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The Best Episodes of Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Season 1

Every episode of Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Season 1!

Binge this in 4h 55m•Peaking at 7.4/10

Winter. Hawkins. 1985. Welcome back to a town crawling with secrets, where beloved heroes are facing fresh mysteries... and an all-new breed of strange.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Season 1 Episode 1 - Chapter One: Welcome to Hawkins, New Kid
    7.0/10(14 votes)

    #1 - Chapter One: Welcome to Hawkins, New Kid

    S1:E1

    A surprising new threat alters the gang's plans to shovel snow for extra cash, bringing them face to face with danger and closer to a cool new student.

    Directors:Eric Robles, Sarah Jean Partington
    Writers:Jennifer Muro, Eric Robles

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  2. Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Season 1 Episode 2 - Chapter Two: Bad Harvest
    6.5/10(11 votes)

    #2 - Chapter Two: Bad Harvest

    S1:E2

    Nikki joins the party — and the newly formed Hawkins Investigators Club. Strange things take root at a nearby farm and shake up the Winter Festival.

    Director:JJ Conway
    Writers:Eric Robles, Chad Quandt

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  3. Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Season 1 Episode 3 - Chapter Three: Evolution
    6.2/10(10 votes)

    #3 - Chapter Three: Evolution

    S1:E3

    The kids look for answers about the mutant creatures plaguing their town and get a helpful lesson from Mrs. Baxter, their substitute science teacher.

    Director:JJ Conway
    Writers:Jennifer Muro, Chad Quandt

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  4. Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Season 1 Episode 4 - Chapter Four: The Confession
    7.4/10(10 votes)

    #4 - Chapter Four: The Confession

    S1:E4

    A worried Mike decides to come clean to Hopper, and Dustin drags Steve into the H.I.C. Nikki welcomes Will to the mosh pit. Lucas and Max hit the arcade.

    Directors:JJ Conway, Philip J. Allora
    Writer:Dan Milano

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  5. Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Season 1 Episode 5 - Chapter Five: The Weekly Watcher
    6.2/10(9 votes)

    #5 - Chapter Five: The Weekly Watcher

    S1:E5

    When a photo that could put El in danger gets sold to a popular tabloid, the kids pull Nancy into a heist to get it back. If they can't? It's game over.

    Director:Ben Choi
    Writer:Joshua Pruett

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  6. Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Season 1 Episode 6 - Chapter Six: A Storm Is Coming
    5.8/10(9 votes)

    #6 - Chapter Six: A Storm Is Coming

    S1:E6

    As a blizzard bears down on Hawkins, Dustin goes on a side quest, and Max and Lucas hear a cry for help. A bold move lands some of the gang in detention.

    Director:Ashe Jacobson
    Writer:Ray Utarnachitt

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  7. Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Season 1 Episode 7 - Chapter Seven: Enter the Storm
    6.1/10(8 votes)

    #7 - Chapter Seven: Enter the Storm

    S1:E7

    Lucas and Max seek higher ground to call in a Code Red. Across town, Will, Mike and Nikki are snowed in at school — and El can see they're not alone.

    Director:Philip J. Allora
    Writer:Dan Milano

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  8. Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Season 1 Episode 8 - Chapter Eight: The Party
    6.1/10(8 votes)

    #8 - Chapter Eight: The Party

    S1:E8

    Dustin finds danger at the Food Mart when two terrifying creatures break in. The gang gears up to go underground just in time for Nikki's birthday.

    Director:Ben Choi
    Writers:Ray Utarnachitt, Jen Bardekoff

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  9. Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Season 1 Episode 9 - Chapter Nine: The Suspect
    5.9/10(7 votes)

    #9 - Chapter Nine: The Suspect

    S1:E9

    In the wake of a shocking revelation, the H.I.C. digs in to investigate, splitting up into teams to search for more clues and uncover the truth.

    Director:Ashe Jacobson
    Writer:Alexis Quasarano

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  10. Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Season 1 Episode 10 - Chapter Ten: Countdown
    5.7/10(7 votes)

    #10 - Chapter Ten: Countdown

    S1:E10

    With time running out, the party pulls together for a brave battle to stay alive. Friends have to help friends — because Hawkins' future depends on it.

    Director:Philip J. Allora
    Writers:Ryan Little, Kevin Burke, Chris Wyatt

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Chapter One: Welcome to Hawkins, New Kid" is the best rated episode of "Stranger Things: Tales from '85" season 1. It scored 7/10 based on 14 votes. Directed by Eric Robles, Sarah Jean Partington and written by Jennifer Muro, Eric Robles, it aired on 4/23/2026. This episode is rated 0.5 points higher than the second-best, "Chapter Two: Bad Harvest".