Stranger Things Spinoff Review: Tales From ’85 Is A Fun Concept, But It Misunderstands Its Audience

Stranger Things has returned…sort of. Technically, Netflix’s hit sci-fi series is back with the animated spinoff, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85. During Stranger Things‘ initial run, one would think any spinoff connected to the series would become a guaranteed hit, but a lot has changed for the franchise and its expansion potential.

Based on Tales from ’85‘s voice actors, all major Stranger Things characters are recast for the spinoff, though that’s not a distracting aspect for the animated show. In fact, some of the voices are pretty spot-on when compared to the original show’s actors, and Tales from ’85 succeeds in nailing the mannerisms and quirks of everyone’s animated counterparts.

Ahead of Stranger Things: Tales from ’85‘s release, the animated spinoff was teased by Netflix as an “entry-level” version of the main series, offering a new chapter for viewers of all ages. Tales from ’85 is mostly suitable for kids, thanks to its TV-PG rating, acting as a gateway for younger viewers to jump into the series until they are ready for the main show. Oddly, though, Tales from ’85 relies heavily on its viewers having watched Stranger Things‘ first two seasons, further complicating the answer to a major question: “Who is this Stranger Things spinoff for?”

Tales From ’85 Can’t Decide Why The Spinoff Exists

For those who have watched all five seasons of Stranger Things, there won’t be an issue with the placement of Tales from ’85, at least when it comes to the timeline. The spinoff takes place between seasons 2 and 3, specifically, in January 1985. Everything the characters go through in the new animated adventure occurs after they deal with the Mind Flayer in late 1984 and before its deadly return the following July. However, viewers, even young ones who are just now getting a taste of Stranger Things for the first time, are expected to know what happened through the end of Stranger Things season 2.

The dynamics between Eleven, Mike, and the rest of the group are already well established by the events of Tales from ’85, including the additions of characters like Max and even Steve within the core group. There’s also an assumption that viewers know all about Will’s “zombie boy” history, El’s powers, and everything that occurred with closing the Gate under Hawkins lab at the conclusion of the second season. Sure, longtime fans might remember all of those aspects, but newcomers could have a tougher time following along if the basic premise doesn’t pull them in, contradicting the notion that the spinoff is aimed at kids new to the franchise.

Then there’s the issue of the canon status of Stranger Things: Tales from ’85. No matter how the spinoff decided to approach a new story set within the existing series, it was going to risk complicating the continuity. Seeing as it’s set between two early seasons but wasn’t developed until well after they were released, there was always going to be some gaps when looking at how the events of Tales from ’85 fit into Stranger Things. Since the main show had no chance to incorporate major aspects of the animated spinoff, Tales from ’85 also doesn’t do too much to set up Stranger Things season 3. If plot holes get in the way of your viewing experience, you may have trouble with how the spinoff messes with general continuity.

The Timing Of Stranger Things’ New Release Doesn’t Do The Spinoff Any Justice

COURTESY OF NETFLIX

Speaking of timelines, it’s been less than four months since Stranger Things‘ main show came to an end. If there had been an overwhelmingly positive reception surrounding the final season, it would be a no-brainer to bring back the show in some form while interest was still high. Granted, that hasn’t been the case with Stranger Things season 5 and its reception from fans and critics alike.

The consensus shows that Stranger Things‘ ending was a letdown, especially for those who have been fans since the show’s debut in 2016. Instead of taking some time to let the emotions and disappointment settle, the franchise is moving full steam ahead. If Netflix foresaw the immense popularity and increasing need for longer production cycles, perhaps the spinoff could have come sooner, without the events of Stranger Things season 5 clouding interest. But even Netflix can’t predict the future.

When looking at the setting of Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, a season taking place during the winter is a fun concept. It also makes a lot of sense, with heat being a key weakness for the Mind Flayer and monsters from the Upside Down. There’s also the fact that the show is mainly set in Indiana, a state that often experiences cold and snowy winters. With that said, releasing the spinoff set in January, with a story featuring a snowstorm, while we’re heading deeper into the spring months, is yet another odd choice when looking at the timing of release.

Tales From ’85 Has Several Enjoyable Moments, But You’ll Need To Ignore Stranger Things Lore

Netflix

Despite struggling to figure out who the spinoff is actually for, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 does feature some entertaining moments. Being able to revisit Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Will, Lucas, and Max before their lives are truly upended is intriguing, though the spinoff only works when forgetting Stranger Things‘ deeper lore.

It’s easy to question the presence of new Upside Down monsters and characters like Nikki Baxter, who will never factor into the franchise again. Still, it’s nice to travel back in time when the core young group was all together, since we know that won’t last with Eleven’s fate in Stranger Things. Sure, fighting different monsters throughout Hawkins gets a bit repetitive as the season goes on, but the spinoff features several exciting action sequences that feel fresh for the franchise due to its animated form.

While Tales from ’85 may struggle to justify its own existence, it will be interesting to see if another chapter of the animated show will come into fruition since the finale doesn’t completely close out the story. Even if Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 doesn’t return for another chapter, it could very well impact the fate of the Stranger Things franchise as a whole.

All 10 episodes of Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 will be available to stream April 23, 2026, on Netflix.

Release Date

April 23, 2026

Network

Netflix

Episodes

10