Stranger Things came to an epic conclusion on New Year’s Eve, and as fans continue to react to — and critique — the final episode, a new theory has emerged. According to For the Win, many viewers believe the events of the Netflix series’ finale, which was released both online and in theaters, were an elaborate illusion orchestrated by Vecna. Fans are pointing to moments throughout Season 5 as evidence for the theory, which they’ve dubbed “Conformity Gate.”
Here’s why fans think the events of the Stranger Things finale never actually happened.
What is Conformity Gate?
According to a master document posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, Conformity Gate is “the idea that the finale and Volume Two were actually a contorted version created by Vecna, in which the audience, Mike, or both are under Vecna’s curse. This would explain why all characters end up as conformed, watered-down versions of themselves,” Indy100 reported.
Fans also believe that a surprise ninth episode is en route, with many noting a recent Netflix ad teasing a big announcement coming Wednesday.
According to For the Win, fans are also pointing to the numerological significance of Wednesday as the supposed “real” finale release date, as well as the prominent role the number seven has played throughout Season 5. Jan. 7 falls on Orthodox Christmas Day, and releasing a new Stranger Things episode on that date would align with the season’s earlier holiday drops on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
One X user also pointed out that Jan. 7 is six days after the finale’s worldwide release — a timeline that mirrors the six days Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) spent “going crazy” while waiting for her son, Will (Noah Schnapp), to return from the Upside Down in Season 1, The Mary Sue reported.
And according to The Tab, when “season five episode nine” is searched on Google, Stranger Things comes up.
However, fans shouldn’t get excited for more Stranger Things just yet. Netflix has not confirmed a ninth episode, and the Duffer Brothers, the show’s creators, have made it clear the show has come to an end.
Season 5 moments fans believe support the Conformity Gate theory
Fans are citing several Season 5 moments that hint at the finale being a fake-out, including a “continuity error” regarding the color of an important level.
And how the False Hydra, a Dungeons and Dragons monster “known for erasing memories and creating false realities,” was included in the characters’ final D&D campaign, Life & Style reported.
Many have also pointed to the graduation scene at the end of the finale, citing the historically inaccurate orange color of the characters’ graduation robes (and how they resemble prison uniforms) and everyone’s posture in the scene.
According to The Tab, fans think these moments and others, including the normalcy many of the show’s central characters seem to enjoy by the finale’s conclusion, are proof there’s more to come from Stranger Things.
Season 5 of Stranger Things is now streaming Netflix.