. The continuation and expansion of “Wednesday’s” narrative in the upcoming seasons provide it with a significant advantage and the potential to become even bigger than “Stranger Things.”
Netflix’s strategic prioritization of “Wednesday” for development post-strike highlights the series’ potential to become the platform’s new flagship franchise. The series’ swift rise to popularity, coupled with its untapped narrative potential, positions it as a worthy successor to “Stranger Things.” As Netflix continues to invest in and expand the “Wednesday” universe, the series stands on the brink of possibly eclipsing the monumental success of its predecessor, marking a new era for the streaming giant.
