Stranger Things Tales From 85 — Full Guide to the Animated Spin-Off

If you’ve watched Stranger Things and wondered “What exactly happened between Season 2 and Season 3?” — Stranger Things Tales From 85 is the answer Netflix is giving fans.

Release Date: April 23, 2026 (Global & India) — exclusively on Netflix.

Platform: Netflix (All episodes available on launch)

Genre: Sci-fi • Horror • Mystery • Drama (Animated)

Production: Upside Down Pictures • 21 Laps Entertainment • Flying Bark Productions

What Is Stranger Things Tales From 85?

Stranger Things Tales From 85 is the first animated series set in the Stranger Things universe. It is a spin-off prequel/sequel taking place during the winter of 1985 — the period between Stranger Things Season 2 and Season 3.

Unlike the live-action series, this version is fully animated, with visual influences that evoke ’80s cartoons, combining nostalgia and supernatural adventure.

This marks a major expansion of the Stranger Things franchise, pushing it beyond live-action storytelling and into animation for the first time.

Stranger Things Tales From 85: Plot & Setting

The story returns to the familiar town of Hawkins, Indiana, during a cold winter in 1985, after the gang’s harrowing experiences in Season 2.

Core Premise

• The original group — Eleven, Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, and Max — are trying to get back to normal life.
• Something strange and unexplained begins brewing again in Hawkins.
• The kids must band together to investigate a new paranormal mystery terrorizing their town.
• The Upside Down’s influence resurfaces, bringing new monsters and dangers.

Official descriptions from Netflix emphasise that “the original characters must fight new monsters and unravel a paranormal threat.”

This story bridges the gap between two pivotal eras in Stranger Things lore, connecting timelines while offering fresh supernatural thrills.

Timeline Positioning

The events of Tales From ’85 are set:
Between Season 2 and Season 3 of Stranger Things.

This means it explores:

• What the characters were doing in the months after fighting the Mind Flayer.
• How Hawkins tries to rebuild and what hidden dangers lie beneath the surface.

Animation & Visual Style

The series is produced by Flying Bark Productions in Sydney.

Key Visual Elements

• Vibrant neon palette and 1980s-style design.
• Characters have larger heads and stylised features reminiscent of classic Saturday-morning cartoons but with modern CG polish.
• Official inspiration includes ‘80s cartoons like Scooby-Doo and The Real Ghostbusters mixed with modern animation sensibilities.
• Creature design involves darker, Lovecraftian elements despite the approachable animation style.

The show is therefore both nostalgic and fresh, giving old fans and new viewers something unique within the franchise.

Voice Cast

Rather than the original live-action actors, Tales From ’85 features a brand-new voice cast, including:

• Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven
• Luca Diaz as Mike Wheeler
• Braxton Quinney as Dustin Henderson
• Elisha Williams as Lucas Sinclair
• Benjamin Plessala as Will Byers
• Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max Mayfield
• Brett Gipson as Jim Hopper
• Jeremy Jordan as Steve Harrington

Additional voices in undisclosed roles include:

• Janeane Garofalo
• Lou Diamond Phillips
• Odessa A’zion

This fresh voice ensemble aims to breathe new life into familiar characters while ensuring the animated world feels distinct.

New Characters

The animated series introduces new characters not seen in the main show. One confirmed is:

🔸 Nikki Baxter — described as a tinker (inventive and resourceful) with a distinct visual look, who joins the Hawkins crew.

These additions expand the Stranger Things universe beyond the core group without altering the established live-action continuity.

Production Team

Tales From ’85 is developed by:

• Eric Robles (showrunner and developer)
• Matt & Ross Duffer (Executive Producers)
• Shawn Levy & Dan Cohen (21 Laps Entertainment)
• Hilary Leavitt (Upside Down Pictures)

The Duffer Brothers continue to shape the franchise creatively, even as Stranger Things Season 5 concludes the main narrative.

Where to Watch & How

• Streaming exclusively on Netflix world-wide.
• India viewers will need a Netflix subscription with support for Indian languages likely via dubbing or subtitles.
• All episodes drop on April 23, 2026 — Netflix typically releases all episodes at once.

What This Means for Fans

Tales From ’85 lets fans:

• Return to Hawkins during a familiar era.
• Explore untold stories between iconic seasons.
• Experience Stranger Things through a new visual style.
• See beloved characters in fresh scenarios with a hint of mystery and horror.

Why Stranger Things Tales From 85

With Stranger Things Season 5 wrapping the main chapter of the series, Tales From ’85 represents:

• A major evolution of the franchise into animation.
• New storytelling pathways beyond the original narrative.
• A way for Netflix to keep fans engaged with the Stranger Things universe in creative formats.

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