‘Stranger Things’ Fans Go All in on ‘Conformity Gate’: Viral Theory Explained

Less than a week after the final episode of Stranger Things aired, fans are already convinced that the show isn’t really over.

A viral theory known as “Conformity Gate” has taken over TikTok, X and Reddit, with viewers arguing that the Season 5 finale was never meant to be trusted. According to the theory, what audiences watched wasn’t the real ending at all. Instead, viewers saw an illusion created by Vecna to trick the characters and the audience into a false sense of closure.

Those who believe in “Conformity Gate” think that Vecna wasn’t defeated, the Mind Flayer is still in control and Hawkins remains trapped under its power. They also happen to believe that Netflix, along with Ross and Matt Duffer, the creators of Stranger Things, are hiding a secret final episode that will expose the truth and undo the ending entirely.

As for what’s fueling the speculation, fans point to what they believe are subtle clues hidden throughout the finale. This includes characters sitting with their hands folded in a pose associated with Henry Creel, details on the Dungeons & Dragons books that some say spell out the word “lie,” and repeated winks to earlier seasons.

Others think the finale felt a little too normal for a show that has thrived on being proud of “the outcasts.”

Several people have zeroed in on January 7 as the date the “real” ending will drop, but there’s just one issue.

There’s no proof.

Netflix hasn’t announced any additional episodes and the Duffer Brothers have repeatedly said that the Season 5 finale marked the end of the series. While the show is famous for Easter eggs, nothing has confirmed a hidden finale exists.