Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 Complicates Netflix’s Show Timeline

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Only a few weeks after the final episode aired, Netflix is already planning to build on the world of . The show, a supernatural thriller about growing up, was a huge cultural phenomenon for ten years, starting in 2026. The Duffer Brothers’ acclaimed series concluded on New Year’s Eve, giving a definitive ending to the stories of its memorable characters. But the story isn’t over – Netflix is developing new spinoffs to expand the universe.

Tales from ’85 is a new animated series coming to Netflix later this year. It’s set between the second and third seasons of Stranger Things and will show what Eleven, Mike, Dustin, and their friends were up to during that time. Even before it’s released, the show is adding some complexity to the established Stranger Things storyline.

Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 Complicates the Show’s Timeline

Like many prequels, this series faces challenges fitting into the existing timeline of the original show. Because there’s a significant gap between seasons 2 and 3 of Stranger Things, Tales from ’85 has some space to tell its story. However, it will still be difficult to introduce a completely new narrative into a story we already know how ends.

I’m honestly a little worried about how Tales from ’85 will work. It needs to feel important enough to grab my attention, but not so huge that it makes me question why we never heard about it in Stranger Things. The idea of more Hawkins Lab fallout causing trouble is familiar territory, and while I love seeing the main cast – Eleven, Mike, Joyce, Hopper, Dustin, Lucas, Will, and Max – back together, it feels a bit… convenient. It almost feels like Netflix is pulling a fast one by having them go on this whole adventure that’s never mentioned in the original series. I really hope it doesn’t diminish the impact of what we already know and love.

The show Tales from ’85 complicates its connection to Stranger Things by introducing a new character, Nikki Baxter, who will be part of the group’s next story. Her arrival raises questions about how Tales from ’85 fits into the overall Stranger Things universe. If Nikki is aware of the secrets of the Upside Down and Hawkins Lab, it’s strange she wasn’t included in the adventures of Seasons 3, 4, and 5. Even if her character dies in 1985, it feels unrealistic that no one ever mentions her later on.

Even though the show Stranger Things could potentially explain any inconsistencies created by Tales from ’85, many fans are likely wondering if this extra explanation is even needed. While some connections exist, it feels strange that this new series would directly conflict with the established timeline of the original show. Viewers will have to wait until Tales from ’85 arrives on Netflix in late 2026 to get definitive answers.

What’s Next for Stranger Things?

Though the main story has concluded, Stranger Things isn’t finished. The show has become Netflix’s biggest hit, especially important as the streaming service looks for consistently popular franchises. The creators, the Duffer Brothers, are starting with an animated spin-off, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, and have hinted at future projects while leaving fans to speculate about what’s next.

The first season finale introduced a connection between young Henry Creel and the Mind Flayer, and featured a mysterious stone that seemingly came from the Abyss. The show never explained where the stone came from or what happened to it. However, the creators, the Duffer Brothers, have said that an upcoming Stranger Things spin-off will explore the stone’s story. This spin-off might take place after the main series ends, showing what happens to the stone after the Upside Down is destroyed and Vecna is defeated.

As a fan of Stranger Things, I’ve been keeping up with everything happening in the franchise, and it’s expanding beyond the screen! There are several spin-offs popping up, but the stage play, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, is surprisingly important – it actually fills in crucial backstory about Henry Creel, the Mind Flayer, and the origins of Hawkins Lab, and seems to directly tie into Season 5. Sadly, Netflix hasn’t said anything about filming it for streaming, which is a shame. And for those who like to read, several novels set in the Stranger Things universe were released towards the end of 2025, offering even more to explore.

Ten years after it first started, Stranger Things is growing beyond just the original show and becoming a larger franchise. While the main series is concluding, at least two new shows are planned, along with other potential spin-offs to keep fans engaged.

You can watch Stranger Things on Netflix now. A new story, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, will be released on Netflix in late 2026.

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2026-01-27 22:37