Stranger Things: Tales from '85

Welcome back to Hawkins in the stark winter of 1985, where the town still wears the awkward scars of past encounters with the strange. This animated spin off follows the original ensemble as they confront a fresh wave of monsters, all while a growing paranormal mystery tightens its grip on daily life. Old friendships are tested when loyalties clash with secrets the town would rather keep hidden, yet the group finds strength in teamwork, humor, and a stubborn belief that science and courage can illuminate the darkest corners. The series keeps the nostalgic mood intact, but it leans into bold visuals and brisk action to tell a larger, more mythic story. Fans will notice the balance of danger and humor.

Production & Release: The show is led by Eric Robles with Matt and Ross Duffer, bringing a fresh animated chapter to the Stranger Things universe, with a voice cast including Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven and Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max.

Reception & Themes: Early reactions lean positive, with a 9.5 out of 10 rating from two votes, signaling strong fan enthusiasm for the animation and its expanded Hawkins world. The show explores friendship resilience and curiosity in the face of eerie phenomena and honors the retro mood.

Cultural Impact: While still early, the title has sparked nostalgia driven chatter among fans and creators alike. The animation creates new visual memes and theories about Hawkins, expanding the franchise's retro aesthetic into fresh formats that influence fan art and discussion across communities.

Awards: As of now there are no major nominations announced for this animated extension. Industry eyes are on its artistry and how it ties into the broader Stranger Things universe, with observers noting potential for future nominations as the season progresses. It remains to be seen how it stacks up.