Stranger Things actress shuts down the Conformity Gate theory
Fans thought another episode was going to be released
Last updated 24 hours ago
It's been one of the biggest series around in recent years, but Stranger Things has now come to an end after five epic series, with the final episode of season five arriving on New Year's Day.
However, according to several fans online there was a theory that another episode could arrive on Netflix. The main theory is called the Conformity Gate and stems from fans thinking that the show's conclusion is actually all an illusion by Vecna.
What is Conformity Gate?
Conformity Gate is the name given to the theory that there is another episode, to be released after the 'final' episode was released on New Year's Day. According to fans, they have found clues another episode is about to drop where we will find out that what was saw in Episode 8, was actually all an illusion created by Vecna, and he actually wins the battle.
Below is a video that highlights 34 clues as to why there could be another episode coming, take a look... It's pretty convincing.
Despite this 'evidence' Linnea Berthelsen, who plays Kali/Eight in Stranger Things, shut down the rumours saying: "I don't think there's another episode. I didn't film another episode, but there's a really lovely documentary coming out... Which I think is going to be the real deal."
Why 7th January?
The reason many fans might have suspected something was due to happen on 7th January as Netflix had been teasing the date for some time. On Christmas Day 2025 they posted a short video saying: 'Your future is on its way. #WhatNext 7 Jan, 2026.'
However, it was actually the date when Netflix announced their slate with the shows and films for the coming year.
What have The Duffer Brothers said?
The show's creators, The Duffer Brothers have previously said that no alternative endings were filmed, however in a quote shared by the fan-run Stranger Things Spoilers X account, the pair said they "sort of lied to" fans, leading many to believe there is another episode.
What's next for Stranger Things?
Well if the two-hour episode released on New Year's Day was indeed the final ever episode, then what lies ahead for fans of the series? Well, The Duffer Brothers have already announced an animated spin-off series, Stranger Things: Tales From '85, which is set for release later this year.
Last year, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Finn Wolfhard and Gaten Matarazzo, joined Harriet on KISS to chat about the series, and how they would keep the Hawkins' spirit alive, once the series is over.
Gaten (who plays Dustin) likened Stranger Things to the popular show Breaking Bad, explaining: "You know what? I think that a show ending is like almost like a really good catapult of like a new phase of how people watch it...
"Kind of like the way like Breaking Bad had like a new era, of people being 'OK, now you can kind of just start and finish'. Like people join and watch shows that they hadn't watched specifically because they know they can just start and finish."
He went on to say: "So maybe it will be something like that, a little bit down the road and maybe a new approach to how people look at it.
"This show is so based around nostalgia that maybe people will feel nostalgic about this one eventually and go back to it, which is always fun to think about. You never know when things like that happen."
How to watch Stranger Things
You can watch all five seasons of Stranger Things on Netflix.
Check out all the films acknowledged in Stranger Things:
Ghostbusters
In memorable scenes from series 2, the boys dressed up as Ghostbusters for Halloween, but it caused conflict when both Mike and Lucas turned up at school dressed as Peter Venkman. Meanwhile Dustin dressed as Ray Stantz and Will went as Egon Spengler from the 1984 movie.
Jurassic Park
Although themes from Jurassic Park are dotted throughout series 1 to 4, the most memorable is perhaps when Argyle drives the group around in his yellow pizza van during season 4, quoting a famous line from 1993 movie. Jonathan's pal calls "hang on to your butts", just like Samuel L Jackson's character, Ray Arnold.
Jaws
Stranger Things pays homage to Jaws a few times — with a movie poster hung above Will's bed and also with the iconic line: "I can do anything I want. I'm the chief of police" said by Jim Hopper in series 3. Fans of 1975 film Jaws will know those are the same words spoken by Roy Scheider's Chief Martin Brody.
Mad Max
A more obvious reference, in series 2, new girl Max plays an arcade game, using the code name 'Mad Max'. The boys, irritated by the fact their high score is being beaten, set out to find the mystery player behind the 1979 movie reference. It was, of course, Max Mayfield — who became a main character as the series progressed.
