Is There Another Episode Of ‘Stranger Things’? “Conformity Gate” Explained

Stranger Things has officially come to an end but fans still seem to be wanting more.

The popular Netflix series reached its conclusion on Dec. 31, 2025, marking the end of the series that cemented Netflix as a major streamer when the show first premiered in 2016. But certain details from series finale has inspired fans to debate whether it’s possible the Duffer brothers (series creators Matt and Ross Duffer) have another trick up their sleeve.

Stranger Things fans have concocted a conspiracy known as “Conformity Gate” that suggests the series finale was an elaborate illusion created by Vecna to pacify Eleven and the Hawkins gang, and the true series finale is actually going to air Jan. 7.

Several details from the two-hour-long series finale inspired speculation, such as the Hawkins High School graduation where several characters seem to be standing in the same posture as Henry and people being possessed by Vecna. The strange orange graduation gowns also reminded some viewers of prison uniforms, again feeding into the theory that they are imprisoned in Vecna’s illusion.

Some TikToks also suggest that the finale is supposed to be a nightmare for the gang as “they all ended up looking like someone they hated.” Will is seen smoking and wearing a leather jacket, suggesting he’s “turning into his father,” Nancy and Mike closely resemble their parents while Max’s angry reaction resembles how her brother used to act. Fans also pointed out that Nancy’s decision to drop out of college seemed very out of character, again inspiring speculation over whether this is actually the true ending for these beloved characters.

If anything, the Conformity Gate theory seems to confirm fans are widely disappointed by the current state of the Stranger Things finale. But does this mean there’s going to be a new Stranger Things episode? Here is what we know so far.

Is Stranger Things releasing a new episode?

As far we as know, Stranger Things has come to an end and there will be no more new episodes.

But the Duffer brothers have confirmed that they are working on a spinoff series that will cover “completely new characters, new town, new world, new mythology,” but will explain some aspects of the Upside Down that were purposely not addressed in Stranger Things Season 5.

Netflix also announced a Stranger Things documentary that will explore how the final season came together, titled One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5.

The Stranger Things Season 5 documentary is set to premiere on Netflix Jan. 12.

Stranger Things is streaming now on Netflix.