Summary
I am glad that Netflix has renewed3 Body Problemfor two more seasons, but it sadly reminds me of another epic sci-fi show’s unfair cancelation. For as long as I can remember, Netflix has prematurely terminated many a sci-fi show even though they garnered critical acclaim from viewers and critics.Sense 8was perhaps one of the first few shows of the genre to take a fall despite boasting an impressive rotten tomatoes score of 86%. Soon,The OAmet a similar fate even though many viewers, including me, lauded it as one of the most brilliantly imaginative shows of modern times.
After watching many of mybeloved sci-fi shows fall into Netflix’s graveyard of cancelations, I could not help but be cautiously optimistic about3 Body Problem’s future. Owing to this, I am thankful that Netflix is giving the series a chance to complete its story instead of becoming another case of unrealized potential. While this offers me a glimmer of hope that the streamer is changing its approach, I cannot stop thinking about another sci-fi show that deserves a second chance but was never renewed after season 1:1899.
1899 Ending Explained (In Detail)
By twisting its characters' perceptions of reality, Netflix’s 1899 ending presents many baffling sci-fi mysteries that demand explanations.
1899’s Cliffhanger Ending Made Room For At Least Two More Seasons
Since3 Body Problemis based on Liu Cixin’s renowned book trilogyof the same name, the show already had enough hype long before its release. Some of its credibility also comes from the fact that it is being helmed byGame of Thronescreators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss. Similar to3 Body Problem, Netflix’s1899was also anticipated to be a groundbreaking sci-fi series becauseits creators, Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese, were the masterminds behind the streamer’s most ambitious and mind-bending sci-fi show,Dark.
1899’s season 1 also boldly dabbled with some complex ideas surrounding simulations, human memory, and the skewed nature of one’s perception, paving the way for more exciting follow-ups likeDarkand3 Body Problem’s opening seasons.
I, too, was expecting Netflix to make some long-term bets on1899, considering Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese’s success with Dark.1899’s season 1 also boldly dabbled with some complex ideas surrounding simulations, human memory, and the skewed nature of one’s perception, paving the way for more exciting follow-ups likeDarkand3 Body Problem’s opening seasons. SinceDarktook its time to unfurl the depths of its loopy time-travel drama, I was also looking forward to how1899would achieve the same after its season 1’s cliffhanger ending.
Unfortunately, despite having immense potential,1899was canceled after season 1, even though its creators intended to continue it for at least three seasons. I understand streaming platforms have limited budgets, preventing them from renewing every other show. However, I still believe it is unfair that acclaimedshows like Netflix’s1899do not even get the opportunity to find their audiences before getting abruptly canceled.The OA’s creator, Brit Marling, was seemingly right on the money when she said, “The mistake is actually on Netflix for not being able to figure out, in its model, how to monetize.”
1899’s Future Potential Was Judged Using An Unfair Parameter
As per reports,1899was canceled after season 1 because the streaming giant considered completion rates and viewership numbers to determine whether the series should continue.1899reportedly (viaWhat’s on Netflix) had a completion rate of 32%, significantly lower than the streamer’s biggest hits. This parameter might make sense on paper, but its big problem is that it does not accurately determine a show’s future. Some of the best shows of modern times, includingBreaking Bad, were hits among critics after their early seasonsbut took some time to be noticed by a wider audience.
1899also premiered in the second half of November. Since December marks the inception of the festive season and many viewers, including me, prefer watching something less narratively complex and grim than1899, the show’s timing might have significantly impacted its completion rate. Like many shows and movies,1899could have been a late bloomer, gaining new growth and momentum in January and the subsequent months. However, it was canceled in the first week of January itself,discouraging viewers like me from recommending it and new viewers from watching it.
3 Body Problem World Explained: Science, Tech, Aliens & Your Questions Answered
3 Body Problem introduces a lot of new concepts as the show goes on, with aliens and advanced technology often being thrust into the spotlight.
3 Body Problem’s Renewal Makes Me Hopeful About Future Netflix Sci-Fi Shows
It Makes Me Less Hesitant About Starting New Shows
The fact that Netflix has renewed3 Body Problemfor a second and third season gives me hope that the streaming giant is finally recognizing the value of investing in long-term storytelling instead of focusing solely on short-term data and metrics. I still feel disappointed that shows like1899andThe OAwere not treated the same way, but it is good to know that I will be able towatch3 Body Problem’s season 2 without fearing that its story may never get a well-rounded closure.
…it assures me that investing my time in new shows and even movies will not always lead to regret and disappointment.
Although3 Body Problem’s renewal does not guarantee that all deserving shows will get second chances, I see it as a positive shift in Netflix’s approach to programming. In many ways, it assures me that investing my time in new shows and even movies will not always lead to regret and disappointment. I am probably being a little too hopeful and unrealistic, but this potential shift in the streamer’s strategy also makes me believe that — maybe, just maybe — some beloved canceled shows will rise from the dead in the future and get another opportunity to finish what they started.
1899
77%
75%
79%
78%
Can 1899 Still Get A Second Chance?
1899’s Return Seems Unlikely, But That’s Okay
Speaking of rising from the dead and getting second chances, it seems unlikely that1899will return with another season. However, as surprising as it may seem, Netflix has previously given canceled shows a new lease on life. For instance,The OA’s creators were given the opportunity to end the series with a movie, but they declined the offer.Sense8, too, returned with a two-hour special one year after its cancelation when fan campaigns garnered widespread attention.
…I hope to see a day when television shows come with at least a semblance of closure and certainty.
Unfortunately, since Netflix only offered to continue these shows with conclusive movies and 2-hour specials, it would be unreasonable to expect a full-fledged1899season 2 to happen. Therefore, for now, I will probably embrace the fact that3 Body Problemwill run its entire course and enjoy the journey it will take me on with its future seasons. While at it, I hope to see a day when television shows come with at least a semblance of closure and certainty.
3 Body Problem
3 Body Problem is a Netflix original series from Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, along with Alexander Woo. Based on the novel of the same name by Liu Cixin, 3 Body Problem centers on a detective who joins forces with a group of scientists after an unknown force begins killing scientists around the world.
