2026-03-20 · 6 min read
Stranger Things: Tales from '85 — Everything to Know
The Stranger Things universe is expanding beyond live-action. On April 23, 2026, Netflix premieres Stranger Things: Tales from '85, an animated spinoff set between Seasons 2 and 3 of the original series. Here's everything you need to know before it drops — plus trivia to test your Hawkins knowledge.
What Is Tales from '85?
Tales from '85 is an animated science fiction series set in Hawkins, Indiana during the winter of 1985. It takes place after the events of Season 2 (the Mind Flayer's initial defeat) and before Season 3 (the Starcourt Mall battle). The kids — Eleven, Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, and Max — confront new monsters from the Upside Down and unravel a paranormal mystery terrorizing their town.
The Duffer Brothers, creators of the original series, are executive producers alongside Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen. The animation is produced by Flying Bark Productions, with Eric Robles serving as showrunner.
The '80s Saturday Morning Cartoon Vibe
The Duffers have said they want Tales from '85 to capture the feel of an '80s Saturday-morning cartoon — think Dungeons & Dragons, Thundercats, or He-Man — but set in the Stranger Things universe. This means a lighter tone than the later seasons of the original show, with more adventure and less existential dread (though the Upside Down is still the Upside Down).
New Voice Cast
None of the original live-action actors reprise their roles. Instead, a new voice cast brings the animated versions to life:
New Character: Nikki Baxter
Tales from '85 introduces Nikki Baxter, described as "taller and bigger" than the core group, who joins the Hawkins kids on their adventures. She's an entirely new addition to the Stranger Things universe — not based on any existing character.
Release Details
Timeline in the Stranger Things Universe
For context, here's where Tales from '85 fits:
Stranger Things Trivia to Know
Whether you're prepping for Tales from '85 or just want to test your knowledge:
What is the Upside Down? A dark, toxic alternate dimension that mirrors the real world. Connected to Hawkins through gates opened at Hawkins National Lab.
Why is Eleven called Eleven? She was the eleventh test subject (011) at Hawkins Lab, tattooed on her wrist.
What is Dustin's real Demodog's name? D'Artagnan, or Dart — a baby Demogorgon Dustin kept as a pet in Season 2.
Who is Vecna? The Season 4 villain, revealed to be Henry Creel (Subject 001), the first test subject at Hawkins Lab who was banished to the Upside Down by young Eleven.
What song saves Max from Vecna? Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush — the 1985 song that went back to #1 on global charts after Season 4 aired.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Stranger Things: Tales from '85 come out? April 23, 2026 on Netflix. The first two episodes get an early theatrical release on April 18.
Is the original cast in the animated series? No — a completely new voice cast was announced in November 2025. None of the original actors reprise their roles.
Do I need to watch all of Stranger Things before Tales from '85? You should watch at least Seasons 1 and 2, since the spinoff is set directly after Season 2's events.
Is this replacing Season 5? No. Season 5 of the live-action series is still in production and will be the final season. Tales from '85 is a separate spinoff that expands the universe.
Who created the Stranger Things animated series? The Duffer Brothers executive produce alongside Shawn Levy. Eric Robles is the showrunner, with animation by Flying Bark Productions.
Take the Quiz
Test your Hawkins knowledge before the new series drops:
Stranger Things Trivia Quiz → — 12 questions on all four seasons
Which Stranger Things Character Are You? → — Find your Hawkins alter ego