Stranger Things Fans Chase Secret Finale in Balatro Theory Frenzy

Disappointment over the conclusion of Stranger Things’ fifth series hasn’t quite dampened the spirits of its most dedicated followers. Instead, a fresh wave of speculation has swept across social media, with some convinced that a clandestine final chapter is still waiting in the wings. The latest theory, dubbed ‘ConformityGate’, has taken a rather unexpected turn, centring on the roguelike card game Balatro.

It all began when a sharp-eyed viewer, @seaweedpenumbra, spotted the word ‘Balatro’ scribbled on a whiteboard in the writers’ room, glimpsed during the making-of documentary One Last Adventure. This fleeting detail, paired with Netflix’s recent penchant for tarot-themed marketing, has set the rumour mill spinning. The streamer’s 2026 promotional material has leaned heavily on tarot imagery, and, as some have noted, Balatro even received a nod in the third episode of Black Mirror’s seventh series, ‘Hotel Reverie’. That particular episode, for those unfamiliar, follows an actress who steps into an old film and alters its ending to suit her own agenda.

Clues, Cards, and Conspiracies

“It can't be a coincidence that the What's Next on Netflix marketing focused so heavily on tarot cards just for there to be a split-second Balatro reference in the Duffer doc. #balatrotheory is 100% proof of coordinated trickery, and everyone should be on the bus,” wrote the fan, clearly convinced that something more is afoot.

Some have gone further, drawing parallels between Balatro’s mechanics and the show’s narrative. In the game, a secret card called ‘Planet X’ is unlocked by assembling a ‘5 of a Kind’ hand—a detail that, in the eyes of some, mirrors Stranger Things’ own mysterious Dimension X, or The Abyss. The connections don’t end there. There’s a track titled ‘Planet X’ by Calimossa, released in early 2018, which, according to these theorists, contains uncanny echoes of the ConformityGate saga. The song even featured in a 2021 Masterclass advert starring Issa Rae, who played the lead in ‘Hotel Reverie’.

Hope Springs Eternal

Despite the elaborate web of connections, the likelihood of a surprise finale remains slim. Director Martina Radwan, who helmed One Last Adventure, addressed the speculation with a measured response.

“I can't confirm or deny anything, but no,”

she told Gold Derby when pressed about the possibility of a ninth instalment.

“You know, you have to ask the Duffers. I can't speak for them. But I wonder, is that wishful thinking, because people really want to get more? Like, they don't want it to be over? Which I understand.”

For now, all episodes of the series are available to stream. Those still puzzling over the ending can find breakdowns and reviews to help make sense of the finale’s twists and turns.

Looking Ahead

With the dust settling on Hawkins, attention is already shifting to what’s next on the small screen. Whether it’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Wonder Man, Lanterns, Spider-Man: Noir, or VisionQuest, 2026 promises plenty to keep viewers guessing—and theorising—for some time yet.