Netflix has quietly dropped the first spin-off in the Stranger Things universe this week: Stranger Things: Tales from '85. The ten-part animated series, executive produced by the Duffer brothers, is now available to stream, with all episodes running approximately 30 minutes each.
A Return to Hawkins' Happier Days
Set between the second and third seasons of the original show, the series takes place in January 1985, shortly after Will's return from the Upside Down and Eleven's closure of the gate at Hawkins Lab. The storyline explores a seemingly more innocent time, before the horrors of Vecna, as the gang focuses on making new friends, riding bikes, and playing Dungeons & Dragons.
Animated Format and New Cast
To avoid the challenge of the original cast aging, the spin-off is fully animated. A new voice cast brings the beloved characters to life: Luca Diaz as Mike, Braxton Quinney as Dustin, Elisha Williams as Lucas, Benjamin Plessala as Will, and Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven. Odessa A'zion also joins as Nikki, a Hawkins newcomer who serves as the audience's point of view, according to showrunner Eric Robles.
Lower Stakes, Familiar Vibes
Unlike the main series, the stakes in Tales from '85 are relatively low, as viewers already know the characters' fates from the original timeline. The spin-off aims to capture the fun, character-driven energy that made Stranger Things a hit, while still incorporating strange creatures. Robles, tasked by the Duffer brothers with explaining how monsters could break containment after season two, found inspiration in a deep dive into the show and 1980s films.
All episodes of Stranger Things: Tales from '85 are available to stream on Netflix from April 23.
