Stranger Things is headed for its final showdown, with Season 5 set to drop in three parts between November and December, marking the end of the story that began in 2016.
But as that arc closes, the franchise itself is far from over, as Netflix has already planted the seed for what’s next. Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, the first animated spinoff in the franchise, premieres in 2026 and takes fans back to the winter between seasons 2 and 3.
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85
It may be animated and with a new voice cast, but it's 100% canon. With Stranger Things: The First Shadow stage play running in both London and New York and a long track record of novels, comics, and branded events, Stranger Things is clearly here to stay.
The question isn’t whether Stranger Things will continue—it’s how. Beyond the animated show, will we also see another live-action series? A Hawkins High School story set in the early '90s? A spinoff that follows new kids in another town plagued by the Upside Down?
Either way, Netflix isn’t walking away from one of its most valuable IPs.
Stranger Things Has Already Conquered All Mediums of Storytelling
The Stranger Things brand has already succeeded across nearly every major medium. There are multiple books, immersive fan experiences, collectible tie-ins, critically acclaimed graphic novels, and a West End/Broadway stage play that's still running, all of which deepen the mythology established in the parent show.
The fanbase has also proven it’s willing to explore stories beyond Eleven’s journey, and Tales From '85 looks like a strong next step—especially if it helps test out tone, pacing, and character arcs for whatever comes after.
Related:Â Why ‘Stranger Things' Isn't the Best Sci-Fi Horror Show on Streaming : Disney Fanatic
Stranger Things Season 5 Release Dates
As the main series wraps on New Year’s Eve this year, one era of Stranger Things will end—but another will begin. Whether it’s more animation, another play, a brand-new series down the line, or perhaps even a video game, the franchise is only just getting started.
Stranger Things Season 5 will be split into three parts: the final season will begin on November 26, 2025, with Volume 2 arriving Christmas Day, and the final episode landing December 31. Watch the first official trailer for the fifth and final season below:
Stranger Things seasons 1 — 4 are now streaming on Netflix.
Stranger Things stars Joe Keery (Steve Harrington), Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers), David Harbour (Jim Hopper), Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler), Bob Newby (Sean Astin), Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven/Jane Hopper), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson), Joseph Quinn (Eddie Munson), Paul Reiser (Dr. Sam Owens), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair), Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler), Matthew Modine (Papa/Martin Brenner), Maya Hawke (Robin Buckley), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers), Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield), Noah Schnapp (Will Byers), and Jamie Campbell Bower (Vecna/One/Henry Creel).
Are you excited about Stranger Things Season 5? Let us know in the comments down below!
