Stranger Things Star Slams Conformity Gate Theory ‘The Show is Done, Guys’

by

After the somewhat unsatisfying ending to season 5, the ‘Conformity Gate’ theory has become a popular idea among Stranger Things fans. Many believe the season wasn’t truly the end of the series, and that the Duffer Brothers are secretly planning a ninth episode. This hidden episode, they hope, will answer lingering questions, resolve plot points, and give the characters the satisfying conclusions fans are looking for.

The ‘Conformity Gate’ theory – a fan idea about hidden meanings in Stranger Things – has become so popular that even the show’s creators and actors are aware of it. However, those who worked on the series for years aren’t happy with the theory. In a recent interview, Caleb McLaughlin, who played Lucas, dismissed it as ‘dumb’ and stressed that the show is finished and won’t be returning, even with potential secret episodes.

Caleb McLaughlin Wants Stranger Things Fans to Understand the Show is Over

In speaking with The Hollywood Report, McLaughlin said,

Initially, I didn’t think the idea that the show would continue indefinitely – the ‘Conformity Gate’ theory – made any sense. I understood why fans wanted more Stranger Things, but I felt like it was done after ten years. I think people misunderstood the show’s core idea when they expected it to go on. It wasn’t a prediction of what would happen, but simply a part of Mike’s imagination – something that’s been present in his character since the first season. It’s all just a narrative device.

Although Caleb McLaughlin didn’t write for Stranger Things, his strong statements about the ‘Conformity Gate’ situation and his current work on other projects strongly suggest there isn’t a hidden ninth episode.

Conformity Gate Being Real Was Always a Long Shot

Although there was some evidence hinting that the ‘Conformity Gate’ theory might be true and that Stranger Things had a hidden final episode, it’s unlikely. Television shows generally don’t keep major finales secret or intentionally create unsatisfying episodes just to surprise fans or cater to a small group with specific requests.

As a huge TV fan, I’ve seen some wild things, but Stranger Things really has been Netflix’s biggest hit for years. So, there was absolutely no way they were going to let the creators, the Duffer Brothers, secretly film an extra episode and just drop it whenever they felt like it, especially not with how carefully planned the final season’s release is. They spent months building hype for Season 5, and the thought of keeping a whole episode under wraps just for kicks doesn’t make any sense!

Look, Caleb McLaughlin isn’t mincing words, and honestly, I suspect he’s voicing what a lot of people involved with Stranger Things were feeling. The show is done, the behind-the-scenes drama isn’t going to magically fix things, and we have to accept the ending we got. The final season and episode were a letdown, no question. But as a long-time TV watcher – and someone who still mourns the Sherlock finale – I’ve learned a tough lesson: wishing for a better ending doesn’t make one appear. It just doesn’t work that way. Sometimes your favorite shows just don’t stick the landing, and you have to live with it.

Read More

2026-02-14 22:08