Hawkins fans barely have time to say goodbye to the original series, and Netflix is already pushing the next big thing from the Stranger Things universe. Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 is a new animated series that jumps back to 1985 and promises exactly what you expect from this franchise: the familiar crew of heroes, new monsters, and another paranormal mystery that won’t let them sleep.
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 premieres on Thursday, April 23, 2026 on Netflix. Netflix has also released an official teaser/trailer, so you can get a feel for the animation style and overall atmosphere. The story is set in the winter of 1985 (between Seasons 2 and 3 of the original series), with well-known characters at the center as they run into new monsters and a fresh mystery in Hawkins.
When does Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 come out?
The official premiere date is April 23, 2026 (Thursday), and the series will be available exclusively on Netflix. Netflix has confirmed the date and also shared the first details about the story and cast. For viewers in Slovakia, it’s worth keeping in mind that Netflix often launches new releases globally at the same time (the exact time may vary by region), so it’s best to keep an eye on the title page itself or Netflix’s official announcements.
Will it drop all at once or weekly?
Netflix hasn’t confirmed a clear release model yet (whether it’ll be a one-day “binge” drop or weekly episodes). With animated series, Netflix sometimes splits seasons into multiple parts released on different dates, but for Tales From ’85, the only certainty for now is the premiere date. The safest bet is to check the show’s page on Netflix, where episode counts and runtimes typically appear: https://www.netflix.com/title/81398721.
What exactly is Tales From ’85, and where does it fit in the timeline?
Tales From ’85 isn’t “Stranger Things 6.” It’s a standalone animated series set in the Stranger Things universe, and timeline-wise it returns to the gap between Seasons 2 and 3 of the original show. Netflix describes it as a trip back to Hawkins during the freezing winter of 1985, where “original characters” face new monsters and unravel a paranormal mystery that’s terrorizing their town. In practice, that means a nostalgic return to the era when the heroes are still “kids on bikes,” but the danger is already very grown-up.
What’s the story about (without unnecessary spoilers)?
The core hook is simple: Hawkins has another problem, and this time it doesn’t look like something you can just sweep under the rug. According to the official description, the group will face a new wave of strange events, new creatures, and a mystery that can’t be explained by ordinary logic. It sounds like “classic Stranger Things,” with the added advantage that animation can show things that would be brutally expensive or difficult to pull off in live action.
Who appears in the series, and who voices the characters?
The good news is that familiar characters will appear in Tales From ’85, so it’s not a completely disconnected story with brand-new heroes. What’s interesting, though, is that this is a voice cast—so not necessarily the original live-action actors. Netflix’s Tudum lists, for example, the following characters and voices:
- Eleven – Brooklyn Davey Norstedt
- Max – Jolie Hoang-Rappaport
- Mike – Luca Diaz
- Lucas – Elisha “EJ” Williams
- Dustin – Braxton Quinney
- Will – Benjamin Plessala
- Hopper – Brett Gipson
- Steve – Jeremy Jordan
On top of that, more names are expected to join (in roles not yet specified), which often signals that the story will introduce new characters—or new “pieces” on Hawkins’ chessboard.
Official teaser/trailer from Netflix
Earlier official announcement (if you want to see how Netflix introduced it first)
Where and how to watch
Tales From ’85 is a Netflix title, so watching it requires a Netflix subscription. The show’s Netflix page is already live, and beyond the basic description it will usually be updated over time with more details (episode count, titles, runtimes, additional trailers): https://www.netflix.com/title/81398721. If you want to make sure you don’t miss the premiere, it’s worth adding the title to “My List”—Netflix often sends a reminder when a new trailer drops or the release date is approaching.
Most common fan questions
Is it a prequel, a sequel, or something in between?
The most accurate way to describe it is a spin-off set in the past. The story takes place in 1985 and is meant to fill the space between the events of Seasons 2 and 3 of the original series—so it’s not a direct continuation after the “ending,” but an expansion of the world with a new adventure in a familiar era.
Will everyone we know show up?
Netflix talks about “original characters,” so the core group should be there. At the same time, it’s realistic to expect that some faces (or rather, voices) won’t be the same as in the live-action series, since this is a separate voice cast.
Will the series have Slovak dubbing or subtitles?
Netflix doesn’t guarantee the same language support for every title in advance. For major franchises, though, there are usually at least subtitles in a wide range of languages, while dubbing depends on the region. The safest option is to check the available languages directly on the title page in the Netflix app as the premiere gets closer.
Sources
- Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 Unveils Release Date for Animated Series (Netflix Tudum) – https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/stranger-things-animated-series-news
- Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 (official title page on Netflix) – https://www.netflix.com/title/81398721
- Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 | Official Teaser | Netflix (YouTube) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUiJulYbUaE
- Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 | Official Announcement | Netflix (YouTube) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m49Wm64ngo
Robert
I’m interested in technology and history, especially true crime stories. For three years I ran a fact-based portal about modern history, and for a year I co-built a blogging platform where I published dozens of analytical articles. I founded offpitch so that quality content wouldn’t be hidden behind a paywall.
