Netflix's first major spin-off set in the Stranger Things universe, Stranger Things: Tales From '85, has sparked a divided response among critics and fans. The animated series, which premiered on April 23, 2026, takes viewers back to January 1985, between the events of Seasons 2 and 3, when the gang believed they had defeated the Upside Down.
Plot Overview
The story follows Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max as they enjoy a normal winter of D&D and snowball fights, believing the horrors are behind them. However, a new threat awakens beneath the ice, forcing them to race against time to save Hawkins. The series is available in full on Netflix, avoiding the long waits fans experienced during the main show's final season.
Critical Reception
Early reviews on Rotten Tomatoes give the series an 83% score, though this is based on a small sample and likely to change. Critics have praised the animation quality and nostalgic 80s references but questioned whether the spin-off offers anything new. One critic described it as "a mixed bag of elements that struggles to reconcile its medium with its source material." Another noted it is "for the whole family" but gets dark, with aggressive monsters.
IGN's verdict called it "colourful but under-baked," with a thin story leading to a weaker adventure. In contrast, The Guardian praised the setting, saying, "It would be cool to be stuck in 1985 in Hawkins, Indiana indefinitely."
Fan Reactions
Fans are similarly split. On Reddit, one viewer called it "pretty fun" despite being "a show that nobody asked for." Another said it is "unnecessary and causes issues with the canon, but it's perfectly solid." A third summed up the mixed feelings: "A goofy adventure with a fun plot but tons of plot holes when you keep the original series in mind."
Stranger Things: Tales From '85 is now streaming on Netflix.
