TODAY’S PAPER | April 23, 2026 | EPAPER

McDonald’s launches 'Stranger Things: Tales From 85' Happy Meal with collectible toys

Each Happy Meal includes one of 12 collectible toys, an activity book and a QR code that unlocks an interactive game


Pop Culture & Art April 23, 2026 1 min read
Photo: Netflix/McDonald's

McDonald's is heading to the Upside Down with a brand-new Happy Meal inspired by Stranger Things, and it comes with collectible toys and an interactive twist.

The fast-food giant has partnered with Netflix to celebrate the launch of the animated spinoff Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, which premiered on April 23, 2026.

The limited-edition Happy Meal is part of a global campaign designed to tap into fans’ love of adventure, inviting them to join the fictional “Hawkins Investigators Club” as monsters take over the town, and even McDonald’s itself.

Each Happy Meal includes a themed box, one of 12 collectible character toys, an activity book and a QR code that unlocks an interactive game where fans help save Hawkins from supernatural threats.

The collectible toys will roll out gradually, with two new characters introduced each week during the promotion.

The collaboration blends the nostalgic ’80s vibe of Stranger Things with McDonald’s iconic Happy Meal experience, creating what the companies describe as an immersive, cross-platform adventure for younger fans and longtime viewers alike.

The promotion is set to begin rolling out globally this spring and summer, with the Happy Meal launching in the U.S. on May 5 and expanding to other regions shortly after.

With themed packaging, collectibles and a digital experience, the campaign marks one of McDonald’s biggest entertainment tie-ins of the year, bringing the world of Hawkins straight to the drive-thru.

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