Stranger Things Animated Series Official Title Announced

Netflix has officially named its upcoming Stranger Things Animated Series: Stranger Things: Tales From ’85.

The announcement arrives straight from the series’ creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, who have long dreamed of expanding the franchise into animation.

Here’s everything you need to know about this new entry in the Upside Down universe.

1. The Official Title and Its Inspiration

The Stranger Things Animated Series will carry the nostalgic subtitle Tales From ’85, evoking the heyday of Saturday morning cartoons. According to the Duffer Brothers:

“We’ve always dreamed of an animated Stranger Things in the vein of the Saturday morning cartoons that we grew up loving, and to see this dream realized has been absolutely thrilling.”

Duffer Brothers Stranger Things Animated Series Official Title Announced

By anchoring the series in 1985, the show promises to capture the spirit of the original hit while exploring fresh, standalone stories.

2. The Creative Team Behind the Animation

Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen Stranger Things Animated Series Official Title Announced

The project is executive produced by the Duffer Brothers under their Upside Down Pictures banner, alongside industry veterans Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen of 21 Laps, and animation expert Eric Robles of Flying Bark Productions. The Duffer Brothers enthuse:

“We couldn’t be more blown away by what Eric Robles and his team have come up with – the scripts and artwork are incredible, and we can’t wait to share more with you!”

This powerhouse collaboration combines Netflix’s blockbuster storytelling with Robles’s animation pedigree, promising high-quality visuals and compelling narratives.

3. Tone and Style: A Nod to the ’80s

By referencing classic cartoons, Tales From ’85 aims to blend the franchise’s signature suspense with a more whimsical, episodic format.

Stranger Things Animated Series Official Title Announced — Stranger Things

Each short adventure will spotlight new characters and scenarios, all while maintaining ties to familiar themes—friendship, courage, and the supernatural. Expect the Stranger Things Animated Series to feature:

Period-accurate aesthetics—vintage color palettes and hand-drawn textures.
Episodic mysteries—each installment a self-contained tale with nods to the Upside Down lore.
Humor and heart—balancing suspense with the lighthearted fun of ’80s cartoons.

4. How It Fits into the Stranger Things Universe

Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 will expand the mythos without altering the main storyline. According to Netflix, the animated series will “propel the adventure forward” while leaving live-action events intact. This approach mirrors other successful spin-offs—offering fans new corners of Hawkins to explore without retconning established canon.

5. Production Timeline and Release Window

Currently in early production, the Stranger Things Animated Series does not yet have a release date. Netflix insiders suggest a late-2025 premiere, following final animation passes and voice recording sessions. With principal creative development already underway, fans can expect official teasers and concept art drops later this year.

6. What We’ve Seen So Far

A brief behind-the-scenes featurette released during Netflix’s Tudum event offered a glimpse at:

Storyboard sketches showing classic ’80s set pieces—arcades, roller rinks, and vintage TVs.
Character designs that balance the franchise’s gritty tone with cartoonish expressiveness.
Early script excerpts hinting at brand-new mysteries, from disappearing pets to cryptic crypts.

While plot details remain under wraps, the Duffer Brothers teased that each episode will stand alone, making the Stranger Things Animated Series a great entry point for newcomers.

7. Why Fans Should Be Excited

Fresh Format: Animation allows for imaginative storytelling beyond live-action constraints.
Nostalgic Appeal: The ’85 setting captures the era’s pop-culture charm.
Expanded Lore: New characters and adventures deepen the Upside Down mythos.
Creative Team: With the Duffers, Levy, and Robles at the helm, quality is guaranteed.

As the Duffer Brothers put it, “The adventure continues …”—this time in full animated glory.