Netflix announces release of new 2026 “Stranger Things” episodes

Netflix is keeping “Stranger Things” at the center of its 2026 lineup, with more episodes from the franchise arriving after the April debut of the animated spinoff, according to Collider. The streamer has already released all 10 episodes of “Stranger Things: Tales from ’85,” and more episodes are set to follow before the end of the year, per the source article.

The new animated series has also given Netflix a fresh way to extend the sci-fi hit. It entered Netflix’s Global Top 10 TV Shows chart for two weeks, and Netflix renewed it for a second season shortly after its premiere, according to ScreenRant.

Subscribe to Chicago Star’s Weekly City Buzz Newsletter

Kid characters take the lead

“Tales from ’85” shifts the spotlight back to the younger characters at the heart of the original series, including Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Max, Lucas and Will, along with new character Nikki Baxter, voiced by Odessa A’zion, ScreenRant confirmed. The older characters, including Steve, Hopper and Nancy, remain part of the story but play smaller roles.

The animated format also lets the franchise return to an earlier, lighter period between Seasons 2 and 3 of the main show, when the kids were still closely tied together, ScreenRant added. That change comes after later seasons drew complaints from some fans that the younger group was kept apart too often.

Read more on Chicago Star

• Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo return for last World Cup, plus other top stars to watch

• Chicago’s historic Jewelers Building gets $25M renovation, including rooftop bar 

• Get jazzy with it: Chicago Jazz Festival lineup revealed featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater

• Knicks steal game 1 from Spurs, 105-95—Jalen Brunson on fire after halftime sneaker change

More spinoffs are in motion

Netflix is also developing another “Stranger Things” spinoff, which the Duffer brothers have said will tell a new story with new characters, according to Collider. The only link to the original series will be a focus on the mysterious rock tied to Henry Creel’s powers.

That keeps the franchise moving even after the main series ended, while giving Netflix a new way to build on one of its biggest sci-fi titles.