In a move very like the streaming giant, Netflix has canceled yet another popular show. This time on the chopping block is the popular mystery sci-fi show 1899. It swiftly became the most-watched Netflix show after its release. And yet…co-creator Baran bo Odar revealed on his Instagram January 2, 2023 that Netflix wouldn’t be renewing the show for a second season.
“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.”
– Baran bo Odar @baranboodar
Now 1899 can join recent sci-fi mysteries to be canceled by Netflix, like the popular Archive 81. If you’re reeling at the news that your new favorite mystery isn’t getting a proper ending, we get it. While you quietly seethe at Netflix, there are shows like 1899 you could be watching, too–dark stories and compelling mysteries that already got their official endings. Power-watch these streaming shows as you sign this petition to get 1899 its proper ending.
Liked 1899? Here’s what to stream next.
Dark (Netflix)
If you loved 1899, you hopefully haven’t slept on Dark (2017-2020). Made by the same co-creators, Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese, it follows an otherwise normal-seeming German town and its inhabitants as a group of local teens discover a weird cave. There’s time travel, there’s dark vibes, and there are countless comparisons calling it the “German Stranger Things.” Unlike 1899, Dark got a full run with three seasons and a finished ending.
Lost (Hulu and FreeVee)
The epitome of the sci-fi mystery show, Lost (2004-2010) kept viewers guessing right to the end of its six-season run. (And for some, they’re still guessing on some of the islands mysteries to this day.) It begins with the passengers of failed Oceanic flight 815 crash-landing on a seemingly deserted tropical island. But things are never what the seem–something an 1899 fan might appreciate.
The Leftovers (HBO Max)
After 140 million people vanish simultaneously, it’s the people that are left over that have to deal with possibly never finding an answer to the biggest question: “Why.” If you like dark shows that focus on what people do in tough situations, The Leftovers (2014-2017) could scratch that itch. In addition to having a full ending with its third and final season, The Leftovers is acclaimed for having a satisfying and well-done finale–something so many other shows can’t claim.
Fringe (HBO Max and FreeVee)
Take The X-Files and put it in the hands of J.J. Abrams, creator of Lost, and what do you get? Fringe (2008-2013) is a sci-fi mystery show with a monster-of-the-week format and an over-arching plot that’ll keep you invested in the characters. The lore is intricate and dense, perfect for people who like to puzzle over their binge-of-choice. Although it was a victim of a terrible timeslot when it was first airing, Fringe still got an official ending with its fifth and final season. Even nearly a decade later, this is still an all-time favorite for many.
True Detective (HBO Max)
If you’re more in it for the sweeping mystery than the sci-fi elements, direct your viewing attention to True Detective (2014-). Each of its three (and soon four) seasons is a complete encapsulated narrative so you can go into each one knowing that you’ll get the ending you deserve. The show is gritty with Oscar-leveling acting and sometimes devastating conclusions. If you’ve got a free night or two, do yourself a favor and watch the first season featuring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson.
Stranger Things (Netflix)
Not all Netflix shows get canceled without a second thought. The streaming giant’s flagship show, Stranger Things (2016-), is currently filming the fifth and final season, so get ready for a completed narrative. And really, how could we not watch these poor Hawkins teens as they hopefully defeat Vecna and save the world? If you like to analyze shows up and down–and sob over your favorite characters having tragic endings–join the rest of the rabid audience as they pore over every detail.
Warehouse 13 (Peacock and FreeVee)
A pair of secret service agents gets tasked with finding the world’s oddest objects so they can be safely kept in the hidden Warehouse 13. Unlike the other shows on this list, Warehouse 13 (2009-2014) injects humor into its sci-fi mystery storyline. Its as if The X-Files and Supernatural got married and had a funny baby. It went through five full seasons and often has lore crossover with another of Syfy Network’s beloved shows, Eureka.
Manifest (Netflix)
A group of people board a plane only to get off five years in the future, setting off an epic mystery of where they went and why. Manifest (2018-) is an example of a show that was saved after being canceled. Originally airing on NBC, the network unceremoniously canceled the show after the third season’s cliffhanger. A public outcry caused Netflix to buy the rights and they’re currently working on the fourth season. Perhaps 1899 will have the same positive fate?
The X-Files (Hulu and FreeVee)
You really can’t beat The X-Files (1993-2018), a sci-fi classic. Skeptical FBI agent Dana Scully is tasked with accompanying kooky agent Fox Mulder as he leads her from one paranormal case to the next. It isn’t just a monster-of-the-week, it’s a layered mystery that gets peeled back little by little with every season. It originally found its finale in 2002, but got picked up for two more seasons from 2016 to 2018. There are over 200 episodes and two movies for you to obsess over along with generations of diehard fans.
