The town of Hawkins is back in business and this time with a nostalgic animated twist. Netflix has officially unveiled the trailer and release date for Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, an all-new animated spinoff of the blockbuster series that wrapped up its five-season run in 2025.
While the flagship series brought Eleven, the Upside Down, and Demogorgons into pop culture history, the story clearly isn’t over. Tales From ’85 promises more supernatural intrigue, retro vibes, and monster-fighting mayhem. The one twist to turn you upside down? This time, it’s all animated.
When and Where to Watch
Netflix has confirmed that Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 will debut on April 23, 2026. Fans can stream the series exclusively on Netflix.
The newly released trailer gives viewers a first look at the spinoff’s vibrant 1980s animation style, which leans into nostalgia while expanding the world of Hawkins in bold new ways.
What’s Tales From ’85 About?
Set during the winter of 1985, the animated series takes place between Seasons 2 and 3 of the original show. The familiar gang is back, but don’t expect the same old Stranger Things. Instead, this version explores an unseen adventure as the kids face yet another paranormal threat looming over their cursed hometown. It’s like Stranger Things and Scooby Doo had a baby and put it on Netflix.
As Ross Duffer explained, “When we started talking about was there anything else we wanted to do with Stranger Things, this was one of our first ideas.” Animation gave the creators room to play with bigger threats and stranger creatures while staying true to the show’s emotional heartbeat.
New Voices, Same Heart
Tales From ’85 doesn’t just change the format. It introduces a completely fresh voice cast. While the characters are instantly recognizable, they’re now voiced by a new generation of talent:
- Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven
- Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max
- Luca Diaz as Mike
- Elisha “EJ” Williams as Lucas
- Braxton Quinney as Dustin
- Benjamin Plessala as Will
- Brett Gipson as Hopper
- Jeremy Jordan as Steve
- Odessa A’zion, Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips in supporting roles
The showrunners assure that the charm, stakes, and emotional core of Stranger Things are still very much intact, just animated.
For fans who thought the Hawkins saga had closed, Tales From ’85 reopens the door, this time with 80s Saturday morning cartoon energy and a shot of fresh mystery. It’s more than a nostalgia trip; it’s a continuation of a beloved story from a new angle.
As reported by Digital Trends, the series offers a “playful direction” for the Stranger Things universe, without losing what made it special in the first place.
Whether you’re a diehard fan or just craving another supernatural binge, April 23 might be your next big trip back to Hawkins.