Before: Apple TV+ Releases its Own Version of Stranger Things

As Stranger Things fans eagerly await its fifth and final season in 2025, Apple TV+ has launched a new supernatural thriller, Before, that might just be the answer to your mysterious cravings.

While it doesn’t quite match the nostalgia-fueled vibe of Stranger Things, Before offers a compelling mix of mystery, the supernatural, and emotional depth.

When and Where to Watch Before?

Available to stream on Apple TV+, the show premiered globally on October 25, 2024. With a 10-episode running limit, the first four episodes are already streaming on Apple TV+, with new episodes dropping weekly on Fridays.

How Is Before Similar to Stranger Things?

If you’re a Stranger Things fan, you’ll surely notice certain similarities in Before. Both the shows feature protagonists that are forced to uncover the unsettling truth behind their young wards, and the children’s abilities seem to hold the key to much darker forces at play, making the story go beyond what meets the eye.

However, contrasting the vibrant and action-packed world of Stranger Things, Before adopts a more somber and atmospheric tone, much to the curiosity of fans that were accustomed to the visually louder themes of its Netflix counterpart.

What Is Before About?

The plot Before revolves around Eli (Billy Crystal), a widowed child psychologist going through the grief of losing his wife.

But things take a turn for the worse when Eli takes on the case of Noah (Jacobi Jupe), a young boy who seems to be tied to Eli’s past in ways beyond his comprehension, setting the tone for the rest of the show.

As Eli puts in his efforts to unravel this strange connection between himself and Noah, the series dives deeper into a chilling, supernatural, mysterious story.

Absolutely Star-Studded Cast

One of the features of Before that make it different from Stranger Things is its incredible cast.

Billy Crystal, in a role miles away from his usual comedic style, gives a deeply emotional performance as Eli (this guy has got some serious range). Adding to the layers of the character, his transition from humor to heartache is iconic.

Sharing the screen with him are Judith Light (from Poker Face), Maria Dizzia (following her trend-setting role in Orange Is the New Black), and Rosie Perez (from The Flight Attendant), each adding depth and complexity to the story with their compelling and powerful performances.

The chemistry between the cast is unattainably awesome, and elevates the show’s supernatural-themed plotline into something even more personal and profound.

Before you watch Before:)

With a strong central mystery surrounding relatable characters, compelling performances, and a unique twist on the supernatural genre, Before is a series definitely worth watching.

If you’re looking for something to fill the Stranger Things-shaped void in your chest, Before is your next binge-worthy pick. We know it’s late, but happy Halloween!

About Before

Before is an American psychological thriller television miniseries created by Sarah Thorp, who also serves as showrunner and is the executive producer, along with Billy Crystal, Adam Bernstein, Eric Roth, Sarah Thorp, and Jet Wilkinson. It stars Billy Crystal as a child psychologist, and features Judith Light, Rosie Perez, and Jacobi Jupe.

Before premiered on October 25, 2024, on Apple TV+.

Plot: A recently widowed child psychologist meets with his next client, who seems to be connected in some fashion to his past.