Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 is the first animated spin-off from the massive Netflix franchise, designed to bridge the gap between the live-action second and third seasons.
Created by the Duffer Brothers and showrunner Eric Robles, the series is set during the snowy winter of 1985 in Hawkins, Indiana. The show captures a “lost chapter” of the group’s journey, focusing on a time when Eleven, Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, and Max were attempting to settle back into a normal life of Dungeons & Dragons and snowball fights.
However, the peace is short-lived as a new, terrifying threat awakens beneath the frozen town, forcing the kids to protect Eleven from both paranormal monsters and government prying eyes.
The series is presented in a distinct animated aesthetic inspired by the Saturday-morning cartoons of the 1980s. While it features the iconic characters fans know and love, it utilizes a fresh voice cast, including Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven and Luca Diaz as Mike.
The show also introduces a new core character, Nikki Baxter, a tough newcomer who joins the “Hawkins Investigators Club.”
The series serves as a standalone “lost chapter” set between Seasons 2 and 3 of Stranger Things. It premieres globally on Netflix on April 23, 2026.
Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 Age Rating
The series is officially rated TV-14 on Netflix. This rating suggests that the content is generally intended for teenagers and adults, as it contains material that many parents may find unsuitable for children under the age of 14. This is consistent with the rating of the original live-action series, though the animated format allows for a slightly different stylistic approach to the more intense elements.
Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 Parents Guide
While the show leans into a nostalgic, animated style, it remains a supernatural thriller at its core. Parents should be aware of several key content areas:
Violence and Horror: The show features “new monsters” from the Upside Down. While animated, these sequences can be intense, featuring jump scares and characters in genuine peril.
Language: Typical of the franchise, there is frequent use of moderate profanity and “80s-style” insults exchanged between the teenagers.
Thematic Elements: The plot deals with themes of government conspiracy, the trauma of past events, and the heavy responsibility of protecting friends from harm.
Smoking/Alcohol: To maintain the historical accuracy of the 1980s setting, adult characters may be seen smoking, though it is not a focus of the story.
Is Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 Suitable for Teens?
Yes, the show is highly suitable for teens, particularly those who are already fans of the Stranger Things universe. The series focuses heavily on the “Hawkins Investigators Club,” emphasizing teamwork, the strength of friendship, and the transition from childhood to adolescence.
Because the stakes are described as “real but not apocalyptic,” it offers a thrilling experience that is less emotionally exhausting than the heavy, high-casualty seasons of the live-action finale. It serves as a great entry point for younger teens who enjoy sci-fi and mystery but might be sensitive to the extreme gore seen in the later seasons of the main show.
Ages 10–12: With Guidance. Younger viewers may enjoy the animation but could be frightened by monsters and suspense. Parental support is recommended.
Ages 13–15: Yes. Most teens in this age range should handle the scares and themes comfortably, especially fans of the franchise.
Ages 16+: Yes. Older teens will easily manage the content and appreciate the character development and lore expansion.
Final recommendation: Best suited for ages 13 and up, especially viewers familiar with Stranger Things.
What Parents Can Do
If you are planning to watch the show with your family, consider the following tips to ensure the best experience:
Watch the Teaser Together: View the official trailer with your child to gauge if the animation style and tone are appropriate for their comfort level with “scary” content.
Contextualize the 80s: Since the show uses 1985 as its backdrop, it can be a fun opportunity to talk about the technology (radios and walkie-talkies) and social norms of that decade.
Discuss the Stakes: Use the plot—where the kids must protect Eleven to keep her safe from the government—as a conversation starter about loyalty and looking out for friends.
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Stranger Things: Tales from ’85?
A: The series is rated TV-14 for fear, violence, and language.
Q: Does the show include strong language?
A: There is moderate profanity and frequent insults, similar to early Stranger Things seasons.
Q: Is the original cast voicing the characters in Stranger Things: Tales from ’85?
A: No. The animated series features a completely new voice cast portraying the characters, including Jeremy Jordan as Steve and Elisha “EJ” Williams as Lucas.
Q: Do I need to have seen the original show to understand Stranger Things: Tales from ’85?
A: Not necessarily. Familiarity with the characters helps, but the story is designed to stand alone as an untold chapter set between Seasons 2 and 3.
Q: Is Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 scarier than the live-action show?
A: Generally, no. The tone is lighter and more adventurous, while still maintaining a sense of real danger and suspense.
Q: Where can I watch Stranger Things: Tales from ’85?
A: The series will stream exclusively on Netflix starting April 23, 2026.