Stranger Things Spin-Off: New Series Expand the Beloved Universe
The Stranger Things Universe Continues to Grow
As the main Stranger Things series concludes with its fifth season finale in early 2026, fans can take comfort knowing that the beloved universe is far from over. The creators of Stranger Things, Matt and Ross Duffer, have confirmed that a spinoff series is officially in the works at Netflix, alongside an already-announced animated series. This expansion marks a significant moment for one of Netflix’s most successful franchises, ensuring that the supernatural mysteries and 1980s nostalgia will continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Tales From ’85: The Animated Adventure
A Stranger Things animated spin-off series called ‘Stranger Things: Tales From ’85,’ was announced by Netflix last month, and is expected to be released in 2026. The animated spin-off is set in the winter of 1985, between the second and third seasons of the main series. The series will feature all the main characters from the original TV show, which include Eleven, Mike Wheeler, Will Byers, Lucas Sinclair, Dustin Henderson, Max Mayfield, and Jim Hopper, though the actors from the TV series are not voicing their characters in the spin-off series, with new voice actors being cast in the roles.
Live-Action Spin-Off: A Fresh Start in a New Location
Beyond the animated series, the Duffer Brothers have been developing a live-action spin-off that promises to take the franchise in an entirely new direction. The spinoff relates in some ways, but it really is a completely different story and a completely different location with completely different actors and characters. Finn Wolfhard, who plays Mike Wheeler, is the only member of the Stranger Things cast to correctly guess what the spinoff may revolve around, with nobody else—not Netflix, producers, directors, or other actors—having figured it out. Wolfhard compared it to David Lynch’s Twin Peaks, describing it as sort of an anthology with different tones but similar universe, set in different places and all tied together through the mythology of the Upside Down.
What This Means for Fans
The expansion of the Stranger Things universe represents Netflix’s commitment to keeping the franchise alive while respecting the conclusion of the original story. It’s a different decade and different characters, but of course, still connected to the Stranger Things universe. While the Hawkins chapter closes, these spin-offs offer fresh perspectives on the supernatural phenomena that made the original series so compelling. For fans mourning the end of the main series, these new projects promise to deliver the same blend of mystery, adventure, and nostalgia that defined Stranger Things, while exploring uncharted territory within this expanded world.