Eric Robles Pitches Animated Horror Series to Netflix

Eric Robles, creator of the animated series “Glitch Techs,” is developing an animated horror spinoff that reimagines the aesthetic of Netflix’s “Stranger Things” through a darker, more surreal lens. The project, which Robles pitched to Netflix in 2021 as the world began emerging from the pandemic, aims to subvert the nostalgic 1980s-inspired visuals of the Duffer Brothers’ hit series by infusing them with body horror, psychological dread and experimental animation techniques.

According to industry sources familiar with the pitch, Robles envisioned the series as a companion piece to “Stranger Things” that would explore similar themes of government experimentation and interdimensional threats—but through the perspective of animated characters trapped in a glitching, decaying version of Hawkins. Rather than relying on practical effects and live-action suspense, the show would use distorted frame rates, broken pixel art, and shifting art styles to convey unease, drawing inspiration from analog horror internet creepypastas and late-night broadcast anomalies.

The concept gained attention in early 2026 when a Yahoo Entertainment article highlighted Robles’ approach as a bold reinterpretation of the “Stranger Things” universe, describing it as “turning the aesthetic upside down” by replacing warmth and camaraderie with isolation and visual dissonance. While Netflix has not officially greenlit the project, internal documents viewed by Entertainment Weekly in March 2026 confirmed that the pitch remained under active consideration as part of the platform’s broader strategy to expand its animated horror offerings following the success of series like “Blue Eye Samurai” and “Arcane.”

Robles, best known for creating Nickelodeon’s “Glitch Techs”—a show praised for its energetic animation and authentic portrayal of video game culture—has long expressed interest in horror animation. In a 2022 interview with Cartoon Brew, he cited influences ranging from Junji Ito’s manga to the works of David Lynch and the animated segments of “Tales from the Loop,” stating that he sees animation as uniquely suited to depict psychological terror in ways live-action cannot.

If approved, the series would mark a significant expansion of the “Stranger Things” franchise beyond its live-action roots, joining existing ventures such as the stage play “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” and the upcoming novel series. It would also represent one of Netflix’s first major attempts to adapt a live-action franchise into an animated horror format, potentially setting a precedent for how streaming platforms handle genre expansion across mediums.

As of April 2026, no official release date, voice cast, or episode count has been announced. Netflix has not responded to requests for comment regarding the project’s status. However, industry analysts note that the continued demand for “Stranger Things” content—evidenced by the show’s sustained viewership rankings and merchandise sales—makes an animated spinoff a plausible next step, particularly if it can distinguish itself through innovative storytelling and visual experimentation.