By Ben Wright (@Iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review is spoiler-free.
Synopsis:
Set in 1985, before the events of Stranger Things Season 3, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 expands the world of Hawkins through a series of eerie, character-driven stories.
Blending new faces with familiar ones, it explores a fresh supernatural mystery and the lingering sense that something isn’t quite right beneath the town’s surface, offering a wider, more atmospheric look at the Stranger Things universe.
The creators of Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 set out to recapture that early blend of nostalgia and horror that made Stranger Things such a standout. While those elements are definitely present, the show never quite manages to tap into the same magic. It often feels like it is reaching for that tone rather than naturally sitting in it, and as a result, it doesn’t fully land in the way it clearly wants to.
That said, this isn’t a bad series. It is an easy watch, consistently enjoyable, and there are moments where it really clicks. It just never quite pushes beyond being “good” into something genuinely memorable. Given the strength of the concept and what animation allows you to do creatively, it does feel like a bit of a missed opportunity that the storytelling doesn’t hit harder. The nostalgia mostly comes through in the soundtrack, with some great punk-leaning track choices that do a lot of the heavy lifting in setting the tone.
With none of the original core cast returning, the focus shifts to a new ensemble. Some of the voice work can feel a little off at first, especially if you are used to how these characters sound, but it’s easy enough to adjust to after an episode or so. Where the show does get it right is with its new additions. Nikki, voiced by Odessa A’zion, is a real highlight, bringing a chaotic, slightly abrasive energy that shakes things up in a good way. Nikki will probably split opinion, some will love that edge, others might find them a bit much, but the character definitely stands out. There are shades of Eddie Munson in how Nikki is positioned within the group, which may work for some and not for others. Elsewhere, Janeane Garofalo and Lou Diamond Phillips bring a bit of weight to the supporting cast, and Robert Englund popping up again, albeit in a different way, is a nice touch for long-time fans.
The animation is easily the standout. From the character designs to the backgrounds, it has a really distinct look that suits this world. There’s a slight video game cinematic feel to how it moves, which actually works in its favour. Given how tied gaming culture is to Stranger Things, it feels like a natural fit rather than a distraction. It also leans into a slightly more family-friendly tone visually, which the bright, vibrant style supports well.
Looking ahead, there is definitely potential here. Focusing on smaller, more contained stories, like the early days of the main series, feels like the right approach. There’s something quite nice about spending time in this slightly calmer version of Hawkins, before things spiral into full-scale chaos. At the same time, the show is a bit boxed in by the wider timeline, which limits how far it can really push things without stepping on established events. And realistically, there’s only so many strange happenings you can throw at one small town before it starts to feel a bit stretched.
Finally, and maybe most importantly, this doesn’t come across as a cynical cash-in. There is clearly a lot of care behind it. The issues feel more like things not quite coming together, rather than a lack of effort. Not everything works, and the writing can feel a little flat in places, but there is enough here to build on, should they wish to continue the show. Whether or not we get more is over to the fans, and, in all honesty, I’m not sure there is enough appetite. Time will tell.
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 offers a visually strong return to Hawkins, even if the story doesn’t always match that level. It may not capture the magic of what came before, but with a bit more confidence in its own voice, it could easily grow into something much more worthwhile.
X-Geeks 