Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 Animated Series Set for April 2026 Netflix Release

The Stranger Things universe will expand with a new animated series titled Stranger Things: Tales From ’85. The series will premiere on April 23, 2026, and will be available exclusively on Netflix. The show revisits Hawkins, Indiana, and features familiar characters in an animated format.

Key Highlights

• Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 premieres April 23, 2026 on Netflix
• The animated series is set in Hawkins during the winter of 1985
• Original characters face new monsters and a paranormal mystery in the spin-off

Series Announcement and Development

The creators of Stranger Things conceived the animated spin-off while exploring new stories set in Hawkins. Ross Duffer, one of the creators, stated that developing an animated series was among their first ideas for expanding the franchise. The series aims to build on the original's popularity while introducing a fresh visual style.

Storyline and Setting

Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 takes place during the winter of 1985 in Hawkins. The plot follows the original characters as they confront new monsters and investigate a paranormal mystery threatening their town. The animated format allows for creative storytelling while maintaining the core elements of the Stranger Things universe.

Release Date and Streaming Platform

The official premiere date for Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 is April 23, 2026. Netflix will be the exclusive streaming platform for the series. This release continues Netflix's partnership with the Stranger Things franchise, offering fans new content and expanding the story beyond the original live-action series.

Franchise Expansion

The new animated series marks a significant step in the ongoing expansion of the Stranger Things universe. By introducing an animated format, the creators can explore different aspects of Hawkins and its characters. The series is expected to attract both existing fans and new viewers interested in animated storytelling.