Netflix Announces “Stranger Things: Tales from 85” – Everything You Need to Know About the Upcoming Animated Series

The Upside Down just got a vibrant, neon-lit makeover. Netflix has officially pulled the curtain back on “Stranger Things: Tales from 85,” an animated spin-off that promises to plunge us back into the synth-heavy, supernatural universe of Hawkins, Indiana. For longtime fans and retro enthusiasts, this new addition is more than just an expansion it’s a fresh, animated love letter to the era that started it all.

Back to Hawkins: A Saturday Morning Cartoon Revival

The year is 1985. The fashion is loud, the bikes are fast, and the soundtrack pulses with a distinctive, unforgettable energy.

“Tales from 85” doesn't just return us to Hawkins; it shows us the town through the imaginative, colorful lens of animation. The Duffer Brothers, creators of the original live-action series, have been vocal about this project being an homage to the classic Saturday morning cartoons that defined their youth. Think more monsters, more mayhem, and more adventures but with the amplified, surreal visuals only animation can provide.

What to Expect from “Tales from 85”

This animated spin-off is designed to explore new stories, fresh characters, and uncharted corners of the Stranger Things lore. While specific plot details are under wraps, early teasers suggest the series will feature standalone episodes inspired by different legends, mysteries, and myths from the main show's universe. Imagine “The Twilight Zone” meets Stranger Things, complete with a pulsing '80s beat and a distinct animated edge.

 

Pushing Creative Boundaries

The shift to animation gives the creative team massive flexibility. Unlike the main series, “Tales from 85” can embrace exaggerated horror, playful sci-fi storytelling, and surreal visuals that would be near-impossible to achieve in live-action. This allows Netflix to experiment with varying tones, swinging from eerie and dark to heartfelt and genuinely funny, all while retaining the core spirit of the beloved franchise.

The Team Behind the Magic

The Duffer Brothers’ vision is being brought to life by Flying Bark Productions, an award-winning animation studio known for its stunning visual style. The series is being executive produced by Eric Robles (of Fanboy & Chum Chum fame), alongside the Duffer Brothers and Shawn Levy. This powerhouse team of storytellers and animators ensures a visual feast that remains continuous with the Stranger Things mythos.

The Duffer Brothers themselves remain deeply involved in the creative direction, viewing “Tales from 85” as a chance to experiment with storytelling and expand the mythos beyond its usual borders. Their mission is clear: keep the heart, humor, and horror intact, but translate it into a vibrant, animated format.

Style, Sound, and Speculation

Fans can anticipate a captivating retro-meets-modern aesthetic. The visual style reportedly combines 2D hand-drawn animation with digital enhancements, resulting in a rich, textured, almost comic-book feel. Expect glowing neon lights, grainy textures, and cinematic transitions straight out of an old VHS tape.

And if there’s one non-negotiable for a Stranger Things project, it’s the music. The same synthwave brilliance that defined the original series will carry over, complete with potential nods to artists like The Cure and Depeche Mode, providing a pulsating soundtrack that’s half nostalgia, half nightmare.

While the voice cast has yet to be confirmed, speculation is high regarding the return of original stars like Finn Wolfhard or Millie Bobby Brown. Whether the focus is on new heroes or familiar voices, the series promises a mix of new adventures and subtle Easter eggs tying back to the main storyline.

A Bridge to Season 5?

One of the most exciting possibilities is the timing. “Tales from 85” might drop before or alongside the highly anticipated Stranger Things Season 5, potentially acting as a bridge between the two eras of the franchise. While the animated plot won't be directly connected to the main story, there’s potential for crossover references, subtle hints about the Upside Down, or glimpses into secret government labs.

The first season is expected to feature 8–10 standalone episodes, each running 20–30 minutes, and will stream exclusively on Netflix. Though an exact date is not set, a premiere is expected in mid-to-late 2025.

Following the announcement, the online buzz has been immense, with #StrangerThings85 trending worldwide. By betting big on animation and reimagining a familiar franchise in this bold new way, Netflix seems poised for another massive hit that appeals to both seasoned fans and a brand-new audience.