The Duffer Brothers explained in a Netflix featurette that an animated series was one of their earliest ideas for expanding the Stranger Things universe. Matt Duffer said, “When we started talking about, was there anything else we wanted to do with Stranger Things, this was one of our first ideas.” Ross Duffer added, “With animation there’s really no limits. Eric and his team can just go wild, and they have.”
The series promises to keep Hawkins alive even after the live-action finale. By embracing the limitless possibilities of animation and the nostalgic feel of 1980s cartoons, the show offers fans a new way to experience the supernatural world they love.
By moving into animation, Netflix is opening a new chapter for the franchise, attracting both longtime fans and new viewers. With executive producers like the Duffer Brothers and Shawn Levy onboard, the series is set to maintain the high standards and unique storytelling that Stranger Things is known for.
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 will stream exclusively on Netflix in 2026, giving fans a chance to dive back into Hawkins in a way they’ve never seen before.