Is there a Stranger Things episode 9 releasing today? Conformity Gate finale, explained

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After the recent two-hour finale of Stranger Things aired on New Year’s Eve, many viewers are wondering if the show has truly ended.

So, Netflix told us season five would have eight episodes, which was cool. But then this rumor started going around – people are calling it ‘Conformity Gate’ – that there’s actually a secret ninth episode! I’ve been seeing it all over Facebook and TikTok, and it’s got everyone buzzing. I’m hoping it’s true, honestly!

Fans have developed a theory called ‘Conformity Gate,’ suggesting that episode eight is a dream or illusion created by the villain Vecna. They believe a real finale, episode nine, will be released on January 7th, coinciding with a planned Netflix announcement. This idea gained popularity after viewers spotted inconsistencies and strange coincidences in the last episode.

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Fans have noticed a striking detail in the graduation scene: several background students are holding their hands in the same way as Henry Creel. Others have wondered why Dustin’s girlfriend, Suzie, and Robin’s girlfriend, Vickie, weren’t included in the final scene, suggesting Vecna may not have been aware of their existence.

So far, Netflix and the creators of the show, Matt and Ross Duffer, haven’t confirmed or denied rumors about a ninth episode. Many fans on Reddit are also skeptical that the theory is true.

Honestly, I’m kinda shocked at how many people fell for that rumor! Someone said there’s no surprise episode, and yeah, that’s what I figured. I didn’t love the finale myself, and I can’t see how another episode would fix things. I’d be so frustrated if I wasted two hours on New Year’s Eve watching what was supposed to be the end, only to find out it was all a bait-and-switch!

Meanwhile, a third quipped: “I can’t believe anyone is wasting brainpower on this asinine topic.”

The creators of Stranger Things, the Duffer Brothers, have discussed how the show will conclude. They recently announced that a behind-the-scenes documentary called One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 will be released on Netflix on January 12th.

Ross Duffer explained to Tudum that the story of Stranger Things will officially end when Mike finishes a final Dungeons & Dragons game with his friends in the Wheeler’s basement – essentially, when he closes the door on that last session.

The basement, and especially their Dungeons & Dragons game, is where we first got to know these characters – and where we, as the audience, first met them. Saying goodbye to that space meant playing one last game. Filming this final session was a lot of fun, bringing us right back to the very first day of shooting when we filmed the kids playing D&D in Season 1. That scene was the first thing we ever filmed for the show, and it felt fitting that it would also be the last.

All five seasons of Stranger Things are available to stream on Netflix.

The latest issue of Living Legends is out now, and it’s dedicated to the incredible Dolly Parton! You can find “Dolly at 80” at newsagents and online for only £8.99.

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2026-01-07 14:49