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More Stranger Things adventures are on the way, as Netflix is renewing the animated spin-off Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85 for a second season. Stranger Things is undeniably the biggest IP under Netflix’s belt, and although the original show ended at the end of 2025, Netflix and The Duffer Brothers aren’t putting the brand to bed just yet.
Despite Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85 receiving middling reviews from critics (IGN gave it a 6), it still managed to land in the top 15 debuts for an animated Netflix show. As a result, Netflix is full speed ahead on another season. Season 2 will be released sometime this fall and feature another adventure with the Stranger Things gang.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, showrunner Eric Robles talked a bit about the long-term plans for the show, which seemingly extend beyond a second season. Robles noted that he realizes there are some gaps in the continuity — particularly with the character of Nikki Baxter, who is brand new to the Stranger Things universe and goes unmentioned in the original series — and he aims to resolve that.
“This is going to be a really fun ride for the story that I want to tell,” said Robles. “But I don’t plan to overstay my welcome. I’m giving you a very vague answer, but I have an idea of what feels right for me, creatively, in terms of the story introducing Nikki Baxter — her not being around anymore and what that means. Technically, she doesn’t fit into the timeline. It’s not in the cards, in the sense that this was developed when the Duffers were in season four post[-production]. What I can say is that I understand the responsibility of ending this story for this series correctly — what the kids process, how they move forward after that, how it connects perfectly to season three and why they don’t talk about her.”
Earlier this month, Netflix released the first season of the animated spin-off that fills in the gap between Stranger Things Season 2 and Season 3. The show is a more family-friendly take on the series with brighter colors and a less menacing tone. The series centers on the core cast of characters from the original show, but very few of its original stars returned to reprise their roles. Unlike its predecessor, which spread its episodes out in bursts across two months, the animated series rolled out all 10 episodes at the same time.
Tales From ‘85 isn’t the only Stranger Things spin-off, either. The Duffer Brothers have loosely discussed another live-action Stranger Things series that is totally separate from the characters in the original show and doesn’t take place in Hawkins. It’s unclear exactly when that project may materialize or what it may look like, but it’s yet another example of Netflix trying to keep the Stranger Things train moving.
Cade Onder is a freelancer for IGN’s news team. He covers all things entertainment, including gaming, film, and more. You can find him on Twitter @Cade_Onder.
