Over the course of six weeks, the creators of “Stranger Things” slowly released the final season’s episodes. The first episode premiered on Nov. 26, and the last episode (and series finale) debuted Dec. 31.
The ending, however, left many fans disappointed and wanting more, leading to widespread speculation about alternate endings. One theory in particular gained traction among thousands of fans across the internet: “Conformity Gate.”
So what is Conformity Gate?
In short, fans theorized that the show’s creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, had another episode up their sleeve — one that would undo certain plot points from the series finale and change the fate of some of their close friends in Hawkins, Indiana.
The rumored episode was believed to be a surprise release on Jan. 7 at 8 p.m. EST, the same time other episodes from the final season were released.
There are several factors that led fans down this path and to the theory’s popularity.
Netflix released a mysterious teaser on Christmas that read, “Your Future is on its way” with the date of Jan. 7, 2026.
Although “Stranger Things” was not explicitly mentioned, some fans believed the message hinted at additional content from the series.
The theory gained traction across social media platforms, especially TikTok, where the hashtag #conformitygate has amassed more than 46,000 posts.
Fans posted videos explaining their theories, backed up by scenes from all five seasons of the show edited together to point out character personality shifts, Easter eggs or minor inconsistencies on the set.
Cast members were frequently asked in interviews about the fate of the character Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), whose ending many viewers found ambiguous. Actor Sadie Sink, who plays Max, shared her opinion on “The Tonight Show” and seems to firmly believe the character died.
Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers, talked about the show’s conclusion in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
“I remember crying a lot at the final table read,” he said. “They had us read it for the first time all together and I just think it was perfect. They really left nothing more to be told.”
“Once I wrapped, I felt it was time to let Will go,” he continued. “Now I’ve really made peace with it, and especially sharing these final episodes with the fans, the fact that these stories have been told and the journeys are done. Even though the story is over, I’ll take with me the lessons I’ve learned. I’m going to take the relationships with me forever, and I just hope this show can have a lasting, positive impact.”
While some firmly believed in the Conformity Gate theory, others participated simply for fun.
So many users logged on to Netflix on Jan. 7 at 8 p.m. EST in hopes of seeing the rumored episode that Netflix reportedly crashed.
Netflix’s official “Stranger Things” accounts on Instagram and X have stated all episodes are available.
“ALL EPISODES OF STRANGER THINGS ARE NOW PLAYING,” the bios read.
No official statement has been released from Netflix or the Duffer Brothers, confirming or denying fans’ theories.
In a Jan. 1 interview with Variety, Matt Duffer spoke about conspiracy theories surrounding the fandom.
“The show has just grown so massive,” he said. “Online, there’s just so much misinformation. Just tons of it. We would be here for hours trying to bat down the stuff that was not true.”
Even after the Jan. 7 deadline passed, and no episode was released, some fans continued to speculate, suggesting they may have gotten the date wrong and the upcoming “Stranger Things” documentary release is when more details will be revealed.
One TikTok user posted a video claiming she and her sister believe that the final episode will premiere the same day the documentary debuts on Netflix.
Other fans have accepted the fate of the group in Hawkins and are ready to move on.
The upcoming documentary, “One Last Adventure,” is scheduled to premiere on Jan. 12, as Deseret News previously reported.