Shawn Levy has become one of the most influential producers and directors in television, primarily through his work with Netflix. His production company, 21 Laps Entertainment, has been behind some of the streaming giant’s biggest hits. This guide covers everything from Stranger Things to his upcoming projects.
Levy is a Montreal-born filmmaker who built his reputation directing family comedies like Night at the Museum. He eventually pivoted to more ambitious and varied material. His company, 21 Laps Entertainment, has a longstanding overall deal with Netflix. This partnership has allowed him to produce a wide range of shows across multiple genres.
The Crown Jewel: Stranger Things
Levy’s most famous television credit is the global phenomenon Stranger Things. He has served as an executive producer on every season. Levy has also directed several key episodes across all four released seasons.
His work as a director on the show has been critically acclaimed, particularly for the season 4 episode “Dear Billy”. He is also heavily involved in the show’s expansion. Levy is an executive producer on the upcoming animated spinoff, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85. Season 2 of that series premieres on Netflix in September 2026.
A Growing Television Empire
21 Laps Entertainment has produced a diverse slate of television shows for Netflix and other networks. The company’s credits include the fantasy series Shadow and Bone, based on Leigh Bardugo’s popular novels. They also produced the coming-of-age show I Am Not Okay with This and the mystery series The Perfect Couple.
Beyond fiction, Levy serves as an executive producer on the Netflix reboot of Unsolved Mysteries. This true crime series has been a consistent hit for the platform. His company also produced the holiday romance series Dash & Lily. This demonstrates the variety of content 21 Laps is willing to produce. Shawn Levy Quick Bio
All the Light We Cannot See
In 2023, Levy directed and executive produced a major limited series for Netflix. All the Light We Cannot See is an adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Anthony Doerr. The series stars Aria Mia Loberti, Mark Ruffalo, and Hugh Laurie. Levy approached the four-part limited series as a passion project.
Upcoming Television Projects
Levy continues to expand his television slate with several new projects. The most notable is an untitled high school hockey drama set in a Minnesota town. The series, starring Michelle Monaghan, tells the story of a community recovering from a devastating bus crash. Levy is serving as an executive producer on the eight-episode series. Trey Edward Shults will direct the first two episodes.
The Engine Behind the Shows
21 Laps Entertainment is the production company that powers all of Levy’s projects. He founded the company in 2006 and has grown it into a major production force. The company has been based at Netflix for nearly a decade as part of a massive overall deal.
In a move to manage their growing TV slate, 21 Laps hired Robert Atwood as its Head of Television in April 2025. Atwood previously worked at Legendary Television, where he oversaw series like Monarch and Dune: Prophecy. His hiring signals the company’s ambition to continue its prolific output.
A Legacy in the Making
Shawn Levy’s work in television spans genres from sci-fi and fantasy to drama and true crime. He has successfully transitioned from a director of family films to a powerhouse producer and creative executive. His role as a key figure at Netflix is solidified by the success of shows like Stranger Things. With a full slate of upcoming projects, Levy’s influence on television is set to continue for years to come.Frequently Asked Questions About Shawn Levy Shows
What is Shawn Levy’s most famous television show?
Shawn Levy is best known for his work as an executive producer and director on the Netflix hit series Stranger Things. He has directed 10 episodes across all five seasons and has been involved with the show since its inception, backing the Duffer Brothers’ vision from the very beginning .
Did Shawn Levy appear on screen in Stranger Things?
Yes, Levy made a cameo appearance in Season 1 of Stranger Things. In the episode titled “The Body,” he plays a morgue attendant who has a brief argument with Joyce Byers, played by Winona Ryder . This was his first of several small acting roles on the series.
What other television shows has Shawn Levy produced?
Through his production company 21 Laps Entertainment, Levy has executive produced numerous shows. Notable credits include the fantasy series Shadow and Bone for Netflix, the coming-of-age series I Am Not Okay With This, and the true crime reboot of Unsolved Mysteries . He also produced the limited series All the Light We Cannot See, which he directed in 2023 .
Is Shawn Levy working on any new television projects?
Yes, Levy has several upcoming television projects in development. He is executive producing an untitled eight-episode hockey drama for Netflix, starring Michelle Monaghan, about a town recovering after a bus crash kills its legendary coach and several players . He is also attached to executive produce an upcoming television adaptation of the Japanese role-playing game series Persona for Netflix .
What is the connection between Shawn Levy and Netflix?
Shawn Levy has a long-standing overall deal with Netflix through his production company, 21 Laps Entertainment. This partnership began with a four-year contract signed in 2017 and was extended in 2020 with a larger, nine-figure deal for both film and television projects . This deal has made him one of the streaming service’s most prolific and influential producers.
