For nearly a decade, Stranger Things remained the crown jewel of Netflix, and in many ways, of the streaming era. The final season had all the hype in the world. The first four seasons were a masterclass in heart, horror, and nostalgia, and the same was expected from Season 5. But that didn’t happen. Because of that, Netflix’s first major franchise expansion, the animated spinoff Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, is bearing the brunt of fans’ anger.
Released in early access through select theatrical screenings this past weekend, the series has already been met with a wave of “review bombing” and genuine critical backlash. On IMDb, the show currently sits at a staggering 4.2/10, a rating unheard of for a franchise that once consistently hovered in the mid-to-high 8s.
The main reason for the backlash isn’t just the quality of the new show, but the lingering resentment from the live-action finale. Fans are still reeling from “Conformity Gate,” a viral conspiracy theory that claimed a “secret better ending” existed, and many feel the final battle with Vecna tarnished the franchise’s legacy.
By releasing Tales from ’85 just four months after the main series ended, Netflix may have underestimated the anger of its audience. The review bombing clearly suggests that it wasn’t a good idea for the streaming giant to give viewers so little time to move past the “disappointment” of Season 5.
But hold on… There are other factors too.
In a move that created an immediate disconnect, none of the original live-action cast members, including Millie Bobby Brown or Finn Wolfhard, returned to voice their characters. For a show built on the chemistry of its leads, hearing completely new voices for Eleven and the gang felt like a betrayal to many viewers.
Moreover, viewers have criticised the CGI as “cheap” and “uninspired,” claiming it lacks the cinematic grit that made the original show a hit.
Set between Seasons 2 and 3, the show is being marketed as a “lost season.” Critics argue that introducing pumpkin zombies and new vine monsters in 1985 creates massive continuity errors, making the stakes feel non-existent since we already know the characters survive until the series finale.
While some defenders on Reddit and other social media platforms argue that the show is being unfairly targeted by “immature” fans who haven’t seen the full season, others suggest the 4.7 score is a fair reflection of a product that lacks prestige.
The introduction of new characters, specifically Nikki Baxter, has been labelled as unnecessary filler for a story that was already complete.
Netflix is reportedly doubling down on the brand, with rumours of a second spinoff, The Storyteller and the Mage, potentially bringing back the original actors. But for now, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85’ serves as a cautionary tale: nostalgia is a powerful tool, but when used as a shield for a low-stakes cash grab, fans will eventually bite back. Stay tuned for more updates.
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