Netflix may still be the undisputed king of streaming in 2026, but even its most beloved franchises aren't immune to a sophomore slump. The second season of Stranger Things: Tales From '85, the animated spin-off of the streamer's flagship sci-fi hit, premiered last week to surprisingly little fanfare—and it's already missing from Netflix's coveted top 10 list.
For a franchise that once defined pop culture, the absence is striking. The original Stranger Things wrapped its live-action run late last year after nearly a decade, and Netflix wasted no time expanding the universe with Tales From '85. Season 1 was a massive streaming success, but Season 2, which arrived after a surprise renewal, is struggling to recapture that magic. According to early data, viewers just aren't tuning in the way they used to.
Why Is the Audience Drifting Away?
There are a few theories floating around. First, the cast. While Tales From '85 centers on the same characters fans know and love, none of the original live-action stars returned to voice their animated counterparts. That disconnect has made it harder for some viewers to invest in these new adventures. As one critic noted in our season 2 review, the show often feels like a cover band playing the hits—familiar, but missing the spark.
Second, the story. Both fans and critics have grown increasingly bored with the narrative direction of Tales From '85. What once felt like a fresh way to explore Hawkins' mythology now feels like a retread. With so many new shows dropping every week on Netflix, it's easy for a middling animated series to get lost in the shuffle. And Netflix's own trigger-happy cancellation habits don't help—shows like The Boroughs and Ransom Canyon were axed after just one season, making viewers wary of investing in anything that isn't an immediate blockbuster.
The Broader Netflix Landscape
Meanwhile, Netflix's film division is thriving. War Machine, starring Alan Ritchson, became an all-time top 10 hit and has a sequel, War Machines, already in the works. Charlize Theron's Apex also performed well, and series like His & Hers with Jon Bernthal continue to draw audiences. But the streaming giant's TV slate is a mixed bag—for every Stranger Things, there are dozens of one-season wonders.
The dip in viewership for Tales From '85 could impact its chances of a third season. Netflix hasn't commented on the show's future, but if the trend continues, it may join the growing list of cancelled originals. For a franchise that once seemed invincible, this is a sobering moment.
What's Next for the Stranger Things Universe?
Despite the animated spin-off's struggles, the Stranger Things brand isn't dead. There's still immense goodwill for the live-action series, and Netflix is likely exploring other ways to keep the IP alive—whether through more spin-offs, merchandise, or special events. But the days of automatic hits are over. In 2026, even a name as big as Stranger Things has to earn its place on the charts.
Both seasons of Stranger Things: Tales From '85 are now streaming on Netflix. Whether the show gets a third season may depend on whether viewers decide to give it another chance. For now, the ball is in their court—and the clock is ticking.
