How does Stranger Things: Tales From '85 fit into the overall Stranger Things timeline?

The animated series takes place in the winter of 1985, between the events of seasons 2 and 3 of the main Stranger Things series, allowing it to expand on the unseen events during that period.

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Stranger Things Animated Series Expands the Upside Down in 1985

Q: What is the new Stranger Things animated series about?

The new animated series Stranger Things: Tales From '85 explores the unseen winter of 1985 between seasons 2 and 3 of the live-action Stranger Things series, following the Hawkins crew as they face fresh dangers from the Upside Down.

Q: Who are the new characters in Stranger Things: Tales From '85?

The most notable new character is Nikki Baxter, a tinker with pinkish hair who stands out in the animated world of the series.

17 Nov, 2025

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Summary

New animated series Stranger Things: Tales From '85 set in 1985 winter
Introduces new character Nikki Baxter, a tinker with pinkish hair
Follows Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, and Lucas facing fresh Upside Down dangers

Stranger Things Animated Series Expands the Upside Down in 1985

In November 2025, Netflix announced the upcoming release of Stranger Things: Tales From '85, an animated series that will expand the popular sci-fi/horror franchise's universe. The new show is set to take place during the winter of 1985, the period between seasons 2 and 3 of the live-action Stranger Things series.

The first look at Stranger Things: Tales From '85 debuted at the 2025 Annecy Animation Festival in France, showcasing the series' seamless integration with the world fans already know. While the original live-action actors will not provide the voices, the animated series will feature the familiar Hawkins crew of Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, and Lucas facing new dangers from the Upside Down.

One of the most notable new characters is Nikki Baxter, a tinker with pinkish hair who stands out in the animated world. The series is set to explore fresh threats to the town, with the trailer hinting at the appearance of young Demogorgons and other paranormal entities.