Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 returns to Netflix on September 17 with 10 new episodes, continuing its animated adventure between the second and third seasons of the original series.
The original Stranger Things became a hit through its young ensemble and its blend of 1980s adventure, horror and science fiction. That same combination remains central to this spin-off, which brings Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Will, Eleven and Max back to Hawkins.
For readers who enjoy retro entertainment, the animated format also fits the era it recreates. In the 1980s, turning a popular property into a cartoon was common practice, giving Tales from ’85 an extra connection to its period setting.
What to expect from season 2
The second season is set around Valentine’s Day. Its story follows the group as they investigate ghostly apparitions and a swarm of unusual creatures creating chaos across town.
The series received a mixed response in its first season, although its voice cast was considered a good fit for the familiar characters. Its energetic, youthful tone also aims to preserve the spirit of the original show. You can find further coverage of the animated series in this Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 guide.
Before the new episodes arrive, here is a recap of the first season.
Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 season 1 recap
The story opens with a small creature from the Upside Down being chased by a scientist wearing a hazmat suit. The scientist burns the creature, but its remains release spores into the air. Once those spores reach the ground, more monsters grow. Unlike many earlier Upside Down creatures, these threats have a distinctly plant-like appearance.
The Hawkins kids soon discover what is happening. When a newcomer named Nikki, played by Odessa A’zion, is attacked, Eleven uses her powers in front of her. Nikki, an outsider much like the members of the group, is welcomed into the party and develops a particularly strong friendship with Will.
Max and Lucas investigate the pumpkin patch previously connected with season 2 of the original series. They find that the pumpkins have transformed into monsters, and learn that some have been transported to a nearby festival. The group races there, where Eleven destroys a giant pumpkin creature. The victory carries a cost: each defeated monster releases more spores.
The source of the plant monsters
As the season progresses, the children suspect that someone in Hawkins is behind the outbreak. Attention falls on Nikki’s mother, Anna, played by Janeane Garofalo. She is a plant-focused substitute science teacher at Hawkins Middle School.
The real experimenter turns out to be Anna’s boyfriend, Daniel, played by Lou Diamond Phillips. Daniel had worked as a low-level scientist at Hawkins Lab before its closure. His experiments on a dead plant from the Upside Down accidentally create a hive mind controlling the plant monsters.
After the Hawkins kids confront him, Daniel admits that the disaster began as an experiment that went wrong. He joins them in the attempt to defeat the larger creature, but refuses to abandon his samples of spores. The big monster eats him during the final confrontation.
Eleven finishes the fight by crushing the creature in a doorway leading to the Upside Down. Once the danger appears to be over, the friends celebrate with a game of Dungeons & Dragons. The closing scene delivers one final warning: additional spores have produced another strange plant.
Could season 2 be the end?
The first season takes place during the school winter break, while the new story is set roughly two months later around Valentine’s Day. Because the series sits between seasons 2 and 3 of the original show, its timeline may limit how many further seasons are possible.
The lukewarm reaction to the first season adds to the uncertainty, so season 2 could potentially be the final chapter. That will not be clear until the new episodes arrive.
Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 season 2 premieres on Netflix on September 17 with 10 episodes.
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