Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 is shaping up to be a nostalgic yet unfamiliar journey back to Hawkins.
Set against the stark backdrop of the winter of 1985, the animated series reunites fans with the core Hawkins crew — Eleven, Mike Wheeler, Lucas Sinclair, Dustin Henderson, Will Byers, Max Mayfield, and Jim Hopper — all depicted in vibrant 3D CG animation.
This new show takes place between seasons 2 and 3 of the live-action series, allowing the characters to confront new mysteries and Upside Down-linked threats never seen before.
But while longtime fans may feel comfortable seeing these characters return, Tales From ’85 also introduces a new face: Nikki Baxter.
Nikki isn't a background character — she’s a new main addition described as a “tinker,” someone skilled with gadgets and tech, who joins the group’s monster-hunting efforts. Her distinctive look — including short, pinkish hair — and physical presence set her apart from the familiar Hawkins crew.
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However, her inclusion has sparked debate online because she doesn't appear in any of the seasons that follow her supposed 1985 adventures.
Given that Tales From ’85 will also feature new mysteries and new monsters that stem from residual Upside Down matter interacting with Hawkins Lab science, fans are generally concerned that the new series has already broken continuity.
The presence of both beloved characters and this new companion highlights the series’ dual mission: evoke the familiar Stranger Things feel while also charting territory the live-action series never visited. It also raises questions about how fans will reconcile this animated chapter with the core narrative they already know.
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 is expected to debut this year.
Watch the official announcement trailer below:
Stranger Things Seasons 1 — 5
Stranger Things seasons 1 — 5 are streaming on Netflix.
Stranger Things Season 5 stars Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair), Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler), Noah Schnapp (Will Byers), Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven), Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers), David Harbour (Jim Hopper), Joe Keery (Steve Harrington), Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler), Maya Hawke (Robin Buckley), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers), Brett Gelman (Murray Bauman), Nell Fisher (Holly Wheeler), Priah Ferguson (Erica Sinclair), Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield), Jamie Campbell Bower (Vecna/Henry Creel), Cara Buono (Karen Wheeler), and Linda Hamilton (Dr. Kay).
Are you excited about Stranger Things: Tales From ’85? Let us know in the comments!
