Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure and Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 are separate series. Other Worlds is a live-action prequel planned for 2028. Tales From ’85 is animated and already has two seasons on Netflix. Netflix announcement, Tales From ’85.
Information checked November 6, 2026. This comparison contains premise details, not episode spoilers.
The differences at a glance
| Detail | Other Worlds | Tales From ’85 |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Live action | Animation |
| Story period | The 1950s | Winter 1985 |
| Characters | A new ensemble | Familiar Hawkins characters |
| Release status | Planned for 2028 | Two seasons available |
The comparison draws on Netflix’s Other Worlds announcement, showrunner interview and current series listing.
Where Tales From ’85 fits
Tales From ’85 takes place between Seasons 2 and 3 of the original Stranger Things. Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas and Max face another mystery in Hawkins, with new actors providing their voices. Eric Robles is the showrunner, and the Duffer Brothers are executive producers. Netflix’s interview with Robles.
That makes it a return to an earlier chapter of the familiar group’s lives. If you want more adventures with those characters, this is the title to look for.
What is confirmed about Other Worlds
Netflix announced Other Worlds on November 6, 2026. Kate Trefry is its showrunner and co-creator. The announcement describes a new setting and characters; it does not give an exact premiere date or name the cast.
One distinction matters: New Mexico is the announced production location. That does not establish where the story takes place. Netflix’s announcement.
Which one can you watch now
For an available show, open Tales From ’85 on Netflix. Other Worlds is a future release.
When checking updates, use the full series title. A trailer or release date for one spinoff does not tell you the status of the other.
