Netflix Countdown: 'Stranger Things' Returns With Fresh Horrors in 3 Weeks!

Netflix has experienced a highly successful year with new and ongoing projects, including the hit sci-fi movie War Machine, starring Alan Ritchson. The film garnered over 135 million views during its optimal viewing window, securing its place among the streamer’s top 10 most-watched titles ever. Following this success, Netflix has confirmed that a sequel to War Machine is in the early stages of development.

The streaming giant also continued its success with its iconic franchise, Stranger Things. The fifth and final season of the original series began streaming late last year, extending into New Year’s Day, with the series finale even screened in select theaters for fans. Netflix quickly expanded the franchise with its first spin-off, Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85, which released all episodes for binge-watching earlier this year. The show was renewed for a second season shortly after its premiere, with new episodes officially set to stream next month on September 17.

However, not all ventures proved successful. Netflix attempted to replicate sci-fi success with the TV show The Boroughs, but the series was deemed too costly to continue beyond its first season, leading to its cancellation even while it was a top 10 title. This was particularly disappointing as it was positioned as the next Stranger Things, notably due to its production by Matt and Ross Duffer, the acclaimed creators of the original Stranger Things series.

Looking to the future of the Stranger Things universe, Netflix has not yet announced a direct sequel series to the original show, which concluded less than a year ago. However, the streamer clearly has broader plans, with one announced spin-off focusing on the rock discovered by a young Henry Creel, which granted him his powers; this project is still in early development. Meanwhile, Stranger Things star Sadie Sink has moved on to a successful career, featuring in Spider-Man: Brand New Day and headlining Marvel’s new X-Men movie.

Beyond show productions, Collider also offered an engaging 'Which Sci-Fi Hero Are You Most Like?' personality quiz. The quiz features five iconic heroes: Paul Atreides, Captain Kirk, Princess Leia, Ellen Ripley, and Max Rockatansky. It aims to identify which hero shares a user's instincts, values, and approach to facing an impossible universe through eight questions covering aspects like leadership, strength, motivation, relating to people, facing threats, personal cost of heroism, feelings about rules, and ultimate purpose.

The quiz results provide insightful profiles for each hero. If your answers point to Paul Atreides (Dune), you likely carry a significant weight, possess foresight, and are driven by loyalty and a sense of destiny, understanding the cost of power. Your willingness to bear what others won't defines you.

If you align with Captain Kirk (Star Trek), you lead with instinct, warmth, and an unwavering belief in finding a third option in no-win scenarios. Your ability to read people, bend rules purposefully, and earn loyalty through audacity and optimism are your hallmarks.

For those matching Princess Leia (Star Wars), you are defined by an unbreakable conviction, holding the line when others falter. You gave up an ordinary life for a cause and embody the moral center of any rebellion with your fierce, principled core.

Ellen Ripley (Alien) indicates a refusal to stop when it matters, rather than a desire for grand heroism. You see threats clearly, document the truth, act decisively without permission, and maintain composure under extreme pressure, never flinching from the monster.

Finally, if your hero is Max Rockatansky (Mad Max), you've endured immense hardship and are underestimated. You operate independently, don't seek validation, and possess a fierce, earned loyalty. Despite losing much, you find something worth protecting, embodying a bruised, stubborn, yet deeply human core.