Stranger Things Return Revealed in New Netflix Trailer

Netflix released the first trailer for the second season of Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 on Tuesday morning. The new run of episodes focuses on a mysterious plant causing paranormal events around Hawkins.

The YouTube description outlines the plot: “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 summary explains.

What is Stranger Things: Tales from ’85?

Set between the second and third seasons of Stranger Things, Tales from ’85 follows the core group of characters as they encounter new monsters from the Upside Down. Eric Robles and Jennifer Muro developed Tales from ’85, while the Duffer Brothers serve as executive producers. Flying Bark Productions handles the animation, a studio that also contributed to the film Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender.

Production has moved quickly between installments. The first season premiered on April 23, and Tales from ’85 returns on September 18, 2026. Season 1 drew a mixed critical reception. Some reviews argued that the animated show did a great job capturing the charm of early Stranger Things, while others felt the episodes lacked bite. The first season holds a 63% score from critics and a 52% score from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.

The animated project is the first spin-off to air after the flagship series concluded in 2025. The original show remains one of Netflix’s largest successes, and season three set the record for the platform’s most-watched original run. A live-action spin-off was reportedly in development in 2023, though Netflix has made no formal announcements regarding that project. Since finishing the main storyline, the Duffer Brothers have executive produced two other well-received horror series for Netflix, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen and The Boroughs.

Source: Polygon