Netflix has denied a viral theory claiming there was a secret ninth episode of Stranger Things planned after the Season 5 finale.
The show ended with episode eight on December 31, 2025. Since then, fans have shared a theory called “Conformity Gate,” which suggested the ending was fake and part of a trick by the villain Vecna.
Some fans believed Netflix would reveal the secret episode on January 7, after teasing a major announcement through its #WhatsNext video.
Netflix released the video as scheduled, but it did not include any mention of Stranger Things. Instead, it highlighted other upcoming shows, with no hint of an extra episode.
The official Stranger Things accounts also stated that “ALL EPISODES OF STRANGER THINGS ARE NOW PLAYING,” further shutting down the theory.
While Netflix has confirmed a separate spin-off is in development, there is no evidence of another episode. Fans may still see new content in the future, but the main series appears to be finished.
