Stranger Things Animation: Bad Timing?

Hawkins, Indiana, isn’t quite done with us yet.As the dust settles from fan reactions to the Stranger Things season five finale-some disappointed,others theorizing about secret cuts-Netflix is dropping another dose of the Upside Down with Stranger Things: Tales from ’85,an animated series premiering April 23.

A Saturday Morning Cartoon Vibe

The new animated series offers a lighter, kid-friendly take on the beloved sci-fi series, set between seasons two and three.

Netflix is positioning Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 as a “Saturday morning cartoon” spin-off, and the first trailer delivers on that promise. The clips are vibrant, brimming with humor, and even the monstrous creatures from the Upside down have a surprisingly endearing quality, reminiscent of the art style in Arcane.While the core characters return, they’re voiced by a new cast, a natural choice considering the actors have aged since portraying their younger selves.

Did you know? – The Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, serve as executive producers on Tales from ’85, ensuring the animated series aligns with the established canon.

Fan Fallout and a Potential Palate Cleanser

The fifth and final season of Stranger Things sparked considerable debate, with some viewers expressing disappointment with the conclusion. The season concluded with Eleven defeating Vecna, but at a cost: Hawkins remained largely destroyed, and the characters faced an uncertain future. The finale focused on the emotional toll of the battles and the characters’ attempts to rebuild their lives, leaving some fans wanting a more definitive resolution to the overarching conflict. This even led to speculation about a hidden alternate ending that would address their concerns. Perhaps Tales from ’85 can serve as a low-pressure breather for fans still processing the finale?

Pro tip – Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 is designed to fill in gaps between seasons two and three, offering smaller, self-contained adventures rather than a continuation of the main storyline.

It’s also entirely possible that those most dissatisfied with season five will simply move on from the franchise. And that’s okay. Everyone processes stories differently, and it’s perfectly valid to “live your truth,” as they say. However, harassing the show’s creators is never acceptable.

reader question – What are your hopes for Stranger Things: Tales from ’85? Share your thoughts on how this animated series can enhance the overall experience.

Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 will be available to stream on Netflix beginning April 23.