Fans of Stranger Things track a ninth secret episode before Stranger Things Day

Fans of Stranger Things are still searching for clues to a possible ninth secret episode of the final season. The theory, dubbed ConformityGate, holds that the season 5 finale, Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up, is merely an illusion projected by Vecna and that a hidden episode should drop on January 7 2026 at 8 pm ET. Supporters point to "continuity errors" - D&D spikes showing "XAILE", orange graduation robes reminiscent of prison jumpsuits, the recurring number seven - as well as a Netflix teaser "#WhatNext" dated the same day. According to What’s on Netflix, Forbes called the movement a "surprisingly large online movement" and Vice reported more than 14 million dollars wagered on the episode's existence. Netflix has not commented, but quietly altered the series' social bios.