Will there be a Stranger Things season 5 episode 9 and what is Conformity Gate?

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It’s only been a few days since the final episode of Stranger Things season 5 aired, but fans are already clinging to a strange theory, showing how reluctant they are to see the show end.

After the show’s ending, especially the unclear outcome for Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), some viewers are speculating online that there’s a hidden ninth episode coming. They seem unhappy with how the series concluded and believe there’s more to the story.

The recent announcement of a documentary about Stranger Things season 5 hasn’t stopped the speculation and rumors.

So, here’s everything you need to know about the strange rumours and “Conformity Gate”.

Will there be a Stranger Things season 5 episode 9?

No, there is nothing to suggest that there will be another episode of Stranger Things.

So far, the only announced special is a documentary called “One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5,” which will show how the final season was made.

While the Duffer Brothers, who created the show, haven’t confirmed the rumours, they’ve often hinted that episode 8 of season 5, called ‘The Rightside Up,’ will be the series finale.

Matt Duffer recently told Variety that the show’s ambiguous ending was something the creators had been considering for a long time.

The initial plan for the show’s ending, when it was conceived as a single, contained story, involved Eleven making a sacrifice. When we started working on season five, the first thing we discussed was how it would end, and specifically what that would mean for Eleven – it was a really difficult conversation.

We’ve followed this character, Millie, for a decade, so deciding to move forward without her was incredibly difficult and emotional. Ultimately, though, it felt like the right choice.

Considering everything that was happening, it seemed like the only way to finally put an end to it all.

Why do people think there could be a Stranger Things season 5 episode 9 and what is Conformity Gate?

Some fans have proposed a theory called “Conformity Gate” suggesting that the seemingly happy ending shown after the main events of the series – where the characters graduate and plan to stay in touch – isn’t real, but rather a fabrication created by Vecna.

Throughout the episode, several moments have made viewers question whether the ending depicts what actually happened. These moments include:

  • The way the high school graduates have their hands positioned in the same way Henry Creel often does, neatly crossed in front of them at the ceremony
  • The gang’s campaign folders seemingly spelling out “X A LIE” – supposedly a clue that everything our heroes saw in Dimension X (AKA The Upside Down) is a lie
  • Multiple copies of the WHATZIT board game left around the Wheelers’ basement – supposedly a reference to Henry’s alter ego

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When do people think a supposed Stranger Things season 5 episode 9 is coming?

I’m so excited because a lot of us fans are buzzing about a potential new Stranger Things Season 5 episode dropping on January 7th! It all started when Netflix posted a video saying “Your future is on the way,” and included that date – it feels like a huge hint!

There are other hints, like the twenty-sided die showing a 7 in the last scene, but they don’t feel very convincing.

If you’re excited for more content from the world of Stranger Things, we recommend checking out the ‘One Last Adventure’ documentary instead of expecting a fifth season – at least for now!

You can watch all five seasons of Stranger Things on Netflix now. A behind-the-scenes look at the making of season 5, called ‘One Last Adventure,’ will be released on January 12th. And in 2026, Netflix will premiere ‘Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85’.

Authors

Louise Griffin

Louise Griffin edits the Sci-Fi & Fantasy section at TopMob, writing about popular franchises like Doctor Who, Star Wars, Marvel, House of the Dragon, and Good Omens. Before TopMob, she was a Senior Entertainment Reporter at Metro and holds a degree in English Literature.

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2026-01-06 18:35