If you loved the thrilling and heartwarming series Stranger Things, you should definitely check out Home Before Dark. Throughout its five seasons, Stranger Things captivated us with Eleven’s (Millie Bobby Brown) arrival in Hawkins, her discovery of friendship, memorable moments like the Starcourt Mall scenes, her growing powers, and a final, controversial decision that fans are still discussing. (Though, admittedly, the very last episode left some viewers feeling less than thrilled.)
Apple TV+’s Home Before Dark first appeared on April 3, 2020, and while it didn’t gain as much attention as later hits like the spy thriller Slow Horses, the comedy Shrinking, or sci-fi series Pluribus and Severance, it remains a compelling show. With Stranger Things finished and no immediate release date for its animated spin-off, Tales from ’85, Home Before Dark offers a great option for viewers looking for something to watch now.
Why ‘Home Before Dark Is Perfect for ‘Stranger Things’ Fans
Apple TV
The movie Home Before Dark follows Hilde Lisko, a bright and inquisitive girl, as she moves with her family to her father’s hometown of Eerie Harbor, Washington. Once there, she starts investigating an unsolved mystery. With its small-town atmosphere, focus on a close-knit group of kids, and a smart main character, the film shares similarities with the popular series Stranger Things.
Although both shows have similarities, Home Before Dark stands on its own. What makes it different from Stranger Things? It’s a compelling thriller that focuses on real-life events, without any science fiction or supernatural elements. As co-creator Dana Fox explained to IndieWire:
I’m really drawn to the nostalgic vibe of the 80s. However, I specifically didn’t want to include traditional monsters in the show. I wanted the mysteries within the house itself to be the source of the fear and suspense.
Hilde, the character, is based on a real person, Hilde Kate Lysiak, who started her own newspaper, the Orange Street News, at just nine years old. As reported by Forbes, young Hilde didn’t just write small stories – she even investigated a murder! Both the fictional and real Hilde are incredibly impressive. The series highlights that a show doesn’t need monsters or fantastical adventures to be captivating; a compelling story is enough. That said, Hilde and Eleven would make an amazing detective duo!
With just two 10-episode seasons available on Apple TV, you can easily finish watching all of Home Before Dark in a week – or spread it out over two weekends. You’ll likely be eager to see what happens next with Hilde’s charming and clever adventures!
‘Home Before Dark’ Season 3 Didn’t Happen, But It’s Still a Satisfying Ending
Apple TV
Although Apple TV didn’t officially cancel Home Before Dark, a third season never happened, which was disappointing given the show’s charming lead and intriguing mysteries. The series was renewed for a second season by Apple TV in January 2020, as reported by Variety, before even premiering in April 2020. However, after the Season 2 finale aired in August 2021, the show ended.
Even though the season two finale of the Apple TV series wasn’t originally intended as the show’s end, it’s actually a very satisfying conclusion. Despite leaving things open for a potential future, the finale manages to be complete and provides answers, while also hinting at a new case for the main character, Hilde.
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It’s worth thinking about how the ending of Home Before Dark compares to the finale of Stranger Things Season 5. After waiting over three years for the new season, could Stranger Things have truly satisfied every fan? Does knowing a show is ending give it a better chance of success, or is a surprise ending more effective because viewers aren’t anticipating it so much? With long gaps between seasons becoming common for streaming shows, this is a question we’ll likely face more and more often. (Not every show can be like Paradise or The Pitt, returning after just one year… but it’s nice to imagine!)
Okay, so the finale doesn’t give us a neat little bow tied on everything, and we don’t see where Hilde’s investigations ultimately lead. But honestly? It still packs an emotional punch. I genuinely grew to care about Hilde and the whole cast of characters in Home Before Dark, and I’m going to miss them. A part of me is even holding out hope – is a Stranger Things/Home Before Dark team-up really that far-fetched? Just saying!
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2026-03-02 01:20