Netflix Loses 'Stranger Things' Creators to Paramount Deal

Netflix may lose the creative team behind "Stranger Things" as Matt and Ross Duffer, the show's creators, are reportedly leaving for Paramount. The Duffers' ambition has grown with each season, and they want to make big-budget movies, an area where Netflix has struggled due to its relationship with the theatrical business. The brothers' absence won't be immediately noticeable, but they have two new shows scheduled to launch in 2026.

Netflix may be losing the creative team behind its hit series "Stranger Things" as Matt and Ross Duffer, the show's creators, are reportedly leaving for Paramount. The Duffer brothers have grown ambitious with each season and are seeking to produce big-budget movies, an area where Netflix has struggled due to its complex relationship with the theatrical business. The brothers' departure won't be immediately noticeable, as they have two new shows scheduled to launch in 2026.

The Duffer brothers, known for their work on "Stranger Things," have been in talks with Paramount for an overall deal. The deal would include both streaming and feature films with a significant theatrical component, something the brothers have not been able to secure at Netflix. This move marks the first major acquisition for Cindy Holland, Paramount's Chair of Direct-to-Consumer, who previously championed "Stranger Things" at Netflix [1].

The high-profile talent poaching would reunite the Duffer brothers with executives who were key to Netflix's initial investment in their 1980s supernatural drama. The brothers have expressed gratitude towards those executives, noting that they "forever changed our lives" [1].

Paramount's acquisition of the Duffer brothers comes as "Stranger Things" is nearing its end with the upcoming fifth season on Netflix. The brothers have been working on various extensions of the series, including an animated series and a live-action spinoff, which would be carved out of their Paramount deal. "Stranger Things" has become a merchandising juggernaut, with successful runs both in the West End and on Broadway [1].

The Duffer brothers are known for their ability to blend spectacle with intimate character work, a formula that has proven successful with "Stranger Things." Their new deal with Paramount suggests that they are seeking to expand this formula into the feature film realm. This move is a significant win for Paramount, which has been making waves with splashy deals following its merger with Skydance [1].

The Duffer brothers' departure from Netflix is a notable shift in the streaming landscape, as the brothers have been instrumental in the platform's growth. However, their new deal with Paramount is a sign of the evolving dynamics in the entertainment industry, where traditional film studios are once again vying for top talent. The brothers' move to Paramount is expected to have a significant impact on the streaming wars, as the studio continues to make bold moves to compete with the likes of Netflix and Disney+ [1].

References:
[1] https://deadline.com/2025/08/duffer-brothers-deal-paramount-skydance-1236486227/
[2] https://www.facebook.com/groups/166563453973502/posts/1802934717003026/