Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 — release details, cast, and what to expect

Netflix is expanding the Upside Down universe with its first Stranger Things spinoff, an animated series titled Tales From ’85 that channels the look and feel of classic Saturday-morning cartoons. Here are the essentials on when to watch, who voices the characters, and what the show has in store.

Release date and time

• Tales From ’85 premieres on Netflix on April 13, 2026, at 12:00 AM PT / 3:00 AM ET.
• Time zone highlights for other regions:
  • 4:00 AM — Brazil
  • 9:00 AM — Central European Summer Time
  • 12:30 PM — India Standard Time
  • 5:00 PM — Australia
  • 7:00 PM — New Zealand
• The series consists of 10 episodes, each just under 30 minutes.

Cast Because the original Stranger Things cast has grown, a new ensemble voices the familiar characters:

• Brett Gipson as Jim Hopper
• Luca Diaz as Mike Wheeler
• Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven
• Braxton Quinney as Dustin Henderson
• Elisha Williams as Lucas Sinclair
• Ben Plessala as Will Byers
• Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max Mayfield
• Jeremy Jordan as Steve Harrington
• Odessa A’zion as Nikki Baxter
• Janeane Garofalo as Mrs. Baxter
• Lou Diamond Phillips as Daniel

What the show is about Tales From ’85 is positioned between seasons 2 and 3, following the gang as they befriend a new student and contend with a fresh monster. The official synopsis describes: “The year is 1985, Hawkins is gripped by a brutal winter, and our heroes are about to embark on a perilous journey where the original characters confront new monsters and unravel a paranormal mystery threatening their town.”

Showrunner Eric Robles describes the creature design as rooted in Upside Down DNA, merging Hawkins Lab science with otherworldly matter. He likens the monsters to a suspenseful creature-feature vibe, nodding to Jaws as an inspiration while keeping the threat unpredictable. The series will blend action and humor with genuine stakes and heart.

Robles also emphasizes that while there are thrilling adventures, the show stays grounded in the bonds between the kids. They’re not just facing monsters; they’re protecting one another and expanding their makeshift family, delivering both excitement and heartfelt moments.

Release note Tales From ’85 is slated to drop soon, with the initial rollout noted as April 23 in updates to the schedule, alongside the original April 13 timing. For fans craving more Stranger Things content, this animated spin-off marks the start of a broader push to extend the franchise.

If you’re curious for more on the broader lineup of Stranger Things characters, you can check our ranking of the cast and roles.