Variety • 2/2/2026

Netflix is set to release an animated spinoff titled "Stranger Things: Tales From '85," which will explore new adventures involving familiar characters from Hawkins, Indiana. The series is created by showrunner Eric Robles and is scheduled to premiere on April 23, 2024. The announcement was accompanied by a trailer that hints at lingering threats following the events of Season 2, where Eleven appeared to close the gate to the Upside Down, suggesting that "something survived" from that encounter (Deadline). The animated series is set during the winter between Seasons 2 and 3 of the original "Stranger Things" show. It aims to delve deeper into the lore of the series while appealing to both long-time fans and new viewers. The trailer reveals that some dangers from the Upside Down continue to persist in the heroes' world, indicating that unresolved threats will be a central theme (Engadget). The animated format allows for creative storytelling, which is expected to resonate with audiences who appreciate the nostalgic references and supernatural themes characteristic of the franchise (Deadline). The return of beloved characters in animated form is a notable aspect of this spinoff, and the series is positioned to expand the "Stranger Things" universe. The creators are tapping into a cultural zeitgeist that celebrates retro aesthetics and narratives, which is likely to engage a generation that grew up in the mid-1980s (Hollywood Reporter). The exploration of unresolved conflicts and character development is also a significant trend in contemporary media, ensuring that the series maintains audience engagement (Deadline).
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