Stranger Things documentary director suggests season 5 Conformity Gate conspiracy theory is "wishful thinking," and apparently confirms no secret episode 9 is coming

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Stranger Things documentary director suggests season 5 Conformity Gate conspiracy theory is "wishful thinking," and apparently confirms no secret episode 9 is coming News By Molly Edwards published 9 January 2026

The final word on Conformity Gate?

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Stranger Things is getting a behind the scenes documentary very soon to give us a peek behind the curtain at the making of the fifth and final season.

Somewhat overshadowing the finale, though, is the conspiracy theory known as Conformity Gate, which had half the internet convinced that a secret episode 9 was on the way after the Stranger Things season 5 finale, which, according to the theory, was partially an illusion created by big bad Vecna.

But, documentary director Martina Radwan has seemingly debunked the theory for good. "I can't confirm or deny anything, but no," she told Gold Derby. "You know, you have to ask the Duffers. I can't speak for them. But I wonder, is that wishful thinking, because people really want to get more? Like, they don't want it to be over? Which I understand."

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The theory already seemed pretty much dead when January 7 – the apparent day the theorized episode 9 would drop – came and went with no secret extra installment, and Netflix's teased announcement turned out to be a 2026 trailer for the streamer's upcoming releases.

While season 5 is the end of the road for the main series, both an animated show called Stranger Things: Tales From '85 and a so far pretty mysterious spin-off are on the way, so you won't have to bid goodbye to the universe just yet.

For more, check out our guide to the Stranger Things season 5 finale ending explained or our Stranger Things season 5 finale review.

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Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. CATEGORIES Netflix Streaming Services Molly EdwardsSocial Links NavigationDeputy Entertainment Editor

I'm the Deputy Entertainment Editor here at GamesRadar+, covering all things film and TV for the site's Total Film and SFX sections. I previously worked on the Disney magazines team at Immediate Media, and also wrote on the CBeebies, MEGA!, and Star Wars Galaxy titles after graduating with a BA in English.

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Logout Read more Stranger Things fans crash Netflix waiting for non-existent secret final episode, as Conformity Gate comes to an end    What is Conformity Gate? The new Stranger Things conspiracy that has fans convinced that another episode is on the way    Stranger Things' Vecna star has sent fans into a Conformity Gate conspiracy theory frenzy: "Tomorrow it begins"    Surprise: Stranger Things isn't over yet, as a behind the scenes documentary is confirmed to land on Netflix soon    Stranger Things season 5 will finally explain the Netflix show's biggest mystery: what the Upside Down is    Stranger Things creators say there are shots from the final episode of the Netflix show in the latest trailer, and that one blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment "plays a very important role on the show"    Latest in Sci-Fi Shows Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown says Eleven's ending is "cathartic," but she "kinda loves" Mike's version    Almost 2 years later, Star Wars fans are praising The Bad Batch for its boldest choice    Stranger Things' final battle was going to feature Demos, but Ross Duffer was worried fans were "fatigued" by them    Stranger Things fans crash Netflix waiting for non-existent secret final episode, as Conformity Gate comes to an end    Vecna star Jamie Campbell Bower thinks his Stranger Things season 5 fate is "the ending the show deserves"    Stranger Things' Vecna star has sent fans into a Conformity Gate conspiracy theory frenzy: "Tomorrow it begins"    Latest in News Stranger Things documentary director suggests season 5 theory is "wishful thinking," and no secret episode 9 is coming    Baldur's Gate 3 director u-turns on the use of AI art in Divinity, will no longer use tech for concept art development    The Marvels director Nia DaCosta would "love" to direct a live-action Invincible    After Helldivers 2 boss teased chaos in upcoming update, new Illuminate structures appear in Super Earth media    "Silent Hill is not just the name of a place, it is a phenomenon": Silent Hill f writer doubles down on theory    Where to buy Lego Smart Play, the toy everyone's talking about    GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS

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