Stranger Things Star Breaks Silence on “Dumb” Conformity Gate (And What Fans Actually Missed in the Finale)

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Even though the last episode of Stranger Things aired six weeks ago, people are remembering something other than what happened in the episode. The intense reaction from fans, specifically a theory called “Conformity Gate,” has become more memorable than the finale itself. This theory – which claimed a secret, alternate ending existed and explained inconsistencies in the aired finale – was quickly proven false.

Following the recent conclusion of Stranger Things and the intense fan reaction surrounding the “Conformity Gate” theory, cast members have been sharing their thoughts on both the ending and how the fanbase responded. In a new interview, Caleb McLaughlin, who plays a key role in the series, discussed why he believes the Conformity Gate theory gained such a strong hold on viewers. He even pointed out details from the finale that fans overlooked, which could have potentially disproven the theory early on.

Stranger Things Star Roasts Conformity Gate Fan Theory

Initially, I dismissed the idea that the show’s ending was designed to set up more seasons,” McLaughlin explained to The Hollywood Reporter. “I understand fans want to continue enjoying ‘Stranger Things,’ but the story has reached its conclusion. The Duffer brothers, our fantastic creators, wanted to end the show on a hopeful note, consistent with the optimism it’s always provided. They felt that not doing so would have compromised the core spirit of the series.

McLaughlin realized the series’ conclusion mirrored its opening, and pointed out a specific storyline pattern that should have hinted to viewers that the end had come.

We began and ended the first season mirroring a Dungeons & Dragons game, and that’s exactly how it should have concluded, according to the creator. He feels viewers lost sight of the show’s core nature when they expected more, explaining that any continuation was simply a product of the writer’s, Mike’s, imagination – a tendency present even back in season one. It’s all about the storytelling, he says.

It’s ironic that McLaughlin makes a good point, because the same kind of thinking led many Stranger Things fans to create the ‘Conformity Gate’ theory. After the characters defeated Vecna and the show jumped ahead in time, Stranger Things showed everyone settling into seemingly perfect lives – Lucas with Max, Mike maturing, Will leaving Hawkins, Dustin finally getting attention, and Hopper and Joyce becoming a couple. Combined with some inconsistencies in the plot, fans started to believe this happy ending was actually an illusion created by Vecna, meaning he’d secretly won all along.

In a surprising move, Max directly addressed the show’s seemingly simple themes during the final moments of their Dungeons & Dragons game, questioning, “Is that all there is? Just comfort and happiness? I expected more from a master storyteller.” While some viewers thought this was a hint of a major twist to come, it turned out the creators, the Duffers, were playfully commenting on the show’s own storytelling choices.

As McLaughlin points out, the final scene beautifully wraps up the entire series. It highlights how the Dungeons & Dragons games have always reflected real life, and then brings everything to a satisfying conclusion. The characters are essentially retired, left on a shelf as a new group begins their own adventure. This ending was always the plan, despite any distractions or compelling moments along the way.

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2026-02-16 19:40