After the Stranger Things finale, loyal fans of the series are not ready for the story to be over. Soon after the finale episode, a viral theory dubbed Conformity Gate on social media surfaced suggesting that there is still one more episode. Many believed that Netflix is hiding the secret ninth episode of Stranger Things 5, and there is more to the Upside Down story. Amid these speculations, the streamer has finally set the record straight. Get ready for some Stranger Things spoilers ahead.

Is Episode 9 Of Stranger Things Season 5 Coming?

Amid ongoing speculation that Stranger Things might have another episode, Netflix has made it clear that the show is officially concluded. The clarification came through the series' social media bios on Instagram and X.

The bio now read, "ALL EPISODES OF STRANGER THINGS ARE NOW PLAYING."

What Is The Conformity Gate Theory?

After final episode, fans came up with a theory dubbed 'Conformity Gate, suggesting that a secret bonus episode of the show would be released on January 7. Viewers believed the finale of season five, released on New Year’s Eve, was a trick played on Mike’s mind by Vecna, the series' central villain, who can make people hallucinate. Fans speculated that the series was set to reveal tthe hidden episode that would completely change the ending, as per USA Today.

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This theory gained traction even more after Netflix teased a #WhatsNext video scheduled for January 7. Eagle-eyed fans noticed recurring references to the number seven in the series, including the final dice roll in the Dungeons and Dragons game, as a possible hint of a secret continuation.

However, with the updated bio, Netflix has debunked the Conformity Gate theory and confirmed that season five concluded with episode eight.

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Stranger Things Volume 3, the finale, premiered on December 31 and was also screened in theatres. For the last season, the returning cast included Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Charlie Heaton, Natalia Dyer, and Jamie Campbell Bower. New members were introduced, including Nell Fisher, Linda Hamilton, Alex Breaux and Jake Connelly.