Netflix’s New Adventure: Tales from the ’80s

Hey there, fellow nerds and pop culture enthusiasts! So, here’s the scoop: our beloved Stranger Things is wrapping up with its grand finale – a three-part Season 5 extravaganza! It feels like just yesterday we were binge-watching these kids battle monsters and navigate the ups and downs of the Upside Down.

But wait, don’t put those bike helmets away just yet! Netflix has decided that an ending isn’t enough for such a massive hit. Enter the newest player in the Stranger Things universe: Tales From ’85, an animated series that promises to hitch a ride on the nostalgia train between Seasons 2 and 3. Can you say, “Holy smokes!”? Cause I sure can!

The Teaser That Has Us Buzzing

Netflix dropped a teaser featuring our favorite Hawkins kids—yes, the crew we’ve grown to love and protect like they’re our own. Picture this: cartoon versions of them zooming around on their bikes, ready for some epic adventures. If your heart isn’t fluttering at the thought, check your pulse!

But then again, did you catch what Matt Duffer said? He’s all about capturing that authentic ’80s cartoon essence. I mean, do we really need to evoke memories of monsters hiding around corners and jumping chasms in a fun, animated way? Absolutely! But can we also discuss how the animation style looks like it’s fresh out of 2024 instead of the good ol’ ’80s?

What Happened to Those Classic Animation Vibes?

Now, don’t get me wrong—there were some great animations back in the day! Who doesn’t cherish the memories of Akira, The Little Mermaid, or DuckTales? But let’s not kid ourselves; a lot of the cartoons we watched as kids were, well, kind of wonky looking. It was all part of the charm—those janky drawings were a big part of our nostalgic fondness.

But the clips from the teaser? They look sleek, slick, totally NOT your classic ’80s cartoon style. And the Duffers seem to know it too, as they’re throwing around phrases like “the sky’s the limit!” when it comes to animation. Spoiler alert: I’m all for adventure, but maybe we need to pump the brakes on the over-the-top expectations of reality versus fantasy.

Nostalgia vs. Reality: Can They Coexist?

Sure, they sprinkle in some ’80s flavor here and there—like Dustin’s rad blue and orange jacket or a classic Jaws poster on Mike’s wall. But let’s be real. Those are just cool things that scream ‘80s without really pulling you back into the life of a kid exploring pizza shops and avoiding the dangers of the Upside Down!

The show does a great job of giving viewers a cozy vibe from the ’80s, but if they start comparing Tales from ’85 directly with those cheesy cartoon classics, well, that might come off a bit desperate. It’s like trying to hit a bullseye after the darts have been thrown! Excuses and nostalgia can only carry you so far.

When Can We Jump on the ’85 Train?

So, mark your calendars, ’80s kids! Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 is making its way to Netflix in 2026. Will it deliver the cartoon adventure we didn’t know we needed? Only time will tell! Grab those bike helmets and prepare for the ride!