Gremlins
Blink and you'll miss it, but in season 3, a stuffed Gremlin hung at the fairground amid the prize pile. But it's not the only reference in the movie to the 1984 film. The Duffer brothers reportedly revealed Dustin's wild pet, Dart, in series 2, was a nod to the movie's mischievous creatures.
Star Wars
Star Wars is referenced numerous times throughout the show, with a few of the lads quoting direct lines from the movies. In series 1, Mike compares Eleven to Yoda, while Dustin uses Lando Calrissian as an example when trying to decide if he can trust Hopper. In series 4, Dustin repeats the famous Hans Solo line: "Never tell me the odds" and Murray Bauman is heard saying: "I have a bad feeling about this", a classic line used throughout the Star Wars saga.
As well as numerous Star Wars toys popping up throughout the series, we also hear the movie get a mention during Steve's job interview at the video store. Despite saying it's his favourite movie, he describes Return of the Jedi as "the one with the teddy bears".
We also see Dustin and Steve engage in a playful, impromptu lightsaber duel during season 3.
Frankenstein
The Duffer brothers revealed it's no coincidence the 1931 movie Frankenstein is playing on Eleven's TV in series 2. The visual reference shows viewers the young girl identifies with the isolation the movie portrays, also suggesting to viewers that she feels very different to her friends, like the monster himself .
Cujo
Eagle-eyed fans may have spotted the state guard who is reading the Stephen King book Cujo, while Jim Hopper goes to examine the fake body of 'Will Byers', found at the lake . Attempting to distract him, Jim told him: "Good book. That's one nasty mutt." The book was of course made into the 1983 horror film of the same name, which became a major influence for Stranger Things creators.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
There's a number of parallels which connect Stranger Things with Steven Spielberg's 1977 film, Close Encounters of the Third Kind — one obvious one being the use of light as a method of communication. Everyone remembers season 1, when Joyce speaks to missing Will through the Christmas lights, later adding an alphabet so he can spell out what he's trying to say to her. The mother-son dynamic also bears resemblance to the nostalgic movie.
E.T.
Another Spielberg classic which heavily influenced the Stranger Things creators, E.T. is referenced a number of times throughout the series. Twice Eleven is dressed up like E.T. himself, once in a blonde wig and dress (series 1), and the second time in a ghost costume (series 2). We also see a bike chase, which is similar to the iconic scene in the 1982 film - and let's not forget how Mike hid El away in his basement when they first find her.
Risky Business
1983 movie Risky Business is largely considered Tom Cruise's breakout role, and it's no surprise Steve is often trying to channel the actor's charm and charisma in the film. Mentioning it by name at least once, when suggesting to take Nancy to the movies, Steve's love for Risky Business also comes through when the pair arrive at a Halloween party dressed as the lead characters, Joel and Lana.
Alien
Aside from the obvious alien-like creatures that appear throughout Stranger Things, there are other nods to the blockbuster film franchise, Alien (1979-1997). Most noably, perhaps, is the introduction of Dr Sam Owens in season 2, played by actor Paul Reiser who was Carter Burke in Aliens.
Altered States
Stranger Things gives a nod to the 1980s horror film, Altered States, whenever Eleven enters a sensory deprivation tank. Used as a way to enter an altered state of consciousness, just like movie's lead character, William Hurt, the tank is filled with water. Throughout the series, we see the characters get inventive to find ways for El to enter this alternative state, at one point using a pizza freezer!
The Thing
We know Mike loves the 1982 movie The Thing, because there's a poster up on the wall in his basement where the lads hang out to play Dungeons and Dragons. But it seems the Duffer brothers loved it too, appearing to take inspiration from the shapeshifting creatures in the movie for the Mind-Flayer and his Flayed in series 3.
The film is also mentioned directly in the same series, when Lucas called John Carpenter's The Thing "a classic".
