The recent grand–finale of Netflix’s smash hit series Stranger Things has set off a maelstrom of conjecture. This phenomenon, now called “Conformity Gate,” has ignited enormous debate. This conjecture turns out to be correct, meaning that the long awaited finale published on January 1 in the UK was not the actual finale. Through fan discussion online the theory has gained momentum and spiraled into a full-blown phenomenon that spawned countless videos exploring the real ending of the show.
Conformity Gate began with this well-manipulated screenshot of the Stranger Things binders. Fans are convinced it is hiding secrets that point toward a greater story, a different path to take. The original image of these binders reveals significant differences from the manipulated version, igniting curiosity and debate within the fan community. This controversy speaks to the show’s massive popularity, as anguished viewers pick apart every detail looking for clues they might have missed.
The theory is full of strange details that fans have debated fervently. Regeneration cast, Episode 8, Series 3 A diverse group of characters sit with their hands in their laps. They continue twirling batons as they proudly wear orange graduation gowns. Multiple major characters in this scene are portrayed with glasses—even creating a portrait of Johnny with prisms—leading us to wonder what ideas are being pushed by their characterization.
Conformity Gate reveals some fascinating, unexpected visual patterns. For example, there’s a roll of dice that adds up to seven and a dial that changes colors over the course of the episode. All of these specifics were enough to get some fans excitedly theorizing about bigger ties to the show’s overall story. Our new theory presents a new theory of change, the “wonky milkshake-timeline.” This indicates that time and reality in the Stranger Things universe might be more fluid than we realize.
As fans are still trying to figure out the whole mystery, they’ve found some other interesting things about Conformity Gate. Strategically positioned exit signs, a character with short hair, and a door handle that appears to switch sides have all fueled theories about potential hidden meanings in the series finale. As one character said of the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, “Everything here feels different.” This comment especially got the fans ruminating over its wider implications for the storyline.
Some ardent fans were quick to pick up on these clues and thought they pointed towards a new episode release on January 7th. This created an air of electricity and expectation in the crowd.
Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, have even admitted to such scrutiny in a media landscape where they are contractually obligated to be damaged. In a recent statement, they addressed the ongoing misinformation circulating online:
“The show has just grown so massive. Online, there’s just so much misinformation. Just tons of it. We would be here for hours trying to bat down the stuff that was not true. But at the end of the day, hopefully, the work speaks for itself, and it is the show that Ross and I wanted to make.” – Matt and Ross Duffer
They are passionate and dedicated to developing a story that will most effectively connect with audiences. They artfully dodge the minutiae of fan theories and speculation.
As fans go deep into Conformity Gate, they find really interesting things. It’s increasingly clear that the Duffer brothers never intended for such conversations to happen about the show. By making some red herrings and smoking guns up to the finale, they’ve totally sucked their audience into a passionate discussion.
Netflix has jumped on the bandwagon, too, taking to Tik Tok and Twitter to announce that
“ALL EPISODES OF STRANGER THINGS ARE NOW PLAYING.”
This proclamation is indicative of their deep commitment to providing access to the whole series. In the meantime, fans are absorbing the impact of Conformity Gate.