Netflix has unveiled the first trailer for the second season of its animated Stranger Things spin-off, Stranger Things: Tales From '85. The upcoming season is set to premiere on September 18, 2026, with the trailer teasing a story centered around a mysterious plant that triggers paranormal phenomena.
The new trailer's description states, "With Valentine’s Day on the way, the gang must uncover the truth behind ghostly apparitions and a swarm of strange creatures causing chaos around town." The animated series is set between the second and third seasons of the original Stranger Things, following the main cast as they encounter creatures from the Upside Down. Flying Bark Productions, known for its work on the film Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender, animated the show. Eric Robles and Jennifer Muro developed Tales from '85, with the Duffer Brothers serving as executive producers.
Stranger Things: Tales From '85 debuted its first season on April 23, 2026. The rapid turnaround for a second season, premiering just months later, is notable. Season 1 garnered a mixed reception, with critics scoring it 63% and audiences 52% on Rotten Tomatoes. While some praised its ability to capture the original show's charm, others felt it lacked impact.
This animated spin-off is the first to emerge since the conclusion of the main Stranger Things series in 2025. Given the immense popularity of the original, which saw its third season set records for Netflix viewership, further expansions were anticipated. While a live-action spin-off was reportedly in development as of 2023, no formal announcements have been made. The Duffer Brothers have since executive produced two other well-received Netflix horror series: Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen and The Boroughs.