Introduction
Netflix has officially confirmed a new Stranger Things spin‑off, expanding the beloved universe beyond its upcoming final season. The most newsworthy development today is the announcement of Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, an animated series set between Seasons 2 and 3. This article outlines what we know so far, why it matters, and what fans should be watching next.
What’s Happening Now
Netflix has revealed Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, an animated spin‑off set in the winter of 1985, bridging the gap between the second and third seasons of the original series. The show features the familiar Hawkins kids—Eleven, Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, and Max—as they confront new monsters from the Upside Down and unravel a paranormal mystery in their town .
The series is produced by the original creators Matt and Ross Duffer, alongside Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen, Hilary Leavitt, and showrunner Eric Robles. Flying Bark Productions handles the animation . It is scheduled to premiere on April 23, 2026 .
Why It Matters Now
This spin‑off arrives as the main Stranger Things series approaches its conclusion with Season 5, which is set to premiere in late 2025 . The announcement of Tales from ’85 signals Netflix’s intent to keep the Stranger Things universe alive beyond the flagship show.
The animated format allows creative freedom and a nostalgic nod to 1980s Saturday‑morning cartoons, offering a lighter, more adventurous tone compared to the darker live‑action series .
Details on the Animated Spin‑Off
Setting and Tone
- Takes place in Hawkins during winter 1985, between Seasons 2 and 3 .
- Embraces an ’80s cartoon aesthetic—bright, colorful, and adventurous rather than horror‑heavy .
Characters and Voice Cast
- The core group returns in animated form: Eleven, Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, and Max .
- A new character, Nikki Baxter, joins the group .
- Voice cast includes Brooklyn Davey Norstedt (Eleven), Luca Diaz (Mike), Benjamin Plessala (Will), Elisha “EJ” Williams (Lucas), Braxton Quinney (Dustin), Jolie Hoang‑Rappaport (Max), and Brett Gipson (Hopper) .
Production Team
- Executive producers: Matt and Ross Duffer, Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen, Hilary Leavitt, and Eric Robles .
- Animation by Flying Bark Productions, known for What If…? .
Broader Franchise Expansion
Netflix has clarified that Tales from ’85 is one of multiple spin‑offs in development. There is also an untitled live‑action spin‑off set in a different decade with new characters, though still connected to the Stranger Things universe . The Duffers have described this live‑action project as anthology‑like, offering fresh stories tied to the franchise’s mythology .
Additionally, a Nancy Wheeler mystery novel, Stranger Things: One Way or Another, was released on December 2, 2025, further expanding the universe in literary form .
What to Watch Next
- April 23, 2026: Premiere of Stranger Things: Tales from ’85.
- Late 2025: Release of Stranger Things Season 5 in three parts, culminating in a theatrical release for the finale on December 31, 2025 .
- Beyond 2026: Development of the live‑action spin‑off and potential additional projects remain in early stages .
Conclusion
Netflix’s confirmation of Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 marks a significant expansion of the franchise. The animated series promises a nostalgic, adventurous return to Hawkins, offering fans new stories with familiar characters in a fresh format. As the main series wraps up in late 2025, this spin‑off, along with upcoming live‑action projects and novels, ensures the Stranger Things universe continues to evolve. Fans should keep an eye on the April 2026 premiere and further announcements about the live‑action spin‑off in the coming year.
