Netflix debunks Stranger Things 'secret episode 9' theory that finale was fake

Netflix has debunked a viral theory that there was set to be a secret ninth episode of Stranger Things released today.

The hit Netflix show ended with episode eight of season five, releasing on New Year’s Eve to a fairly mixed reception.

Since then, a viral theory called ‘Conformity Gate’ has emerged, suggesting that this was a fake ending and that it was all a trick Vecna played on Mike’s mind.

The official Stranger Things accounts have hinted that this isn’t true by putting “ALL EPISODES OF STRANGER THINGS ARE NOW PLAYING” in their bio, but fans were still holding out hope of a secret ninth episode.

A core aspect of ‘Conformity Gate’, however, was centred around Netflix’s major announcement coming today, which has just been released.

Why did fans think Netflix was going to announce it today and how have they debunked it?

Another major part of the theory is Lucas saying 'he doesn't believe in coincidences' earlier in the season (Netflix)

Netflix had previously teased a #WhatsNext video set to release today, January 7, suggesting they were going to make a major announcement.

Fans jumped on this, pointing to all the details in Stranger Things which placed importance on the number seven.

Will rolls a seven in their first Dungeons and Dragons game, leading their character to be ‘killed by Vecna’ – and the final frame of the entire show has a dice resting on the number seven in the corner.

The #WhatsNext video has been released, however, and does not include anything about a secret ninth episode.

The video does, however, tease Netflix's 2026 slate, which includes big hitters like Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, along with new seasons for Brigerton, One Piece, Lupin and The Gentlemen.

New titles include a heist movie starring Denzel Washington and Robert Pattison called Here Comes the Flood, and a series adaptation of the novel Man on Fire, which was previously a classic 2004 film starring Washington.

While Stranger Things was entirely absent from the teaser, Millie Bobby Brown did make a brief appearance in a promo for Enola Holmes 3.

The idea of it being announced on January 7, and specifically in the #WhatsNext video, was a core part of Conformity Gate and so Netflix seems to have fully debunked the theory.

Could there still be an announcement of more Stranger Things?

The hints that Stranger Things isn’t over have been pretty convincing - I myself was even won over by some of the links fans made to The Truman Show.

Stranger Things has already confirmed that a spin-off is in the works; however, the Duffer Brothers have clarified that it isn’t following Hopper to Montauk or Holly Wheeler’s new party, but will be completely separate.

The spin-off is set to explain the weird space rock found in the briefcase in the cave by Henry and will be set in a totally different time with all new characters, something which rules out the possibility that this is what fans think is being hinted at.

But one real and genuine possibility was suggested by one fan over on Reddit.

Sorry folks, looks like Stranger Things really is over (Netflix)

Posting on to r/StrangerThings they’ve suggested that the hints aren’t pointing to another episode, but to Netflix finally releasing a filmed version of Stranger Things: The First Shadow.

This prequel play tells the story of Henry Creel becoming Vecna and was hugely intertwined with season five of the show, even answering some of the questions fans thought went unanswered in the series.

They suggested that, rather than a secret ninth episode which would have required thousands of workers to cover it up, there is instead going to be a Broadway pro-shoot released of The First Shadow.

Whilst it wouldn’t be quite as sweet as Netflix making TV history by releasing a secret extra finale, it would fill in some of the missing pieces for fans unable to see it on Broadway.