With Stranger Things and Marvel’s The Punisher in the rear-view mirror, knowing what to watch next in the streaming world is a difficult task. There is so much content available that it can be overwhelming. Thankfully, Netflix has a new show dropping on December 1 that is worth checking out.

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The Sci-Fi Writer You Didn't Know Wrote Everything: Philip K. Dick 21 IMAGES

Dark is the streaming giant’s first original series made in Germany (with English subtitles). The 10-episode supernatural thriller is centered around a small German town and follows four unique families who have more in common than they realize. In the vein of Stranger Things and Twin Peaks, mysteries abound in this seemingly peaceful town where nothing is supposed to go wrong.Dark takes its cues from shows that have been pop culture successes in recent years. The Stranger Things comparison is relevant, due to the use of 80’s music, kids riding bikes, and a government conspiracy lurking at the edge of town. Instead of the Hawkins Laboratory from Stranger Things, there’s a large nuclear power plant looming in the distance. The power plant is hiding something from the town’s residents. When two children go missing near the plant, the officials at the nuclear facility are reluctant to help.Exploring what it’s like for young people going through traumatic events is another similarity Dark shares with Stranger Things. While there is no Upside Down or Demogorgons, the struggles that these young people have to endure are just as challenging.Jonas Kahnwald (Louis Hofmann) is dealing with the death of a close family member in the beginning of the first episode. Like the young actors in Stranger Things, Hofmann is a capable performer. His relationship with his distant mother (Hannah) is an engaging story. Dark keeps its tale personal, even while dealing with the crazy supernatural elements of the show.At times, Dark surpasses Stranger Things on a technical level. While the people of Hawkins are fascinating to watch, the town itself doesn’t feel like a character of its own. Other shows like Twin Peaks and BBC’s Broadchurch are able to create an environment that is otherworldly.Much of this has to do with the stellar cinematography used in Dark. Winden feels alive with mystery and fantasy. The foreboding imagery of the power plant with its cooling towers spewing out steam is haunting. It’s one of the best looking shows I’ve seen since True Detective Season 1. Winden feels cut-off from the rest of the world, like the people who live there are trapped, which adds to the show’s palpable tension.Dark is also a more mature version of Stranger Things, featuring a great deal of swearing, nudity, and gore. Thankfully, none of the “R-Rated” material feels excessive. Dark lives up to its name in terms of its narrative.The concept of time is another interesting premise that Dark explores. The writers focus on time as being circular. The slogan used in Dark's marketing is all about “when” something happens instead of the who, what, and where. For fans of shows like DC's Legends of Tomorrow and Doctor Who -- Dark will scratch all of those itches as well.It’s great that Netflix is developing shows outside of the United States. There are talented showrunners all around the world and it’s exciting to see what they have to offer. Dark is a delightful bit of supernatural fun that’s worth the ten hours it will take to finish when it releases on December 1st.

David Griffin still watches DuckTales in his pajamas with a cereal bowl in hand. He's also the TV Editor for IGN. Say hi on Twitter