Netflix is set to expand the Stranger Things universe with an animated series arriving in just a few days. Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85 serves as an interstitial bridge, chronicling new exploits for Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, Eleven, and Max during the relatively quiet period between the show’s second and third seasons. While I remain cautiously optimistic about the series’ quality, the creative team made a brilliant decision regarding its placement on the timeline. Navigating any other narrative gap would have been a logistical headache and likely would have necessitated the absence of cornerstone characters vital to the franchise’s identity.
For those needing a refresher, season 2 introduced the Mayfield siblings—Max and Billy—to Hawkins, while Hopper kept Eleven hidden away in his cabin. The season was defined by the looming threat of the Mind Flayer, which held Will in its thrall, and the frantic battle against the Demodogs. By the time the season wrapped, the gate to the Upside Down was sealed, and the friend group enjoyed a rare moment of peace at the Snow Ball.
The primary benefit of setting this animated spin-off after season 2 is the full inclusion of Max. Her introduction fundamentally altered the show’s chemistry; the playful rivalry between Dustin and Lucas over her, followed by their eventual relationship, provided a much-needed spark. Her sharp-witted, skeptical nature perfectly offset the earnestness of the original group. Without Max, the party simply doesn’t feel complete.
Conversely, setting the series earlier would have been a mistake: we would lose Max’s humor, and because the world initially believed Eleven was dead following the events of season 1, she wouldn’t have been able to interact with the broader group.
Beyond the main group, the post-season 2 landscape allows for a fantastic ensemble. Steve Harrington had fully pivoted into his role as a reliable ally, Hopper was comfortably settling into his protective father figure role, and even Joyce was finding a way to move forward despite her grief. Placing the series after season 3, however, would have been difficult, as the cast was scattered and Hopper was presumed dead in Russia. Likewise, a setting between seasons 4 and 5 would feel hollow, with Max incapacitated and the group fractured by distance.
Ultimately, the “kid-centric” charm of the early seasons is what hooked us, and as the actors have grown, some of that magic has inevitably faded. To succeed, Tales from ‘85 must recapture that sense of wonder and fun. By revisiting the golden age of their childhood, the show has the best possible chance of striking a chord with fans.
The first season of Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85 debuts on Netflix on April 23.
Source: Polygon
