The new Stranger Things show had to break all the rules (with help from D&D)
Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85, an animated spinoff of the acclaimed Netflix series, will premiere on April 23, 2026. The midquel brings viewers back to the 1980s setting with a focus on the young protagonists embarking on new adventures. Showrunner Eric Robles developed the project after meeting with series creators Ross and Matt Duffer during the original show’s season 4 post-production phase.
The Duffer brothers, who have conceptualized spinoff ideas since the conclusion of season 2, expressed enthusiasm about expanding their universe through animation. “We’re offering an opportunity to hang out with your best friends and just go on these adventures,” Robles told Polygon. The animated format provides creative flexibility to explore fresh storytelling within the established Stranger Things mythology while maintaining the show’s nostalgic 1980s aesthetic.
This announcement follows the original series’ finale, which aired on December 31, 2025, concluding the show’s eight-season run. The animated midquel offers fans continued engagement with the Stranger Things universe and allows the creative team to develop character backstories and world-building through a different narrative lens. The project represents Netflix’s commitment to expanding successful franchises through diverse formats and storytelling approaches.