Netflix finally responds after fans predict Stranger Things 'secret episode' drops on January 7
Is episode 9 coming on January 7? Here's what Netflix says...
Stranger Things fans have predicted that a surprise, secret episode 9 will be released on January 7 – and a Netflix account has responded to the rumours.
Last week, we watched the credits roll on Stranger Things, one of the biggest and best Netflix shows ever made.
The finale was never going to make everyone happy, but some fans can’t accept that it’s over. ‘Conformity gate’, a theory that claims Netflix is hiding season 5 episode 9, and it’ll drop on Netflix on January 7, has gained enormous traction online.
While the Duffer Brothers, the show’s creators, have yet to comment, a smaller Netflix account has addressed whether or not it’s true.
Netflix debunks ‘secret episode 9’ Stranger Things rumours before January 7
According to Netflix Ukraine, Stranger Things season 5 has truly ended – and there won’t be another episode.
On the platform’s regional Instagram account, one user highlighted the January 7 theory and how “many clues” have already been found.
Netflix Ukraine responded to the theory that the episode 9 of stranger things will be released on January 7.
"We can assure you that this is the end."#conformitygate pic.twitter.com/fkjKvQ92uM— who? (@deadfrx) January 5, 2026
Netflix replied, and this is what the account wrote (after translation): “We can assure you this is already over.”
If you’re one of the conformity gate believers, just let that sink in: there won’t be another episode. The show ended with episode 8 (which was billed as the series finale).
Is Netflix doing anything on January 7?
Netflix is expected to reveal its movie and TV slate for 2026 on January 7.
On December 25 last year, the streamer posted a mysterious video titled, ‘Your future is on the way.’
Your Future is on its way. #WhatNext Jan 7, 2026. pic.twitter.com/IFteJN4Yo9
— Netflix (@netflix) December 25, 2025
Stranger Things fans have pinned their hopes on this date, but it simply marks the return of Next on Netflix (albeit, this time it appears to be called What Next), an event that’ll show off an early look at its upcoming titles.
“Sometimes, the universe shows you a sign. You can brush it off, call it a coincidence, but I know you got some questions, lucky you, your future’s on its way, and even when you’re not working, it haunts you. So go on. All you gotta do is ask,” the video says.
If we were betting, we’d expect to see fresh looks at One Piece season 2 (and possibly even the anime remake), the Heartstopper movie, and the first of Greta Gerwig’s Chronicles of Narnia films.
It’s possible there is something Stranger Things-related among the announcements.
Tales from ’85, an animated spin-off, is expected to be released this year. This one is a long shot, but the Duffers could theoretically reveal the title of their live-action spin-off.
When is the next Stranger Things show coming out?
One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 will premiere on Netflix on January 12. It’s not another episode: it’s a documentary.
According to Netflix, it’ll be a “sweeping behind-the-scenes chronicle that follows the cast, creators, and crew as they bring the final season to life — and say goodbye to the show that changed them forever”.
Tales from ’85 doesn’t have an official release date, but it’s expected to be released in 2026. The Duffers’ other spin-off is still in development.
“If you love Stranger Things, or if you’re simply curious how a major Hollywood production comes to life, this one’s for you,” the co-creators said about the documentary.
Read more: The 10 most unforgivable Stranger Things plot holes from seasons 1 to 5, including the finale
