For friends who enjoy "The Mandalorian" and "Stranger Things," I'd definitely recommend checking out "Cowboy Bebop." It has a great mix of action, adventure, and some really memorable characters, plus a fantastic soundtrack. Another one to consider is "Death Note" - it's got that suspenseful storytelling that keeps you on the edge of your seat, similar to the intrigue in "Stranger Things." Both series are pretty accessible for newcomers and don't feel overwhelming in terms of episode count.
What do you think about those options? Have they seen anything with sci-fi or thriller elements before?