Did Vecna star just confirm Conformity Gate? Stranger Things skit sparks theory

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It’s only been a little over a week into 2026, but a surprising theory is spreading online called “Conformity Gate.” Fans of the show Stranger Things believe the actual ending to Season 5 will be released on Netflix on January 7th, and a popular video featuring Jamie Campbell Bower has added to the excitement.

The hit show Stranger Things concluded on New Year’s Eve with the release of its final episode, ‘The Rightside Up,’ leaving many viewers emotional. The season finale featured a climactic battle where the villain Vecna was defeated, and the show largely wrapped up the stories of its main characters.

Everyone thought Eleven disappeared when she closed the gate to the Upside Down, but Mike explains to his friends that she actually survived with help from Kali.

Viewers have had a varied response to the finale, and many fans are now speculating that the creators, the Duffer brothers, might surprise everyone with a hidden final episode.

Did Vecna star just confirm Conformity Gate?

Jamie Campbell Bower hasn’t actually confirmed anything about “Conformity Gate.” But during a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he did a sketch where his word choice was quite notable.

He’s either hinting at something from the finale of Stranger Things Season 5 (though that’s probably not true), playfully dismissing a fan theory, or just referencing his own character.

The scene features Bower playing Henry Creel, leading a brightly colored, 1980s aerobics class. However, the energetic workout is constantly broken up by Creel’s unsettling pronouncements. Each time he speaks, the music and movement slow down, the screen flashes red like Vecna’s color scheme, and then quickly returns to the upbeat exercise session.

A single sentence has particularly resonated with those following the #ConformityGate discussions: “Let’s channel our energy. Tomorrow, it begins.” The actor mentioned this during an appearance on a chat show on Tuesday night, January 6th.

With rumors circulating that the final Stranger Things episode will be released on January 7th, a recent comment has fueled a lot of discussion. One person asked, “What does ‘tomorrow it begins’ mean?”

Someone wondered why he’d said that, and another excitedly announced, “Tomorrow it begins! Conformity Gate!”

Some people have noticed that Bower counts down from 12 in the sketch, and they think this is a hint about when the new episode will be released.

Someone commented, “I don’t really buy into these theories, but I’m curious to see what happens tomorrow. I know the BTS documentary is coming out on January 12th, and that might explain the counting to twelve, but that’s not what’s happening tomorrow.”

Volume 3 title sparks further speculation

A TikTok user pointed out that the workout video is titled ‘Turn the Pounds Upside Down, Volume 3’. This is significant because fans have been wondering why the final episode of Stranger Things Season 5 was also labeled as ‘Volume 3’ in its promotional materials.

Those who believe in the ‘Conformity Gate’ theory think Episode 8 was actually the third part of a larger story, and the upcoming Episode 9 will be the true finale. While there’s no proof of this, a recent skit has given this idea more attention.

The TikTok creator explained that the figure repeatedly said, “You are the light,” and noted the colors seemed to shift and become more vibrant each time. He also repeated the phrase, “Channel our energy,” twice.

The situation becomes intense and filled with suspense, and he declares, ‘Tomorrow, everything starts.’ He then demonstrates by pointing and counting, saying, ‘This is the clock,’ and goes through all the hours, from one to twelve.

It seems like hoping for something that won’t happen, since midnight has already passed. One person pointed out it’s already after midnight on the East Coast and asked when the release would happen and if it was intended for people there.

What it feels like to believe in #conformitygate right now

— AdoroLaPizza (@PizzaAdoro) January 2, 2026

Some fans believe Taylor Swift’s clue refers to 24 hours after the Jimmy Fallon episode was released. One person calculated that would be 7 PM on January 7th, roughly 18 hours after the release. However, others pointed out that the episodes weren’t actually released at midnight, but later in the day.

Most fans of Stranger Things seem to understand that the ‘Conformity Gate’ theory is unlikely to be true. One fan wrote, “It’s just not going to happen, it’s the wildest idea out there!”

One person joked that people were being intentionally riled up by a segment on The Jimmy Fallon Show. Another commented that Stranger Things seems to be deliberately provoking negative reactions at this point.

What exactly is Conformity Gate?

The “Conformity Gate” theory suggests that the Season 5 finale of Stranger Things, Episode 8, ‘The Rightside Up,’ isn’t the true ending. Fans who believe this think a hidden ninth episode exists and will be released on January 7th.

Fans are buzzing about a potential connection between the #StrangerThings5 finale, set to release on January 7th, and a recent event referred to as #ConformityGate. Many believe the timing is too coincidental and speculate it could be a massive plot twist for the ages.

— Armani Cherry (@chromesofhearts) January 4, 2026

The theory suggests that Vecna hypnotized Mike at the end of the first part of the story, and everything that happened afterward was actually a fake reality created inside his mind by Vecna.

One fan pointed out that because the date is still November 6, 1987, any scenes featuring Mike that happen after this point shouldn’t be considered part of the actual story.

Some fans believe the final events of Stranger Things will happen in the real world, offering a unique conclusion to the story. While there’s no official confirmation of this theory, it continues to gain popularity among viewers.

Stranger Things countdown clock

The Vecna sketch wasn’t the only joke; a fake countdown clock claiming to reveal a “secret” finale was also created – it was all just a playful jab at fan theories.

The website novembersixthnineteeneightyseven.com went live on January 5, 2026, and appeared to be counting down to January 7. A TikTok user posted videos of the site, seemingly responding to skeptics and anticipating being proven right.

But some viewers investigated the website for the show and discovered it wasn’t officially registered.

Someone noticed a countdown website pointing to January 7th, which they believe supports the idea of something called ‘Conformity Gate’.

The domain was only registered yesterday, January 5th, 2026, and searching the contact information online reveals connections to various scams.

Attention Stranger Things fans who participated in the ‘Conformity Gate’ trend! Unfortunately, that activity may have made you a target for scammers.

If you still aren’t convinced, the website now displays a message telling people that just because they saw something on TikTok doesn’t make it true, and encourages them to go outside and enjoy nature.

To be clear, the creators of Stranger Things, Netflix, and everyone involved with the show have consistently stated that Episode 8 will be the final episode of the main series. So, don’t expect more seasons after that.

Now that projects are official, you can find details on the Stranger Things spinoffs we’re working on, what new shows are arriving on Netflix this month, and a look ahead at our TV schedule for 2026.

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2026-01-07 13:51