Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 Review: A Fun Spin-Off That Never Feels Essential

Spinning off something as iconic as Stranger Things is always risky. Fans expect the same magic, the same emotional pull, and that signature mix of horror and nostalgia.

Tales from ’85 tries to recreate that—just in animated form.

And while it gets a few things right, it never quite captures what made the original special.

⭐ Rating: 2.9 / 5

Quick Info

• Release Date: April 23, 2026

• Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix

• Genre: Mystery / Sci-Fi / Animation

• Episodes: 10 (Season 1)

• Creators: Matt Duffer & Ross Duffer

• Showrunner: Eric Robles

Story Overview

Set between Seasons 2 and 3 of the original series, the story brings us back to Hawkins in the winter of 1985.

The familiar group—Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, and Max—once again find themselves dealing with strange happenings tied to the Upside Down.

This time, the tone leans more toward an ’80s Saturday-morning cartoon style, mixing lighter storytelling with supernatural threats like new creatures and small-town mysteries.

It’s designed to feel like an “entry-level” version of Stranger Things—more accessible, less intense.

The Review

The biggest challenge this show faces is comparison—and it never escapes it.

From the start, Tales from ’85 feels like a simplified version of the world fans already know. The tone is lighter, the stakes feel lower, and the emotional depth that made the original series so compelling is noticeably reduced.

That doesn’t mean it’s bad—it just means it feels… smaller.

The animation style works well enough, especially when it leans into the retro aesthetic. There’s a clear attempt to capture that nostalgic ’80s cartoon vibe, and visually, it fits the concept.

But storytelling is where things get uneven.

Each episode moves quickly, sometimes too quickly. Conflicts are introduced and resolved without much buildup, which makes the overall narrative feel less impactful. Even when something big happens, it doesn’t always feel big.

The characters are still likable—because they’re already established—but they don’t evolve much here. This feels more like an extension than a progression.

There are moments where the show clicks, especially in episodes that focus on mystery and group dynamics. But those moments are inconsistent.

It ends up feeling like bonus content rather than must-watch storytelling.

Episode Guide & Ratings – Stranger Things:

Tales from ’85 (Season 1)

Episode 1 – “Welcome to Hawkins, New Kid”

⭐ 6.4 / 10

A decent opener that sets the tone quickly. It brings back the group dynamic and introduces the new mystery, but it feels a bit rushed. It does enough to hook you—but barely.

Episode 2 – “Bad Harvest”

⭐ 6.4 / 10

Leans more into the horror elements with strange happenings at a farm. The concept is interesting, but the execution feels safe and predictable.

Episode 3 – “Evolution”

⭐ 7.1 / 10

One of the stronger early episodes. The mystery starts to deepen, and the show finally slows down enough to let things build properly.

Episode 4 – “The Confession”

⭐ 7.1 / 10

Character moments take the spotlight here. It’s less about action and more about relationships, which actually works in its favor.

Episode 5 – “The Weekly Watcher”

⭐ 6.9 / 10

A fun, slightly chaotic episode involving a heist-style setup. It’s entertaining, but doesn’t add much to the overall story.

Episode 6 – “A Storm Is Coming”

⭐ 6.7 / 10

Build-up episode. It sets the stage for bigger events, but feels like a bridge rather than a standout chapter.

Episode 7 – “Enter the Storm”

⭐ 6.8 / 10

Tension increases, and the stakes start to feel more real. Still, it never quite reaches the intensity you expect.

Episode 8 – “The Party”

⭐ 6.6 / 10

A mix of fun and chaos, but tonally uneven. Some moments land, others feel rushed.

Episode 9 – “The Suspect”

⭐ 6.7 / 10

More mystery-driven, with some solid investigative moments. It builds intrigue but still feels slightly surface-level.

Episode 10 – “Countdown”

⭐ 7.0 / 10

A decent finale that ties things together, but doesn’t hit as hard as it should. It resolves the story—but without a major emotional payoff.

What Works

The nostalgic tone and animation style fit the concept well. The familiar characters still bring charm, and some mystery-driven episodes are genuinely engaging.

What Doesn’t Work

The story feels simplified, the stakes are lower, and the emotional depth is missing. It lacks the impact that made the original series stand out.

Standout Moments

Episodes that lean into mystery—especially involving new creatures or Hawkins secrets—offer glimpses of what the show could have been with a stronger narrative focus.

Comparison

If you compare it directly to Stranger Things, it falls short in almost every major area. Instead, it feels closer to an animated companion piece rather than a full continuation.

Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 is a decent, nostalgic spin-off that offers more time with familiar characters—but doesn’t add much to the bigger story.

It’s easy to watch, occasionally fun, and works as a lighter entry point into the universe. But for longtime fans, it may feel like a side quest rather than a meaningful chapter.