Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 premieres on Netflix on April 23, 2026. The animated series returns to Hawkins with a new story set during the winter of 1985.
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 introduces a new chapter within the established universe, shifting the format into animation while continuing the timeline of familiar characters. Set during a quieter moment after previous events, the series reopens the story with a different tone before introducing a new mystery.
Watch the Trailer
A Return to Hawkins Set in the Winter of 1985
The series takes place during the winter of 1985, a period when Hawkins appears to have settled following earlier confrontations with the Upside Down. Snow covers the town, and the core group, Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max, have returned to everyday routines.
Their lives revolve around familiar activities, including games of Dungeons & Dragons, time spent together, and a temporary sense of normalcy. This setting creates a clear contrast between the calm surface of Hawkins and the tension building beneath it.
As outlined in the official synopsis, that calm does not last. A new threat is emerging, raising questions about its origin. The mystery appears to be connected to either the Upside Down, Hawkins Lab, or another unknown source. The group is once again drawn into an investigation that requires them to respond quickly to protect their town.
An Animated Expansion of the Stranger Things Universe
Unlike the original live-action series, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 is animated. The shift in format allows the franchise to explore its world through a different visual approach while maintaining continuity with established characters and settings.
The series is led by showrunner Eric Robles, with executive producers Matt and Ross Duffer, Hilary Leavitt for Upside Down Pictures, Shawn Levy for 21 Laps, and Dan Cohen. It is produced by Flying Bark, a studio known for animation projects.
The season consists of 10 episodes, each with a runtime of approximately 30 minutes.
Voice Cast Brings Familiar Characters Back
The animated series features a voice cast portraying established characters from the Stranger Things universe. Brooklyn Davey Norstedt voices Eleven, with Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max, Luca Diaz as Mike, Elisha “EJ” Williams as Lucas, Braxton Quinney as Dustin, and Ben Plessala as Will.
Additional roles include Brett Gipson as Hopper, Jeremy Jordan as Steve, and Odessa A’zion as Nikki Baxter. The cast also features Janeane Garofalo as Anna Baxter and Lou Diamond Phillips as Daniel Fischer.
The extended voice lineup includes Robert Englund as Cosmo, Alysia Reiner as Karen Wheeler, Alessandra Antonelli as Nancy Wheeler, Valeria Rodriguez as Rosario, and Jack Griffo as Jeff.
The Poster
FAQ
When is Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 releasing on Netflix?
The series premieres on April 23, 2026.
How many episodes are in Stranger Things: Tales From ’85?
The first season consists of 10 episodes, each around 30 minutes long.
Is Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 connected to the original series?
Yes, it is set within the Stranger Things universe and follows familiar characters in a new story.
Key Details
- Release date: April 23, 2026 on Netflix
- Format: Animated series
- Episodes: 10 episodes, approximately 30 minutes each
- Showrunner: Eric Robles
- Executive producers: Matt and Ross Duffer, Hilary Leavitt, Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen
- Production studio: Flying Bark
- Cast: Brooklyn Davey Norstedt, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Luca Diaz, Elisha “EJ” Williams, Braxton Quinney, Ben Plessala, Brett Gipson, Odessa A’zion, Jeremy Jordan, Janeane Garofalo, Lou Diamond Phillips
- Additional voice cast: Robert Englund, Alysia Reiner, Alessandra Antonelli, Valeria Rodriguez, Jack Griffo
- Source material: Original story set within the Stranger Things universe