Netflix Unveils Stranger Things Documentary and New 2026 Spinoff Plans
Netflix is shifting gears after the conclusion of its popular series Stranger Things. The show wrapped up its fifth and final season with a strategic rollout that began on November 26, 2025, and concluded on December 31, 2025. Each episode was released in coordination with primetime slots, creating an event-like atmosphere for viewers. Limited theatrical screenings in the U.S. and Canada added to the experience, allowing fans a communal farewell to the story they had followed for nearly a decade.
Documentary Release: One Last Adventure
To capitalize on the series’ success, Netflix premiered a documentary titled One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 on January 12, 2026. This behind-the-scenes film delves into the production scale and emotional weight of concluding long-running character arcs. It reflects on the pressure the filmmakers faced as they aimed to deliver a fitting conclusion to a beloved series.
- Focus on production scale
- Exploration of character arc resolutions
- Discussion of balancing nostalgia and horror
For dedicated fans, the documentary serves as an essential companion piece, providing closure on the creative process behind the series’ ending.
Animated Spinoff: Stranger Things: Tales From ’85
Despite the completion of the flagship series, the Stranger Things universe continues to expand. Netflix is set to release an animated series titled Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 in 2026. This project will transport viewers back to the winter of 1985, introducing familiar characters and new paranormal challenges.
- Animation allows for creative horror imagery
- The timeline remains linked to the original series
- Potential for anthology-style storytelling
This animated venture aims to maintain the essence of Stranger Things while navigating the logistical complexities of live-action production.
Theatrical Expansion: The First Shadow on Broadway
Additionally, Stranger Things has ventured into live theater with a prequel play, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, currently running on Broadway. This production explores foundational events within the series’ mythology and offers fans a unique, immersive experience. It signifies a strategic move to expand the franchise beyond traditional screens, embracing various formats to engage audiences.
- Broadway production as official story material
- Long-term strategy for multi-medium storytelling
Future Projects: New Horizons
As the franchise evolves, the creators of Stranger Things have their sights set on new endeavors. A limited horror series titled Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen is scheduled for release in March 2026. This marks a significant pivot, with the creators moving beyond Hawkins to explore fresh narratives.
While Stranger Things concluded its primary storyline on December 31, 2025, the brand is positioned for longevity. With ongoing projects and expansions, Netflix aims to keep the Stranger Things conversation alive as it transitions into a broader storytelling universe.
