Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things: Tales From ’85’ Retcon Plan Is Controversial

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Even if you were happy or disappointed with how Stranger Things ended, there’s more to come! An animated spin-off called Tales From ’85 is on its way, and it includes a surprising change to the original story. While many fans will miss Eleven and her friends fighting monsters and having adventures in Hawkins, the main story needed to conclude. Luckily, we’ll still get to see these characters in the spin-off, which will also feature new creatures from the Upside Down.

Fans often spend years, even decades, debating how TV shows end – think about the questions surrounding the finales of Lost or what happened to Tony Soprano. We’re still dissecting the final showdown between Vecna and The Party from Stranger Things, and alongside wondering about Eleven’s fate, there’s another big mystery on everyone’s mind. Before the Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 stories arrive in 2026, we need to address this key question.

Is Netflix’s Spin-off ‘Stranger Things: Tales From ’85’ Considered Canon?


Netflix

The new comic, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, takes place between the second and third seasons of the Stranger Things show and introduces a new character named Nikki Baxter. Fans are now wondering if the events in the comic are considered official parts of the show’s storyline.

It’s unclear whether the spin-off fits into the established storyline. Some fans on Reddit believe it does, while others aren’t so sure. One commenter pointed out that if it is canon, it could lead to even more changes and inconsistencies in the overall story.

Okay, so everyone’s been wondering why Nikki wasn’t part of the original story, and it’s totally valid. I mean, come on, are we supposed to believe Eleven and the gang just never mentioned a close friend before? Especially with Season 5 of Stranger Things dropping so many new details – and finally giving us a deeper look at the Upside Down – it feels like a huge oversight. Honestly, if I rewatch the whole series knowing about Nikki, I’ll just spend the whole time wondering where she was and if she was supposed to be a key player all along.

Spin-off, prequel, or sequel shows often introduce new characters, which can be exciting. However, in the case of the Stranger Things spin-off, it feels unnecessary. The show has already established a very detailed world, and fans are already familiar with everything about Hawkins and its mysteries. A new character might work if the spin-off took place in a different location, but since Tales From ’85 is set in the same town, it’s understandable why fans are questioning the purpose of introducing entirely new faces. The Stranger Things episode introducing Kali Prasad, while controversial, at least properly established her character before she became important in the final season. It would make more sense to include existing characters, like Kali, in this spin-off instead of creating completely new ones.

Fans can expect some enjoyable and recognizable aspects in the new series, such as locations reminiscent of the Starcourt Mall from Stranger Things Season 3. Eric Robles, the showrunner for Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, recently shared details about the first season with Netflix.tudum.com. According to Robles:

The season opens with a sweet, innocent portrayal of young love, which is a great way to introduce these characters. Eleven is thrilled to be starting fresh with new friends and experiences, and everyone is looking forward to the grand opening of the Starcourt Mall.

Many viewers were disappointed with the final season of Stranger Things, and were hoping the spin-off, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, would offer a more satisfying continuation of the story and revisit beloved characters. While the spin-off promises to be enjoyable with its animation and familiar faces, it’s understandable why some are questioning whether it’s truly needed.

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2026-02-05 15:35