Stranger Things Tales From ’85
Overview
Stranger Things Tales From ’85 is a compelling animated web series set in the quiet winter of 1985, filling the gap between the closing of the Gate and the bustling era of Starcourt Mall. The story follows Mike, Eleven, and their friends as they navigate typical childhood struggles in Hawkins, Indiana. However, peace remains elusive because mysterious, hybrid creatures from the Upside Down begin to haunt the outskirts of the town. With the help of a sharp new ally named Nikki Baxter, the group works to uncover secrets buried deep within the history of their home.
This animated format allows the creators to explore unsettling, dark, and eerie environments that live action rarely captures. It is a perfect watch for fans of supernatural mysteries and character-driven drama who enjoy seeing their favorite heroes face unique, terrifying, and completely unknown threats during the cold Indiana winter season.
Cast
Brooklyn Davey Norstedt
Jolie Hoang-Rappaport
Luca Diaz
Elisha Williams
Braxton Quinney
Benjamin Plessala
Brett Gipson
Jeremy Jordan
Fun Facts
- The show was initially planned to look like a bright, classic Saturday-morning cartoon (think He-Man or Scooby-Doo). However, once the writers realized the story was becoming much darker and that characters could actually die, Eric Robles pivoted to a more realistic, high-fidelity CG style.
- While The Real Ghostbusters was a major inspiration, the creators weren't just looking at the monsters. According to Robles, the real goal was to capture that classic 80s "tonal balance" where a show is mostly silly but occasionally hits you with a handful of dark and creepy episodes. To get the perfect look and feel, the team also mixed in the heroic vibes of He-Man, the mystery of Scooby-Doo, and the cutting-edge aesthetics of Spider-Verse and Arcane.