Netflix's april slate: 'stranger things' animated return & global gems

April is shaping up to be a powerhouse month for Netflix subscribers, with a diverse roster of series and films poised to dominate viewing habits. From the highly anticipated return of a beloved franchise to compelling international dramas, the streamer is clearly aiming to keep audiences hooked.

'Stranger things' gets a spin-off: animated 'tales of the 80s'

Forget the Demogorgons and the Upside Down for a moment. Netflix is dipping back into the Stranger Things universe with Stranger Things: Tales of the 80s, a four-part animated series premiering April 23rd. Set in 1985, between seasons two and three, the series revisits the familiar world with a nostalgic, coming-of-age story. While it's unlikely to significantly alter the established canon, the shift to animation and a focus on childhood experiences offers a fresh, potentially charming, perspective on Hawkins, Indiana.

International intrigue: 'clanes' season 2 & more

Beyond the Stranger Things spin-off, Netflix is leaning heavily into international content. Fans of the Spanish thriller Clanes will rejoice at the arrival of season two on April 3rd, a continuation of the story that’s kept viewers on the edge of their seats since 2024. And for those seeking something completely different, keep an eye on Kujo's Sins, a Japanese legal drama debuting April 2nd. This adaptation of the manga follows an attorney tackling the most sensitive and controversial cases in Japan, including those involving the notorious yakuza. Adding to the global flavor is Bad Guys: The Series, a continuation of the popular film franchise, also launching April 2nd.

Beyond the headliners: a flood of new content

The April lineup isn't just about the big names. A veritable torrent of new series and films will be hitting the platform throughout the month. Here's a quick rundown: Spectrum, Love on the Autistic Spectrum (April 1), Bees and Honey (April 2), Divine Agent (April 2), Breaking Ice (April 2), Hunting Grounds (April 3), Deep Sea (April 3), The Court's Corridors (April 3), Trust Me: The False Prophet (April 8), Bandi (April 9), Epic Fails (April 9), Rabo de Peixe (April 10), In the In-Laws' House (April 12), Hoodlums (April 14), Fake Profile (April 15), Heal, Cook, Love (April 15), Million Dollar Secret (April 15), The Law of Lidia Poët (April 15), Dandelion (April 16), Ronaldinho (April 16), Bronca (April 16), CoComelon Lane (April 20), Funny AF with Kevin Hart (April 20), The Unchosen Ones (April 21), Let's Talk About Gardens (April 22), Santita (April 22), A New Play (April 23), The Teacher (April 23), If Wishes Were Kills (April 24), Fire of Vengeance (April 30).

Beyond series: film & live events

The film offerings are equally robust, with Rampage leading the charge on April 10th. This thriller plunges viewers into a flooded town where residents must fight for survival against a terrifying shark attack. Other notable films include The Last Giant (April 1), A Town Coming Back (April 1), Eat, Pray, Bark (April 1), The Truth Behind the Moriah Wilson Tragedy (April 3), Words Are Superfluous (April 3), Secrets of Sports: King's Gambit (April 7), 18 Roses (April 9), Secrets of Sports: The Portland Jail Blazers Scandal (April 10), The Toaster (April 14), Roommates (April 15), A Gorilla Story Told By David Attenborough (April 17), 180 (April 17), Secrets of Sports: The Hawthorne Hill Shooting (April 21), Apex Predator (April 24), and Je m’appelle Agneta (April 29). Rounding out the month are several live events and specials, including Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11th and Lainey Wilson’s El Country Sigue Sonando on April 22nd.

With this eclectic mix of series, films, and live events, Netflix is clearly betting big on April, offering something for every viewer’s taste. The streamer’s deep pockets and global reach ensure a steady stream of compelling content – and this month's lineup is a testament to that commitment.