Stranger Things Reveals Tales From ’85: The First Trailer for the Animated Series

Netflix officially unveiled the first trailer for Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, an animated series that expands the narrative universe of Stranger Things. The project is set chronologically between the second and third seasons of the main series and has a confirmed release date of April 23, 2026, on the streaming platform.

This production marks the franchise’s first animated venture and aims to explore a specific period in the history of Hawkins that has not previously been developed on screen.

A new story within the Stranger Things canon

Since its debut in 2016, Stranger Things, created by Matt and Ross Duffer, has established itself as one of Netflix’s most significant series. Set in the 1980s, the story blends science fiction, horror, and supernatural elements through the events affecting the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, following the opening of the Upside Down.

Tales From ’85 fits within this same narrative canon. The series does not reboot the story nor function as a direct sequel, but instead expands the existing universe through an original adventure led by the core group of characters.

Setting and timeline

The story takes place during the winter of 1985, in the period between the events of the second and third seasons of Stranger Things. At this point, the protagonists have returned to an apparent sense of normalcy after their previous experiences, although Hawkins remains a focal point for unexplained phenomena.

Within this context, Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, and Max once again become involved in a paranormal mystery, confronting supernatural threats that emerge from hidden dimensions connected to the Upside Down.

Animated format and visual approach

Tales From ’85 adopts a fully animated format, with a visual style inspired by classic 1980s cartoons. This approach allows the series to explore settings, creatures, and situations that expand the franchise’s imagination without the limitations of live-action production.

The first season will consist of 12 episodes, maintaining the adventure, mystery, and horror tone that defines the original series, while adapting it to a narrative language specific to animation.

Creative team and production

The series is developed by Eric Robles, with direct involvement from the original creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, who serve as executive producers. The team also includes Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen, both previously associated with the production of Stranger Things.

Animation duties are handled by Flying Bark Productions, a studio with experience in high-profile animated series, reinforcing the project’s technical and visual approach.

First trailer and official presentation

The first trailer, released in early February 2026, offers a preview of the series’ artistic style and narrative tone. It introduces the characters in animated form, along with hints of the supernatural threat driving the story.

This preview confirmed both the temporal setting and the release date, solidifying Tales From ’85 as an official expansion of the Stranger Things universe.

Connection to the main series

Netflix has indicated that Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 functions as a complementary story. Although it is set between two previously released seasons, its narrative does not alter the core events of the main series nor replace its central story arcs.

The project is designed to enrich the characters’ background and further develop the world of Hawkins from an additional perspective.

Release date and availability

The series will premiere globally on April 23, 2026, exclusively on Netflix. With this release, the platform expands the Stranger Things franchise into new formats while maintaining the narrative and aesthetic continuity that has defined the saga.