Carrie
We know Eleven bears great resemblance to 1976 film Carrie's title character; socially isolated and gifted with telekinetic powers. But it's this humiliating moment in series 4 at the Rink-O-Mania roller-skating rink when poor El is covered in milkshake by her school tormentors that we saw the clear reference to the moment at Carrie's prom, when she's doused in pig's blood.
The Exorcist
Noah Schnapp was so keen to nail the scenes in which he's possessed by the Mind Flayer in series 2 that he's said to have studied 1973 horror movie, The Exorcist. In moments which mimic the iconic film, we also see Will tied down to the bed, as they try to expel the dark force from within him.
The Evil Dead
As well as having a The Evil Dead poster up on his bedroom wall, Jonathan Byers' house evokes a similar atmosphere to that from the 1981 cult classic. Set in a secluded cabin bordering the woods, the front of the house is adorned by a pretty creepy porch swing, much like the one in The Evil Dead.
There is also a scene where Steve (played by Joe Keery) is preparing for a battle with a Demogorgon and he sees a chainsaw hanging on the wall, reminiscent of a similar scene from The Evil Dead.
Indiana Jones
Local police chief, Jim Hopper gives off a very Indiana Jones vibe throughout the first season. So it's no surprise fans have spotted nods to the movie franchise throughout Stranger Things. After becoming very attached to his Fedora, Jim is seen at one point scrambling through tunnels to retrieve his much-loved hat — which fans of the adventure movie will know is similar to scenes which often played out in Indiana Jones.
Super 8
A group of youngsters banding together to fight a Government cover-up in a nostalgic setting — now where have we heard that before? The Duffer brothers are reported to have revealed the 2011 movie, Super 8, by J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg was a great inspiration for Stranger Things.
Stand By Me
Dustin, Lucas, Mike and Will's friendship dynamic in Stranger Things is similar to that of Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern's in Stand by Me. And in this scene in Season 1, we see the kids head off on a mission, walking along the train tracks — an obvious visual representation of the 1986 film.
IT
Fans of 2019 movie It: Chapter Two, based on the book by Stephen King, will have recognised the actor behind Mike Wheeler as that of Finn Wolfhard — who plays a young Richie Tozier in It. But the coming-of-age horror also has other nods throughout Stranger Things, particularly the way the 'Losers Club' in It are not unlike the Hellfire Club lads we've grown to love in Stranger Things.
Escape From New York
1981 John Carpenter film, Escape From New York, has a direct tribute in series 2, when 'The Bank Robbery' music plays during Eleven's scenes with her sister, Kali. The song also plays in the dystopian action film.
Firestarter
Another movie the Duffer brothers pay tribute to throughout Stranger Things, 1984's Firestarter is centred around a young girl who develops special powers as a result of Government experimentation. Both girls are physically exhausted after using their powers, which they're still learning to understand — and are both supported by a loving father figure.
The NeverEnding Story
The Duffer brothers pay tribute to 80s favourite, The NeverEnding Story, when Dustin and new girlfriend Suzie sing a duet of the theme song over the radio in season 3. It happens during a life-or-death moment, when Joyce and Hopper are trying to crack the code to the Russian machine — making it all the more funny. After singing her favourite song, Suzie rewards Dustin with the answer to the equation they were trying to solve.
A Nightmare on Elm Street
A Nightmare on Elm Street is referenced numerous times throughout Stranger Things. There's many similarities to characters such as Nancy Wheeler and Nancy Thompson (A Nightmare on Elm Street) and villains Vecna and Freddy Krueger. But most notably, in season 4, Robert Englund is cast as Vecna's father, Victor Creel. Robert famously played Freddy himself, in the 1984 horror film.
Back to the Future
As well as Steve and Robin watching newly-released Back to the Future at the cinema in series 3, Robin plays a pretty funny prank using a well known phrase from the film in the latest season. Showing her lack of knowledge about the iconic 1985 movie, Joyce falls for Robin's joke when she tells her (in faux panic) that "the flux capacitor is down again". Joyce then radios to a bemused Jonathan and Dustin, asking if the flux capacitor was messing with their connection. Brilliant!
