Netflix has unveiled the first official teaser and details for Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, the highly anticipated animated spinoff set to premiere exclusively on the platform on April 23, 2026. This new series transports viewers back to the snow-covered streets of Hawkins, Indiana, during the stark winter of 1985—right between the events of Season 2 and Season 3 of the flagship show. With familiar characters facing brand-new threats, fresh perspectives on the Upside Down, and that signature blend of ’80s nostalgia, supernatural horror, and coming-of-age adventure, Tales From ’85 promises to recapture the magic that made Stranger Things a global phenomenon while expanding the universe in exciting animated form.
The teaser, released in early February 2026, offers a chilling glimpse into what’s to come. It opens with the familiar Hawkins landscape blanketed in deep snow, the town’s quiet streets lit by holiday lights and streetlamps. A voiceover hints at lingering danger: “Something from the Upside Down must’ve survived…” The clip introduces the core group—Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max—now settled into a seemingly normal winter routine of snowball fights, Dungeons & Dragons sessions, and cozy hangouts. But the peace is short-lived. Strange new creatures emerge from the shadows, shadowy figures lurk in the background, and a paranormal mystery begins to terrorize the town once more. The animation style captures the retro aesthetic of the original series—vibrant ’80s colors, practical creature designs, and a mix of eerie atmosphere and youthful energy—while allowing for bolder visual effects that live-action constraints might limit.
The series is set immediately after the Season 2 finale, where Eleven closed the gate to the Upside Down at Hawkins Lab. That victory brought temporary calm, but the teaser suggests something slipped through or was left behind. The kids—now slightly older and more experienced—must band together again to confront these new monsters and unravel the mystery threatening their town. Showrunner Eric Robles (known for animated hits like The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy) leads the project, with Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer serving as executive producers. The Duffer Brothers have emphasized that this is an opportunity to “hang out” with the characters in a lighter, episodic format while still delivering the high-stakes horror and emotional depth fans love.
The voice cast features a fresh lineup of young talent bringing the iconic roles to life in animation:
Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven
Luca Diaz as Mike Wheeler
Benjamin Plessala as Will Byers
Braxton Quinney as Dustin Henderson
Elisha “EJ” Williams as Lucas Sinclair
Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max Mayfield
A standout addition is Jeremy Jordan (known for Supergirl and Hazbin Hotel) voicing Steve “The Hair” Harrington. The teaser gives fans their first animated look at Steve, complete with his signature hair and protective big-brother energy, hinting at his involvement in guiding the group through the new danger.
The plot centers on the kids’ return to everyday life—school, friendships, and winter fun—only for strange occurrences to disrupt the peace. New creatures, possibly evolved or escaped remnants from the Upside Down, begin stalking Hawkins. The group must investigate, using Eleven’s powers, Dustin’s scientific curiosity, and their unbreakable bond to uncover the truth. The animation format allows for more expansive monster designs and surreal Upside Down sequences, while staying true to the show’s heart: friendship, courage, and the terror of the unknown lurking beneath normal life.
The first-look materials highlight the series’ commitment to ’80s nostalgia. Expect synth-heavy scores, retro fashion, arcade vibes, and holiday-season touches that evoke the era’s mix of innocence and dread. The teaser teases new paranormal threats that feel both familiar and inventive, blending practical horror with animated flair. Fans have praised the vibrant character designs and the way the show captures the group’s dynamic—banter, loyalty, and fear—while introducing fresh stakes.
As a spinoff, Tales From ’85 is canon to the Stranger Things universe but stands alone as an animated adventure. It bridges the gap between Seasons 2 and 3, offering new stories without spoiling the main series’ events. This approach lets Netflix expand the franchise post-Season 5 while giving fans more time with beloved characters in a different medium.
The April 23 premiere date positions Tales From ’85 as a spring highlight on Netflix, perfect for binge-watching as warmer weather arrives. With the main series concluded, this animated extension keeps the Hawkins magic alive, introducing new mysteries and monsters while honoring the heart that made the original unforgettable. The teaser has already generated massive excitement online, with fans speculating on creature origins, Eleven’s power growth, and potential ties to future live-action projects.
Whether you’re a longtime fan craving more Upside Down chills or a newcomer drawn to the ’80s horror vibe, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 looks set to deliver epic adventures, heartfelt moments, and that classic sense of wonder mixed with terror. Mark your calendars for April 23—Hawkins is calling, and something sinister is waiting in the snow.
