After the final episode of the nearly 10-year-long series, Stranger Things left many fans asking: what comes next?
Online, fans have had an eruption of mixed emotions about the long-awaited finale. Some loved it and wouldn’t have had it any other way, while others are analyzing every last possible detail in the show and starting a theory that the show has one more true “finale” episode. Either way, there is an unfounded curiosity surrounding what might be left to explore in the world the Duffer brothers have created.
In an interview with Collider, Matt Duffer stated, “This is the end of the story of these characters, right? … no one’s pressuring us to bring any of these characters back. So, we’re all kind of invested in exploring completely new characters and a new mythology.” This, of course, alludes to the idea that the series is done for good.
However, just a few months ago on Nov. 6, Netflix announced the new animated Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 TV show, set to come out sometime in 2026. Matt Duffer describes the show’s goal as to “evoke the feeling of an ’80s cartoon.” Untrue to his more recent interview answer, the show follows the same main characters in between seasons two and three.
The style feels reminiscent of Arcane, following a similar 2D and 3D mix of animation, but it is currently unclear if it is also for an older audience like its source material and animation inspiration.
There is also an unnamed live-action spin-off set to release and tie off loose ends in the recent final, but it comes with no official release date. Matt Duffer says in a Variety interview that this time it will follow a brand-new cast. “We’re actually really excited, and it’s very exciting to work with a clean slate: completely new characters, new town, new world, new mythology.”
The second spinoff will apparently explain the rock in the briefcase shown in Henry’s memory in the final, but it will explore a different part of this world. There will be no more Mind Flayer.
The story of the characters the world has grown to love might have ended, but the world-building Stranger Things created has just begun.
