Image source: Germany Detail Zero
1899: The most recent Netflix show to be canceled in a run of series was the recently released 1899.
The lack of a second season for 1899 contrasts with its predecessor Dark, disappointing viewers.
The announcement
Dark and 1899 both had Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese as the showrunners; Dark received more patience and was later rewarded.
On Instagram, Bo Odar, however, announced that the cancellation had been made:
“With a heavy heart we have to tell you that 1899 will not be renewed.”
“We would have loved to finish this incredible journey with a 2nd and 3rd season as we did Dark.”
“But sometimes things don’t turn out the way you planned. That’s life. We know this will disappoint millions of fans out there.”
“But we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts that you were a part of this adventure. We love you. Never forget.”
The premise
Dark and 1899 both adopted the practice of having the characters talk in their native tongues.
Andreas Pietschmann, a graduate of Dark who had a big part in the show, also made an appearance on the program.
But those are the only connections.
The following is a summary of 1899’s premise:
“A migrant steam heads west to leave the old continent.”
“The passengers, a mixed bag of European origins, united by their hopes and dreams for the new century and their future abroad.”
“But their journey takes an unexpected turn when they discover another migrant ship adrift on the open sea.”
“What they will find on board will turn their passage to the promised land into a horrifying nightmare.”
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Cancellation
Following the conclusion of Dark, Netflix offered Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar the chance to create 1899 in exchange for a deal.
The show was initially intended to last for three seasons, but its cancellation dampened hopes for yet another Dark-inspired narrative odyssey.
Low viewing figures primarily influenced the decision, though an official reason has not yet been provided.
Putting on a show of the caliber of 1899 might not be as simple as it first appears.
Eight million people watched the first trailer, which was more than other Netflix trailers at the time.
A dismal one million people watched the Young Royals season two teaser.
Wednesday came in next with five million views, trailing 1899.
Viewership
As evidenced by the number of individuals who saw the trailers, fans were eager to see 1899.
Despite not reaching Wednesday’s record-breaking ratings, the program did well.
According to Variety, 1899 received over 79.27 million viewing hours in its first four days, placing it second on the top 10 Netflix lists.
The program was surpassed for the first spot by the most recent season of The Crown.
Deadline reported that 87.9 million hours had been spent viewing 1899 by the end of the week.
Beyond the US, the show reached the pinnacle of the charts everywhere.
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Season 2: what could have been
After three seasons, Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar wanted to conclude 1899.
“For us, it was important that in the first episode, really from the get-go, you feel unbalanced,” said Friese.
“It does feel a little bit like an 1899 historical drama piece, but something is off.”
“What we constantly do is play with expectations,” she teased.
“You read a code and you expect something and you feel safe in that. You think you figured it out.”
“We’re breaking that expectation, and then hopefully giving you a satisfactory answer.”
“At least, at the end of season three, but hopefully already during the very first season.”
Despite keeping the 1899 finale a mystery from the audience, the showrunners admitted they had it prepared.
“We always like to have an ending before we start,” explained Jantje Friese. “We want to know where we are going.”
“We’re moving through a story, and we want to know how it will be resolved in the end.”
“In the middle, there may be some ideas that are more loosely thrown in,” she continued.
“And as we go through the process, the ideas can shift and move into a different position.”
“You’re just trying to be flexible, to really allow the process to surprise you while you’re going through it, but still kind of knowing where you’re sailing to.”
References:
Netflix’s 1899 cancelled after one season
Why 1899 was cancelled – and the chances of season 2 or a spinoff
