Netflix is expanding the Stranger Things universe with a new animated spinoff titled Stranger Things: Tales From '85, set to premiere in 2026. This series will be positioned between Seasons 2 and 3 of the original show, featuring the core group of characters including Eleven, Mike, Max, Lucas, Dustin, Will, and Hopper.
The story is set in the cold winter of 1985 in Hawkins, where Eleven and her friends delve into a supernatural mystery. The animated format allows creative freedom to explore new narratives and visuals beyond live-action constraints.
The spinoff is developed by showrunner Eric Robles along with Stranger Things co-creators Matt and Ross Duffer. Ross Duffer highlights the limitless potential of animation, saying:
"With animation there's really no limits. Erica and his team can just go wild, and they have."
The original Stranger Things series will conclude with its fifth and final season, which is scheduled for release in three parts starting this November.
Author’s summary: Netflix's animated spinoff, Stranger Things: Tales From '85, creatively explores paranormal mysteries between seasons of the original series, expanding the beloved Hawkins saga in 2026.