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Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 premiered on Netflix on April 23, 2026, with all 10 episodes of Season 1 available to stream. The animated series is set in Hawkins in the winter of 1985, between the second and third seasons of the live-action show. Brooklyn Davey Norstedt, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Luca Diaz, Elisha “EJ” Williams, Braxton Quinney and Benjamin Plessala voice the familiar young characters; Odessa A’zion joins them as newcomer Nikki Baxter.
When did Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 come out?
Season 1 premiered on Netflix on April 23, 2026. Netflix Tudum reported that all 10 episodes were available on launch day. Netflix’s title page currently lists the series as a 2026 title and displays two seasons, so its catalog listing now includes a second season as well as the 10-episode first season. Netflix Tudum’s premiere announcement and the Netflix title page provide the release and catalog details.
Where does the series fit in the Stranger Things timeline?
The animated story takes place between live-action Seasons 2 and 3, during the winter of 1985. It follows the aftermath of the Season 2 finale, when Eleven closed the gate at Hawkins Lab, and brings the familiar group into a new paranormal mystery involving monsters threatening Hawkins. Showrunner Eric Robles has said that figuring out how creatures could appear after the gate’s closure was a major continuity challenge. Netflix’s announcement and interview with Robles establish the timeline and premise.
Who voices the characters?
The returning young characters have new voice performers for the animated series. Nikki Baxter is a new character voiced by Odessa A’zion. Netflix Tudum lists the following cast and character pairings:
#1 Best Overall
- FLASHLIGHT: Shine a light on Hawkins with the Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85 HIC Flashlight
- SHOW INSPIRED: Working flashlight is based on Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85
- PROJECTION DISC: Features insertable film disc with projectable scenes from the show
- DUSTIN HENDERSON: Includes 4-inch Dustin Henderson figure with hidden UV spore deco
- ACCESSORIES: Also includes BBQ fork gadget and camera accessories
| Character | Voice performer |
|---|---|
| Eleven | Brooklyn Davey Norstedt |
| Max | Jolie Hoang-Rappaport |
| Mike | Luca Diaz |
| Lucas | Elisha “EJ” Williams |
| Dustin | Braxton Quinney |
| Will | Benjamin Plessala |
| Nikki Baxter | Odessa A’zion |
| Hopper | Brett Gipson |
| Steve | Jeremy Jordan |
| Anna Baxter | Janeane Garofalo |
| Daniel Fischer | Lou Diamond Phillips |
| Cosmo | Robert Englund |
| Karen Wheeler | Alysia Reiner |
| Nancy Wheeler | Alessandra Antonelli |
| Rosario | Valeria Rodriguez |
| Jeff | Jack Griffo |
The full character and performer list comes from Netflix Tudum’s cast announcement.
How does the animated series compare with the live-action show?
Tales From ’85 is an animated spin-off, not a retelling of the live-action seasons. Its placement between Seasons 2 and 3 makes it a side story within the established chronology, with familiar characters voiced by a new cast. The story’s winter setting and new monster mystery extend the Hawkins adventure without changing the stated timeline of the parent series.
Rank #2
- SNOW SHARK: Invade Hawkins with the Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85 Snow Shark
- SHOW INSPIRED: 4-inch figure is based on the Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85 animated series
- ARTICULATED: Features 12 points of articulation for play and display
- UV SPORE DECO: Reveals UV spore deco when lit by HIC Flashlight (sold separately)
- CROSS PLAY: Compatible with all other 4-inch scale figures, vehicles, and playsets
Robles described the intended blend of adventure and danger this way: “It’s got the thrill of being young, being a kid, and going on these thrilling adventures. But then there’s this essence of real danger, real stakes,” Netflix Tudum attributed the quote to the showrunner.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is known about the series’ audience?
Netflix reported that the five live-action Stranger Things seasons had accumulated 1.5 billion combined views from their respective premieres through March 2026. That is a franchise-wide figure, not a viewership total for Tales From ’85. Netflix’s franchise announcement gives that context.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- ANIMATED ELEVEN: Join a new campaign with Stranger Things Eleven
- SHOW INSPIRED: 4-inch figure is based on the Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85 animated series
- ARTICULATED: Features 15 points of articulation for play and display
- ACCESSORIES: Includes backpack and waffle accessories
- CROSS PLAY: Compatible with all other 4-inch scale figures, vehicles, and playsets
Rank #4
- MICRO MONSTER: Carve up the Gourde Horde with the Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85 Micro Monster Playset
- SHOW INSPIRED: 1-inch mini playset is based on Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85
- PUMPKIN BARN: Monster head opens up to reveal mini playset of the Pumpkin Farm Barn
- PLAY ZONES: Features collapsing light pole, opening trap doors, catapulting wagon, and zip line
- MINI FIGURES: Also includes 1-inch mini figures of Nikki Baxter and a Gourde Horde monster
Rank #3
- FLASHLIGHT: Shine a light on Hawkins with the Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85 HIC Flashlight
- SHOW INSPIRED: Working flashlight is based on Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85
- PROJECTION DISC: Features insertable film disc with projectable scenes from the show
- NIKKI BAXTER: Includes 4-inch Nikki Baxter figure with hidden UV spore deco
- ACCESSORIES: Also includes light blaster, harpoon, and hedgetrimmer accessories
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