Are There “Stranger Things” to Come?

January 9, 2026 /

By Keeley Rissman 

The well-known Netflix series, Stranger Things, wrapped up its final season in early January. After almost 10 years since its original release, the series has been a high-stakes supernatural favorite for many around the world. The fanbase has grown to a phenomenal size and continues to strive even after the series’ finale. Despite the show’s popularity, many fans were disappointed with the ending. This disappointment not only led to complaints, but viral theories about a secret ninth episode which would better satisfy the fans. 

The theory, known by fans as “Conformity Gate”, has spread rapidly across social media sites such as Reddit, TikTok, and Instagram. One thing led to another, and fans around the world started believing these crazy theories. While the eighth and final episode of Stranger Things had a happy ending, the quick and easy end to powerful villain, Vecna, led many to believe that the neat close was an illusion. With most viewers expecting more action-packed scenes and death from the ending, it is no wonder that fans would speculate that an ending more fitting to the show’s reputation could be on the way.  

To the fans’ disappointment, the Conformity Gate theory was disproven when no secret ninth episode was released on the speculated date of January 7th. Stranger Things fans still have one last adventure to look forward to, however. And although we may not get the secret finale we hoped for, a new documentary about the making of the prized show comes out on January 12. And who knows, maybe there will be more strange things to come out of this show and its fanbase. But the story of Hawkins and the characters we grew up watching is over.  

Sources:

Davis, Johnny. “What Is Conformity Gate? Explaining the Theory That “Stranger Things” Pulled a Finale Fake-Out.” Esquire, 6 Jan. 2026, www.esquire.com/uk/culture/a69924177/what-is-conformity-gate-stranger-things-finale-theory/. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026. 

Image: Johnson, Nathan. “Stranger Things 5 Conformity Gate Deep Dive: 8 Reasons Fans Think Netflix Has a Secret Episode.” The Direct, 6 Jan. 2026, thedirect.com/article/stranger-things-5-conformity-gate. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.