When “Stranger Things” dropped, it wasn’t just another show — it was a full-on cultural moment. The mix of ’80s nostalgia, supernatural mystery, and that killer synth score just hit. I remember watching Season 1 and instantly knowing this one was going to be a favorite. Now, Netflix is flipping the script (and hitting the animation switch) with a brand-new spin-off: “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85.” It’s animated, it’s retro, and it’s got that Saturday morning cartoon energy the Duffer Brothers always dreamed of. Here’s everything we know so far.

Everything you need to know about the ‘Stranger Things: Tales From ’85’ animated TV series:

What is ‘Stranger Things: Tales From ’85’ about?

We don’t have a ton of story details yet, but here’s what we do know about “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85.” It’s an animated series set in the “Stranger Things” universe, and it leans hard into that classic Saturday morning cartoon vibe. Think: colorful, high-energy, and a little weird – likely in the best way. The Duffer Brothers say it’s a totally different kind of story, even though it still lives in the same world as the original.

One piece of concept art shown at Netflix’s 2024 Animation Preview reportedly featured kids inside the Upside Down, facing off with some seriously creepy monsters, so it’s safe to say the horror-fantasy mix is still very much part of the DNA. But as for who the main characters are or exactly when it takes place in the “Stranger Things” timeline? That’s still under wraps. What we can say is that the show isn’t just for fans of the original — it’s trying something new, with a fresh visual style and a whole new tone.

When will ‘Stranger Things: Tales From ’85’ be released?

Netflix hasn’t announced an official release date for “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85” just yet. The show’s still in the works, and while we’ve gotten a title and some early concept art, there’s no trailer or premiere window on the calendar. That said, the Duffers have made it clear this one’s coming together fast — and with Netflix reportedly giving it a two-season order right out of the gate, it’s definitely a priority.

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Netflix is a leading subscription-based video streaming service that offers on-demand access to an extensive library of over 3,000 movies, 2,000+ TV shows, and a growing collection of acclaimed Netflix originals. Renowned for producing groundbreaking content, Netflix has become a cultural powerhouse with hit originals like “Stranger Things,” “Wednesday,” “Squid Game,” “The Crown,” “Tiger King,” “Bridgerton,” “The Witcher,” and “Black Mirror.”

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The platform constantly updates its catalog, introducing fresh content alongside timeless classics and international hits. Netflix’s commitment to storytelling has also earned critical acclaim, with award-winning exclusives such as “Roma,” “Marriage Story,” “The Power of the Dog,” “Mank,” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” In 2023, their animated film “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, further solidifying Netflix’s reputation for high-quality content.

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Who’s been cast so far in ‘Stranger Things: Tales From ’85’?

So far, Netflix hasn’t shared any casting news for “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85.” No voice actors have been confirmed, and we don’t know if any characters from the main series will appear.

How is ‘Stranger Things: Tales From ’85’ connected to the original ‘Stranger Things’?

“Tales From ’85” lives in the same universe as “Stranger Things,” but it’s not just a rehash of the original. The Duffer Brothers have said this spin-off will be “1,000% different” from the flagship show — it’s a new story with its own tone, style, and characters. That said, it still taps into the same creepy energy that made the original so iconic. There are connections to the Upside Down, and the title itself nods to the mid-’80s Hawkins timeline, but this one’s meant to stand on its own. Think of it as part of the same world, just told through a totally different lens.

Who are the creators behind ‘Stranger Things: Tales From ’85’?

“Stranger Things: Tales From ’85” is executive produced by Matt and Ross Duffer, the creators of the original “Stranger Things,” through their Upside Down Pictures banner. They’re joined by longtime collaborators Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen from 21 Laps, along with Eric Robles, who’s also serving as showrunner. Robles brings serious animation experience to the table — he’s known for creating “Fanboy and Chum Chum” and co-creating “Glitch Techs.” According to the Duffers, he and his team have put together some incredible scripts and artwork that channel the Saturday morning cartoon vibe they grew up on.

Stranger Things

July 15, 2016

When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces, and one strange little girl.