Is Stranger Things’ Animated Spinoff Canon? Let’s Break It Down

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Despite finishing its five-season run, the world of Stranger Things isn’t finished. A new spinoff series, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, is now available, though how it fits into the overall story can be a little confusing. Since its 2016 debut, Stranger Things became one of Netflix’s most popular shows, consistently topping the charts. While the finale sparked some debate, there are still stories to tell in Hawkins and the Upside Down, and the franchise is growing with an animated show.

Called Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, this animated series goes back in time to show what the kids from Hawkins were up to between the second and third seasons. It brings back Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max as they tackle a new mystery involving creatures from the Upside Down, and they get help from a new friend named Nikki. While it fits somewhere in the middle of the Stranger Things story, the creators have promised it stays true to the established storyline.

Eric Robles, the showrunner, told IGN that “Tales From ’85” stays true to the established story of “Stranger Things,” even though the relationship isn’t always straightforward. The show doesn’t alter the main plot, but it does expand on it in complex ways. Overall, “Tales From ’85” is considered part of the official “Stranger Things” story, but with a few nuances to keep in mind.

Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 Canon Status Isn’t So Simple

The events in Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 officially fit within the show’s storyline and character history, taking place in Hawkins and involving the Upside Down. However, some details might cause fans to question how perfectly it aligns with everything else. Specifically, the story happens between seasons 2 and 3 – after Eleven closes the gate to the Upside Down, but before the events at Starcourt Mall and the discovery of the Russian base.

Given the setup, it was always going to be challenging for Tales From ’85 to create a fresh story with new characters and creatures while still fitting into the established Stranger Things timeline. A major issue that casts doubt on its official status is the fact that nothing from the show is ever acknowledged in the later seasons (3, 4, and 5) of Stranger Things – but the creator, Robles, does have an explanation for this.

Robles shared with IGN that he understands viewers might question why the events of Tales From ’85 aren’t referenced in the main storyline. He explained that the characters have much more pressing issues to deal with. Throughout the series, the Hawkins group faced major threats: Russians and the Mind Flayer in season 3, Vecna (played by Jamie Campbell Bower) in season 4, and ultimately a final showdown with Vecna in season 5.

Although Tales From ’85 provides a reason why the characters haven’t talked about the winter of 1985, it will likely make fans wonder how it fits into the official Stranger Things storyline and how important its events actually are. While officially considered part of the Stranger Things canon – meaning it takes place in the same universe and features the familiar characters – the story it tells could be a little confusing for viewers.

Tales From ’85 Treats Its Story As “Frozen Time” Between Stranger Things Seasons 2 & 3

To clarify where Tales From ’85 fits into the overall Stranger Things story, Robles explained they aimed to create adventures that felt like they happened during the same time period as the main show. Their goal was to offer the characters fresh and enjoyable experiences while still respecting the established storyline and timeline.

The best way to understand Tales From ’85 is to think of it as a story that fits between seasons 2 and 3 of Stranger Things. It’s a smaller piece of the overall story, and as creator Robles explained to IGN, it doesn’t disrupt the main plot whether you watch it or not. If you do watch it, though, it’s a fun extra adventure for Eleven and the others.

Essentially, Tales From ’85 follows the young friends from Hawkins on a new adventure. While it doesn’t have quite the same level of danger as the main Stranger Things show, it’s still a fun and interesting story. Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 faced some difficulties fitting into the existing timeline, which can be a little confusing, but it works well as a standalone story and a great addition to the Stranger Things universe.

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2026-04-23 00:29