Why Was 1899 Canceled Before Season 2?

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Fans were eagerly anticipating the second season of the series 1899, produced by Dark’s Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese, but unfortunately, Netflix decided not to renew it. The show had garnered a following similar to that of Dark, featured numerous cliffhangers, and quickly gained a cult following. However, despite this success, the series was ultimately canceled, leaving fans puzzled about the reasoning behind the decision. Here’s an analysis of why Netflix made that call and more details on the situation.

Why was 1899 canceled by Netflix?

Although 1899 made it onto Netflix’s global Top 10 list during its initial release, the series could have been canceled due to Netflix’s growing focus on using data to guide their programming decisions.

Netflix tends to focus on series that grab viewers’ attention quickly and maintain it till the end. However, 1899, with its slow-building plot, complex narrative, and deep symbolism, appears to deviate from this pattern. Despite its lofty aims, the show might have been too complex for a platform that emphasizes short-term viewer retention, as indicated by metrics like viewer persistence and completion rates. Although Netflix didn’t provide a comprehensive reason, industry experts suggest that the company is leaning more towards such metrics.

Another potential concern might have been cost-related issues. The production of “1899” was not a small-scale project, as it was filmed using a cutting-edge technology called “Volume,” which enabled the creation of stunning, alien landscapes. This visual breakthrough came with a significant financial investment, estimated to be around $50-$60 million for the first season alone. Considering this substantial investment, Netflix may have evaluated the cost against viewer engagement statistics and decided not to take the risk on another season due to these financial considerations. (via Comic Book)

For the fans, the cancellation was particularly tough since they felt like 1899 still had a lot more to offer. The first season ended in suspense, hinting that the 19th-century backdrop might have been part of a virtual world and foreshadowing a leap to the year 2099. Instead of wrapping up its narratives, the show set up something grander. The sudden cancellation left many questions unanswered and fans without any resolution to their investment.

Although the ship named 1899 didn’t have the chance to complete its maiden voyage in 1899, its creators, Odar and Friese, haven’t ceased their creative endeavors. Now, they are working on Tyll, a historical fantasy inspired by the renowned novel of the same name, penned by Daniel Kehlmann.

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2025-07-16 08:26