New Stranger Things spinoff sets disappointing record for Netflix’s hit franchise

Animated spinoff Stranger Things: Tales From '85 has just debuted a second season after the first season hit Netflix in April, though it seems that the new episodes haven't fully convinced critics.

It's been less than a year since we said goodbye to Stranger Things as the live-action series bowed out with an emotional, if polarising, finale. Yet, fans have already been treated to two rounds of Tales From '85, an animated insert taking place during the thick Hawkins winter between seasons 2 and 3 of the main show.

Season 2 of the spinoff reunites fans with the main party, plus new character Nikki, as they battle a new threat sprouting from the snow, but the instalment is now the lowest-rated in the franchise on Rotten Tomatoes.

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At Digital Spy, we called the first season "a treat" for longtime Stranger Things lovers. This second season of Tales From '85 serves more of the same beautiful animation, though enthusiasm quickly fizzles out for a flimsy plot that's stretched even thinner than in season 1.

Despite delivering a poignant moment between Mike and Nancy and an intriguing backstory about the foundation of Hawkins, the show makes it hard to engage with the forced relationship between the gang and new kid, Nikki.

At the time of writing, Stranger Things: Tales From '85 season 2 is the only season in the series at large that's 'rotten' on Rotten Tomatoes, with a meagre critic score of 50% from eight reviews.

Season 1 fared marginally better, earning a positive score of 61% that pales. However, even that score paled in comparison with the OG series, whose seasons ranged from the near-perfect 97% for the first to the still-impressive 83% for the fifth and final season.

Some critics have argued that Tales From '85 season 2 "lacks the heart of the live-action series" (via IGN Movies) and that it's plagued by "a lack of character development" and "noticeable pacing issues" that make it "a lesser version of a story that's already been told numerous times" (via Screen Rant).

"Maybe Stranger Things fever has dwindled since April's debut, making Tales From '85's shortcomings harder to ignore, or maybe the series has settled into its didactic intent," Collider wrote.

Other critics appeared to enjoy the new season, with one saying it was "a solid step up from the first season" (via But Why Tho?) and another saying it "excels" when it stops worrying about the Stranger Things canon and "leans into wilder creatures, and weirder scenarios" (via Comic Book Club).

At present, Netflix hasn't confirmed whether Tales From '85 will return for a third season – there's only so many supernatural occurrences that can happen in the span of six months, after all – but it appears that season 2 leaves the door open for more sci-fi shenanigans.

Stranger Things: Tales From '85 seasons 1-2 are streaming on Netflix. All five seasons of Stranger Things are available on the same platform.

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Reporter, Digital Spy

Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy. 

Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).