Netflix has officially given Stranger Things fans their first exciting look at the franchise’s next chapter, as the teaser for the animated spin-off Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 is finally out. The short preview marks the beginning of a brand-new adventure in Hawkins and proves that even after Season 5, the world of the Upside Down isn’t done with us yet.

Set during the winter of 1985, the animated series takes place between the events of Seasons 2 and 3 of the original show — a time period fans never fully explored on screen. The teaser drops viewers straight back into Hawkins, but this time with a vibrant animated style that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Snowy streets, dark woods, and eerie shadows hint that something sinister is once again lurking beneath the surface of the small Indiana town.

What makes Tales From ’85 instantly intriguing is seeing the core Hawkins crew return in animated form. Eleven, Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, Max, and Chief Hopper are back together, facing new supernatural threats and mysteries tied to the Upside Down. The teaser doesn’t reveal too much about the plot, but it clearly teases monsters, chaos, and the kind of high-stakes danger that defined the original series.

The animation style leans heavily into an ’80s cartoon aesthetic, inspired by the Saturday-morning shows many fans grew up with. At the same time, it features modern, cinematic visuals that allow for bigger action sequences and more imaginative creature designs than live action could easily achieve. The result feels like a perfect blend of retro nostalgia and fresh storytelling — something that fits the Stranger Things vibe surprisingly well.

Even though the voices are performed by a new cast, the characters still carry the same personalities fans love. From Dustin’s humor to Hopper’s gruff heroism and Eleven’s quiet strength, the teaser captures the heart of what made the original group so special. It feels less like a reboot and more like a continuation of their journey.

Watch the teaser below.

Behind the scenes, the project remains closely connected to the original creators. The Duffer Brothers are serving as executive producers, ensuring that the story stays true to the Stranger Things canon while expanding the universe in new directions. This isn’t just a side project — it’s meant to add real depth to Hawkins’ timeline and explore stories that couldn’t fit into the main show.

For longtime fans, the teaser hits especially hard. After the emotional ending of Stranger Things, many wondered if we’d ever get to spend time with these characters again. Tales From ’85 feels like a welcome return — a chance to revisit the friendships, the mysteries, and the small-town horror that made the series a global phenomenon in the first place.

The animated spin-off is scheduled to release on April 23, 2026. If the teaser is anything to go by, the wait might be worth it. Between the nostalgic art style, familiar faces, and hints of new Upside Down nightmares, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 looks ready to keep the franchise alive in an exciting new way.

One thing is clear: Hawkins still isn’t safe — and the adventure is far from over.