'Stranger Things' animated spin-off reveals premiere date, voice cast
What's the story
Netflix has announced the premiere date of Stranger Things: Tales from '85, the first animated spin-off of the hit series. It will debut on April 23, 2026. It is set in Hawkins, Indiana, during winter 1985 and bridges the gap between seasons two and three of Stranger Things. The story follows Eleven (Brooklyn Davey Norstedt), Mike (Luca Diaz), Will (Ben Plessala), Lucas (Elisha Williams), Dustin (Braxton Quinney), and Max (Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) as they battle new monsters from the Upside Down.
Plot details
What to expect from 'Tales from '85'
The animated series delves into an unexplored time in Hawkins, revealing untold stories of friendship and danger. The official teaser hints that the Upside Down's influence hasn't completely vanished, with something surviving to haunt the town once more. The audience can expect familiar locations like Hawkins National Laboratory and new threats such as vine-like creatures and bizarre paranormal events. The series also introduces a new character, Nikki Baxter, who joins the Hawkins kids on their latest supernatural adventure.
Twitter Post
See the first glimpse here
Something from the Upside Down must have survived…
— Netflix (@netflix) February 2, 2026
Stranger Things: Tales From '85, a new animated series, premieres April 23.pic.twitter.com/7lwtOsU0wr
Production team
Behind the scenes of 'Tales from '85'
The animated series is a collaborative effort between Stranger Things creators Ross and Matt Duffer, Dan Cohen and Shawn Levy of 21 Laps, Hilary Leavitt of Upside Down Pictures, and Eric Robles of Flying Bark Productions. Robles also serves as the showrunner for Tales from '85. The creative team aims to blend the charm of classic '80s cartoons with the eerie atmosphere loved by fans.