Today’s the day!
The Stranger Things universe is expanding again with Tales From ’85, and yes… the gang is back in animated form..
This animated take on Hawkins is set between Seasons 2 and 3, filling in that gap in the timeline. But if you’re expecting a full reunion with the older kids or the adult characters, don’t get your hopes too high. Cameos appear to be limited, and this version leans heavily into a different direction.
Early reviews are already popping up across YouTube, and there’s a clear theme: this is not the same Stranger Things you’re used to.
The biggest takeaway? It feels more geared towards a younger demographic..
That doesn’t mean it’s completely disconnected. There are still plenty of 1980s references, some solid musical moments, and enough nostalgia baked in to remind you why you loved this world in the first place. But the tone is different and the animation has been described as a bit over the top, while the dialogue feels a little forced. (Have they seen season 5?!)
Some fans are just happy to have anything new connected to Hawkins. More content, more lore, more time in that universe. Others aren’t so forgiving, already questioning why this animated series seems to be getting more attention—or at least more episodes—than the long-awaited final season.
Yeah… Season 5 is still looming out there.
And let’s not forget, the Conformity crowd is still hanging on to that “Episode 9” theory, waiting for something bigger, something hidden, something that ties it all together in a way we’re not seeing yet.
So where does Tales From ’85 land?
Right now… somewhere in the middle.
It might be something you throw on and binge. It might be something you skip entirely. Or it might surprise you just enough to keep you watching.
Either way… go in knowing what it is.
Not the next chapter.
Just another piece of the puzzle.
Watch at your own discretion.
We probably will too.
And if it’s worth it… we’ll be talking about it again.