Star Trek
Clearly somewhat of a TV and movie buff, Robin shows her love for another classic in the first episode of season 5, by wearing a jumper emblazoned 'BEAM ME UP'. Star Trek fans will recognised this phrase from the 1966-69 TV series and subsequent movies, released between 1979-1991.
The Goonies
Our first glimpse of Eleven in the much-anticipated series 5 delivers yet another iconic movie reference. Matching her outfit pretty much like-for-like with The Goonies' Brandon 'Brand' Walsh, Stranger Things give a little nod to the 1985 film. While training for her upcoming battle with Vecna, Eleven dons grey leggings, track shorts, a grey sweatshirt and a paisley bandana.
The Sword in the Stone
In episode four of season 5, 1963 children's classic The Sword in the Stone pops up on the TV at the Miller household. Holly Wheeler's friend Debbie is watching the iconic movie with a bowl of popcorn, before the military round up and remove the family. Interestingly, the title of this episode is Sorcerer, which is of course exactly what the film's lead character, Merlin is.
The Great Escape
As Robin and the gang formulate a plan to evacuate Vecna's next young victims, Robin takes inspiration from another nostalgic movie. She suggests using 1963's The Great Escape and its secret tunnels as their guide when digging into the military base where the children are being held.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
The Duffer Brothers have revealed they used a scene from 2016 movie Rogue One: A Star Wars movie as inspiration for Vecna's arrival in series 5. Watch it closely and you'll spot parallels between Darth Vader's iconic hallway scene, and Vecna's bone-chilling return. The brothers are reported to have said they wanted the viewer to feel his power, and "how scary he was", just like Darth himself.
Predator
Using Will's new-found powers viewers are given Vecna's view of the world, similar to Predator's vision in the 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Will's ability allows him to see what Vecna can see, with viewers seeing the action from a first-person shot.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (again)
In Season five, there's a subtle nod to iconic 80s film E.T. It is referenced by a kid who has been chosen by Vecna. The boy, appearing in Henry Creel's house can be seen wearing a t-shirt which says 'E.T. Phone Home'. The Steven Spielberg directed film, which was released in 1982 has been a family favourite throughout the years.
Terminator 2
Season five sees the introduction of Dr Kay, played by Linda Hamilton, who played Sarah Connor in the iconic Terminator franchise. There are a few nods to the popular films, including the first time we see her on screen, as the camera follows a close-up of a soldier's boots, reminiscent of the bar scene where the Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) walks into a bar naked and takes the clothes off the bikers having a drink.
The Terminator films also had Sarah Connor as a very strong female figure, something that is seen throughout Stranger Things, particularly with Eleven, Nancy and Max.
An American Tail
In the final season of Stranger Things, Holly Wheeler is taken by Vecna, at the beginning of the episode titled The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler, Holly can be seen running away from a Demogorgon and in the background is a poster for An American Tail on her bedroom wall.
Alice In Wonderland
Inside Vecna's memory, the Creel House is a place of fun, where Holly Wheeler and her school friends are singing and dancing around the house. In one seen where Holly and her friend Mary are chatting, the Alice In Wonderland poster can be seen in the background.
Jurassic Park
In scenes reminiscent from Jurassic Park in the kitchen, Robin, Vickie, Lucas and Max hide from the Demogorgons in the basement of the hospital, behind some industrial washing machines. Just as they think they're going to get caught, Karen Wheeler distracts the Demogorgons by putting an oxygen canister in a tumble dryer.
Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade
During the epilogue, Robin is talking on the radio as we see what Hawkins looks like 18 months after the epic battle. In one seen, we get to see that Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade is playing at the cinema. The film was originally released in 1989, when the final scenes were set.
Now read:
Stranger Things: Everything you want to know about the series
Stranger Things 5: A look back at the final season
Stranger Things cast: Who stars in seasons one to five?