'Stranger Things' first spin off called 'cheap AI' after trailer release

Netflix original series Stranger Things to premiere animated spin-off

By Hifza Ahmed Siddiqui February 03, 2026
'Stranger Things' first spin off called 'cheap AI' after trailer release
'Stranger Things' first spin off called 'cheap AI' after trailer release

Stranger Things became a hit series on Netflix while also being one of the most-criticised for its final season 5 after running for a decade.

The Duffer Brothers were called out for leaving loose ends in the story’s plot, giving “unrealistic” ending to fan-favourite characters.

A spin off was announced before the finale was made available on the streaming platform which will set between season 2 and season 3, winter of 1985.

After the first trailer of Tales from ’85, a wave of criticism began making the rounds online as die-hard fans shared their opinions.

One of the X users was confused and seemingly disappointed from the original, writing: “Who asked for this” while another fan expressed that it “looks like cheap AI.”

A critic penned down a remark on the idea of extending the story in to a full-fledged universe with spin-offs, “I think the cow is already dead guys.”

It appears that the animation reignited the scrutiny faced by the show after fandom believed that the Duffer Brothers messed up the ending of its main character Eleven, El.

Did lead cast like Stranger Things end?

Meanwhile, many believed that the star cast of the show themselves did not approve the character arc as the creators wrote the death of Millie Bobby Brown’s El.

The actress ditched an exclusive watch party blaming a shoulder injury, while it was reported that Millie presumably faked the mishap.

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