Fans criticize Duffer Brothers after '#conformitygate' secret-episode theory fails

Movieweb reports that fans have slammed the Duffer Brothers after the viral #conformitygate theory — which suggested the divisive Season 5 finale hid a secret episode — proved unfounded when no new episode appeared at midnight on January 7 and Netflix crashed.

Since the finale debuted at the end of December, supporters pointed to plot holes, odd character choices, continuity errors and open-ended interviews as evidence that "Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up" was not the real finale, and social media speculation — including some "bylers" who wanted Will and Mike to end up together — fuelled expectations. One user called the theory "the perfect theory" and another wrote, "The Duffer brothers should be embarrassed. Writing was so terrible it had us fans thinking there was a secret episode."

Some observers said #conformitygate reflects a broader appetite for more intellectually engaging TV, with one non-believer writing, "do i believe in #conformitygate? no. what i DO believe in is what it represents: viewers are DESPERATE for tv + film to be more intellectually engaging." While a secret finale has not appeared, additional Stranger Things projects are planned, including an animated prequel series, a spin-off and a behind-the-scenes documentary.

Key Topics

Culture, Stranger Things, Duffer Brothers, Netflix, Conformitygate, Bylers