Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 is official. Netflix revealed the animated series with a first-look trailer on Stranger Things Day, confirming a 2026 debut.
Set between Seasons 2 and 3, Tales From ’85 returns to Hawkins in the winter of 1985, following the gang as they face new monsters and a fresh paranormal mystery.
What the Trailer Teases
Showrunner Eric Robles and series creators Matt and Ross Duffer say animation lets the team “go wild,” and the footage leans into that promise: colder Hawkins vibes, faster creature action, and a tone that riffs on ’80s adventure with darker sci-fi beats. Watch the trailer below.
Story and Setting
The logline: it’s a freezing winter in Hawkins, and the original characters must battle new threats while unraveling a town-wide mystery. Expect familiar faces, a twist on what you think you know about the Upside Down, and reveals that “nothing is quite as they thought it was.”
Who stars?
The cast includes Brooklyn Davey Norstedt (Eleven), Jolie Hoang-Rappaport (Max), Luca Diaz (Mike), Elisha “EJ” Williams (Lucas), Braxton Quinney (Dustin), Ben Plessala (Will), Brett Gipson (Hopper), with Odessa A’zion, Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips also joining the Hawkins adventure.
Who’s Making It
Robles leads the series with Flying Bark Productions. The Duffers and Hilary Leavitt executive produce via Upside Down Pictures, alongside Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen for 21 Laps.
Dates to Know
- 2026: Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 premieres on Netflix.
- Tonight (Nov. 6, 8 p.m. EST): Stranger Things 5 Virtual Watch Party on Tudum with cast interviews, surprises, and the first five minutes of the Season 5 premiere.
- Stranger Things 5 rollout: First four episodes on Nov. 26, three more on Dec. 25, and The Finale on Dec. 31.
Watch the trailer:
