Created by Eric Robles, Stranger Things: Chronicles of 1985 is an upcoming American animated series set to premiere on Netflix in 2026. Directly inspired by the universe crafted by the Duffer brothers, this animated spin-off expands the franchise’s story while adopting a unique format and tone. Produced by Flying Bark, the series features voice work by Brooklyn Norstedt, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, and Luca Diaz, and takes place in Hawkins during the winter of 1985.
As the small town in Indiana is gripped by an unusually harsh cold snap, strange new phenomena start to disrupt daily life. Unfamiliar creatures emerge from the shadows, stirring fears that many thought were long buried. Once again, the young heroes find themselves up against forces beyond their understanding, in a setting made even more treacherous by the brutal weather conditions.
Across the episodes, the series unfolds a central paranormal mystery that extends far beyond the snowy streets of Hawkins. The storyline follows a familiar timeline for fans of the original series, while also delving into fresh character arcs and thematic elements unique to the animated format, all without revealing any major spoilers about the main plot.
The project is overseen by Eric Robles, serving as showrunner and executive producer, with direct involvement from Matt and Ross Duffer through Upside Down Pictures, alongside Shawn Levy (21 Laps), Hilary Leavitt, and Dan Cohen. The selection of Flying Bark studio, renowned for its vibrant animated series, signifies an intention to create a bold visual identity—distinct from live-action but still true to the essence of the franchise.
Creatively, the series continues Netflix's broader effort to expand the Stranger Things universe, alongside live-action seasons, spin-offs, and immersive experiences. It also reflects an emerging trend of delving into popular franchises through animation, offering greater creative freedom in storytelling and visual style.
The visual and narrative universe of Stranger Things: Chronicles of 1985 is aimed at both teenage and adult audiences, particularly fans of the original series. The animation enhances the horror and fantastical elements, while maintaining the core themes of the franchise: friendship, fear of the unknown, and confrontation with extraterrestrial forces, all set within an atmosphere reminiscent of 1980s genre cinema.
Stranger Things: Tales from 1985
Series | Coming in 2026
Season 1 dropping soon on Netflix
Animation, sci-fi, horror | 1 season
Created by Eric Robles | Starring Brooklyn Norstedt, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Luca Diaz
Original title: Stranger Things: Tales From ’85
Country of origin: United States
With this animated adaptation, the Stranger Things franchise continues its transmedia expansion by offering a fresh entry point into the Hawkins universe. Not intended to replace the original series, Chronicles of 1985 aims to deepen the existing mythos through a complementary format that focuses on atmosphere and the exploration of new storylines.
For those looking to delve deeper, check out our curated list of upcoming Netflix series, our guide to latest streaming releases across all platforms, and today’s top picks for what to watch tonight in streaming.
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