Why Stranger Things’ Conformity Gate conspiracy should be game-changing for TV

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Warning: Spoilers ahead for Stranger Things season 5 episode 8.

Over the past few days, a strange conspiracy theory called “Conformity Gate” has been spreading online, particularly among fans of Stranger Things. But could this unusual idea actually lead to positive changes in how TV shows are made?

If you haven’t heard, the popular show Stranger Things recently concluded with its two-hour finale, “The Rightside Up,” on January 1st. The ending proved somewhat disappointing for many viewers, as the main villain, Vecna (played by Jamie Campbell Bower), was defeated rather easily, and Eleven’s (Millie Bobby Brown) fate was left unclear. After nearly a decade of following the show, created by the Duffer Brothers, many fans were understandably frustrated with the conclusion.

Fans weren’t shy about sharing their disappointment with the show’s ending, and many came up with an elaborate theory. They believed hints in the final episode suggested there was actually a hidden ninth episode coming on January 7th. This episode, they thought, would reveal that the seemingly happy ending of episode eight was all a trick created by the villain, Vecna.

The theory became surprisingly popular. Data from SimilarWeb shows it was searched on Google over 200,000 times, and it spread widely on TikTok, even getting noticed by actor Brett Gelman, who played Murray.

January 7th arrived and passed, and the prediction turned out to be completely inaccurate. Netflix even jokingly addressed the situation by updating their Instagram bio to emphatically state: “ALL EPISODES OF STRANGER THINGS ARE NOW PLAYING.”

Even though the ‘Conformity Gate’ situation turned out to be false, it still highlights an important shift in television. It demonstrated how passionate fans can use social media to effectively ask for changes and improvements in the shows they love, and to influence the people who make them.

How we watch TV has changed dramatically in the last twenty years. Social media is now a big part of our viewing experience, and that’s likely to stay true for the foreseeable future.

A 2025 YouGov study revealed that most people – around 70% – use social media while watching TV or other media. This habit, often called “second-screening,” hasn’t gone unnoticed by TV creators and streaming services. There’s growing speculation, though unconfirmed, that they are simplifying their shows to keep viewers engaged even when their attention is divided.

Actually, using social media while watching TV might not be so bad. A study by Emily Powell and Alixandra Barasch, published in January 2025 in Psychology & Marketing, found that looking at a second screen can help people feel more connected to others.

According to co-author Barasch, using your phone while watching something alone isn’t just about doing multiple things at once. It’s a way to enhance the experience by instantly connecting with other people and feeling like part of a community.

As a critic, I’ve seen firsthand how vital a strong community is for a show’s longevity. But “Conformity Gate” really highlighted something special about the Stranger Things fanbase. They weren’t just casual viewers; they were deeply invested. We’re talking multiple rewatches, frame-by-frame analysis, and incredibly detailed theorizing – they were actively working on the show, almost as collaborators. It proved they weren’t just watching, they were paying attention.

Even though the ending wasn’t what people hoped for, the overall story was still well-constructed. Fans had legitimate reasons to be disappointed with the Stranger Things finale, and it’s fair for them to express that disappointment.

Look, I definitely don’t think TV creators should bend over backwards for every wild idea fans throw at them – that would be chaos! (Though, honestly, if they did listen, I’d immediately petition for a better ending to Game of Thrones.) It’s super important that showrunners have the freedom to tell the stories they want to tell, you know?

Social media has definitely given TV viewers more influence over what shows stay on the air, and that’s often a good thing. We’ve seen many series, like Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Expanse, saved from cancellation thanks to passionate fan campaigns.

As Powell and Barasch have noted, we’re seeing a return to watching things together, which is sparking more conversations among fans. Shows like The Traitors have also brought back the tradition of watching something live when it airs.

With the popularity of shows like Stranger Things, viewers now have a real opportunity – through platforms like Conformity Gate – to push TV creators to honestly assess the quality of their work.

While social media reactions aren’t everything, it’s time to stop dismissing them. They might actually be a signal that creatives need to step up their work.

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Authors

Louise Griffin

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

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2026-01-08 20:39