With Stranger Things Ending, Netflix Needs to Bring Back The OA

by

Netflix has created many excellent original series, but unfortunately, not all of them have been allowed to finish their stories. The sci-fi drama The OA is a perfect example of a fantastic show that deserved a better fate, though there’s always hope it could return.

Now that Netflix’s most popular show, Stranger Things, is finishing with its fifth season in late 2025, many fans are hoping the platform will revive The OA. While it’s unlikely to happen, the show’s creators seem determined to bring it back for a proper conclusion, and they haven’t given up hope.

The OA and Stranger Things Share Common Elements

I still remember when Stranger Things first came out in 2016 – it was a total game-changer for Netflix! I was immediately hooked by its fun, 80s vibe and the really interesting characters. It really pulled you into the mystery, especially with all those amazing young actors. It felt like it opened the door for other shows like The OA, which arrived just a few months later that December, and also centered around a group of young people navigating something extraordinary.

From the start, The OA captivated audiences with its intriguing story and short first season of just eight episodes. The show was dark, thought-provoking, and often genuinely scary, offering a unique approach to storytelling that set it apart. Similar to Stranger Things, it also featured a young cast, with Brit Marling – who also wrote the show – playing the central character, Prairie.

While both The OA and Stranger Things explored alternate dimensions, The OA was notably darker in tone and ultimately didn’t resonate with as broad an audience. Stranger Things centered on a group of kids, making it more accessible, whereas The OA, with its mature themes and complex storytelling through the character of Prairie, aimed for a more adult and intellectual viewership. Despite moments of horror, Stranger Things‘ focus on youth helped it appeal to a wider range of people.

Canceling The OA Was a Huge Mistake on Netflix’s Part

The show was initially intended to have five seasons, but when the creators, Alan McElroy and Zal Batmanglij, presented it to Netflix, they only outlined the first two. When Netflix inquired about a potential third season, the creators jokingly said they’d have to be paid to reveal the plot. Unfortunately, neither Netflix nor the audience would ever find out what happened next, as the show was cancelled just five months after the second season aired.

When Netflix first picked up The OA, the company was rapidly approving new shows. However, they soon spent through their budget and had to cancel several series. The OA‘s second season went over budget during filming, and along with other expensive shows, Netflix decided to discontinue it.

Netflix suggested concluding the story with a movie, similar to what they did with another series in 2018, but a single film wouldn’t have been enough to properly finish The OA. The show had introduced too many unresolved storylines to tie everything up neatly in just one movie and still make sense of its complex plot.

The Possibility of The OA Making a Comeback Isn’t Off the Table

Despite being cancelled seven years ago, fans are still hoping for a revival of The OA. The show maintains a strong 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and many questions remain unanswered. It seems the creators feel the same way – in a 2025 interview, actor Jason Isaacs, who played Dr. Percy, revealed that he, Brit Marling, and Zal Batmanglij all believe the story isn’t finished.

I’m still holding out hope for The OA, and it’s really encouraging to hear that the people behind it – the creators and cast – are still passionate about bringing it back. While it’s not a definite ‘yes’ to season three, their dedication means something. If it does return, though, I don’t think it will be on Netflix. They apparently felt the cost of finishing the story – those final three seasons – was too much for them to handle.

I keep hearing people wonder if the show’s story is too intense for TV, but honestly, we’ve seen a lot of really daring and dark series succeed in the last few years. Thinking back to when The OA first came out in 2019, it felt like the world wasn’t quite ready for something so thought-provoking and strange. But so much has changed in the entertainment landscape since then! I truly believe now is the perfect time for a show like this, and there’s a real hunger for it – fans are definitely ready.

Read More

2026-01-06 07:38