Culture

Fans react to Netflix cancelling sci-fi drama 1899: “Beyond devastated”

By Sam Damshenas

3rd January 2023

Netflix is not moving forward with a second season of 1899.

Released in November to critical acclaim, the sci-fi drama secured the runner-up position on Netflix’s Weekly Top 10 list with almost 80 million hours viewed in just four days.

Despite the aforementioned success, series creators Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar confirmed via social media that 1899 has been cancelled.

The German duo, who previously collaborated with Netflix on Dark, one of the most lauded dramas of the 21st century, wrote on Instagram: “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 with 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 wonderful adventure. We love you. Never forget.”

Set in 1899, the series follows a group of immigrants aboard a steamship named Kerberos to start new lives in New York City, where they’re faced with a series of inexplicable events.

The ensemble cast includes Emily Beecham (Into the Badlands), Aneurin Barnard (Dunkirk), Andreas Pietschmann (Dark), Mathilde Olliver (Boss Level), Jonas Bloquet (The Nun), Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen (The Rain), Alexandre Willaume (Tomb Raider) and Anton Lesser (Game of Thrones). 

 

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Élite star Miguel Bernardeau also stars as Ángel, a wealthy Spaniard travelling with his lover Ramiro (José Pimentão), a faux Portuguese priest.

Following the news of its cancelled, fans mourned the series on social media.

One fan wrote: “When you think that 1899 was an international show with an international diverse cast, who let actors speak their own maternal language, original, unique, well written, didn’t do anything stupid for a shock value, unpredictable etc and they cancelled it like? make it make sense.” 

Another viewer said: “1899 getting cancelled after literally being at the top of Netflix’s daily charts for weeks after release and then only dropping to two because of Wednesday which they ALSO haven’t renewed yet doesn’t make any sense to me.”

Lynggaard Tønnesen, who played another central queer character, shared a photo of the “first night” he met his cast members, saying they “really appreciate all of you and your support for 1899.” 

“I’m heartbroken we don’t get to see where this incredible story ends,” he added. “Unfortunately that’s life sometimes… Sour as a mf. Maybe in another simulation things would be different, yeah?”

In the past year alone, Netflix has cancelled LGBTQ+ inclusive shows such as The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself, Fate: The Winx Saga, First Kill, Q-Force and Warrior Nun.

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