Stranger Things Spinoff Review: Tales From ’85 Is A Fun Concept, But It Misunderstands Its Audience

by

The world of Stranger Things is expanding with a new animated spinoff, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, now available on Netflix. While a spinoff once seemed like a sure win during the show’s original popularity, the franchise has evolved, and its future isn’t quite as certain.

As a fan, I was curious about the voice acting in Tales from ’85, knowing all the main Stranger Things characters were recast for the animated spinoff. But honestly, it didn’t bother me at all! In fact, I was really impressed – some of the new voices are incredibly similar to the originals. More importantly, the show really captures the personalities and little quirks of each character in animated form. They totally nailed it!

Before its release, Netflix described the animated spinoff, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, as a simpler introduction to the world of Stranger Things, designed for viewers of all ages. With a TV-PG rating, it’s mostly aimed at kids, offering a way for younger fans to experience the story before they’re ready for the main series. However, Tales from ’85 actually assumes viewers have already seen the first two seasons of Stranger Things, which makes it unclear exactly who the spinoff is intended for.

Tales From ’85 Can’t Decide Why The Spinoff Exists

If you’ve seen all five seasons of Stranger Things, the new spinoff, Tales from ’85, will fit seamlessly into the show’s timeline. It’s set in January 1985, between seasons 2 and 3 – after the characters face the Mind Flayer in 1984, but before it returns in July. While new viewers can still enjoy the animated adventure, it’s assumed you’ll have seen up to the end of Stranger Things season 2 to fully understand what’s happening.

By the time the story begins, Eleven, Mike, and their friends already have a strong, established relationship, including newer members like Max and Steve. The show also assumes viewers are familiar with past events – like Will’s experience with the Upside Down, Eleven’s powers, and how the Gate was closed in season two. While dedicated fans will remember these details, new viewers might struggle to understand the story if the initial premise isn’t engaging, which is a problem considering the spinoff is supposed to attract a younger audience unfamiliar with the series.

The animated spinoff, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, creates some continuity issues for the main series. Because it was created long after the early seasons aired and takes place between them, it doesn’t quite align perfectly with the established timeline. The main show didn’t integrate much from the spinoff, and Tales from ’85 doesn’t really set up events in Stranger Things season 3. If you’re someone who pays close attention to details and plot consistency, these discrepancies might bother you.

The Timing Of Stranger Things’ New Release Doesn’t Do The Spinoff Any Justice

It’s only been a few months since the latest season of Stranger Things finished airing. Usually, if a show receives a lot of positive feedback, creators quickly consider bringing it back in some way to capitalize on that enthusiasm. However, the fifth season of Stranger Things hasn’t been received as well by either fans or critics, making a continuation less likely.

Most viewers felt the ending of Stranger Things was disappointing, particularly long-time fans who’ve watched since 2016. Instead of allowing time for reactions to settle, the franchise is quickly moving forward with a spinoff. If Netflix had anticipated the show’s huge success and the need for longer production times, a spinoff might have happened earlier, before the events of season 5 affected how people felt about it. However, it’s difficult for anyone to predict what will happen in the future.

The winter setting for Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 is a clever idea, especially considering the Mind Flayer and creatures from the Upside Down are vulnerable to heat. Plus, Indiana, where the show takes place, frequently has cold, snowy winters. However, releasing this winter-themed spinoff in January, as spring approaches, feels like a strange decision considering the timing.

Tales From ’85 Has Several Enjoyable Moments, But You’ll Need To Ignore Stranger Things Lore

While it’s unclear who Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 is really made for, it has some fun parts. It’s interesting to see Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Will, Lucas, and Max before everything changes for them, but you have to ignore the show’s complicated backstory to actually enjoy it.

It’s understandable to wonder about new creatures and characters who might not play a big role in the overall story. However, it’s enjoyable to revisit the time when the original group of friends were all together, especially knowing their time together is limited given Eleven’s current situation in Stranger Things. While battling monsters in Hawkins can become predictable, this spin-off offers some thrilling action scenes that feel new and exciting thanks to its animation style.

Although Tales from ’85 doesn’t fully feel necessary, the story’s ending leaves room for a potential continuation, making another chapter intriguing. Even if Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 doesn’t get renewed, it could still influence the future of the Stranger Things series.

You can watch all ten episodes of Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 on Netflix starting April 23, 2026.

Read More

2026-04-23 10:12