It was revealed not too long ago that Netflix had opted to cancel Archive 81 after just one season, which means there will be no Season 2.
So, when we heard about Archive 81 Season 2 being cancelled, we had to do some digging, especially since we just released an exclusive article and video last month about Season 2 of Archive 81 being renewed!
Yes, it did seem as though we were left with more than a little bit of egg on our faces.
However, we reached out to some sources close to the project to try and figure out what happened.
We really wanted to find out why Netflix really decided to cancel the show before its time.
We never reveal our sources here at Small Screen – it’s something called ‘Source Protection’.
However, what we can say is that the source we contact has a senior position and was involved in the production of Archive 81.
We sent them some questions about what happened, and they sent over some rather interesting answers.
The source wished to remain anonymous for obvious reasons given some of the answers they gave us.
Why did Netflix really decide to cancel Archive 81?
Credit: Netflix
Read more: Archive 81 Season 2: Netflix Release Date, Cast & Story
SMALL SCREEN: Could you maybe explain what happened? Why didn’t Netflix renew Season 2?
SOURCE: There were a lot of issues, mostly numbers based. It was so close to getting renewed. We were days away from going into pre-production. Scripts had been written and were being worked on. In the end, it all came down to numbers, both money and views on Netflix. S2’s budget was a sticking point, and people at Netflix felt the show didn’t bring in enough new viewers. The show did well and considering it was made on a tight budget, it did really well. But, Netflix has what we like to call ‘cut off points’ as far as views are concerned. We just didn’t make it into the ‘renewed’ bracket. We’re pretty thrown by the whole thing because it was a great show to work on and had so much potential.”
Archive 81 just didn’t get the viewership numbers required for a Season 2
Read more: Archive 81 Cancelled By Netflix After Just One Season
This is a shame as the source is indeed correct, the show had so much potential.
The extra salt in the wound here is that they were mere days away from going into pre-production.
So, it looks like they were indeed ready to go ahead with Archive 81 Season 2.
However, like most cases at Netflix, they crunched the numbers and felt it wasn’t viable.
Their “cut-off” point, as the source stated, is a well-known factor over at Netflix.
Could there be a series revival in the future?
Credit: Netflix
Read more: James Wan Is Working On A New Horror Show For Netflix Called Archive 81
However, we had some more questions about Archive 81, specifically, its potential revival at a later date.
SMALL SCREEN: Could the show ever be brought back to life? Would another network want to pick it up?
SOURCE: As it stands, no. Archive 81 is dead as a dodo. Given the deals that were signed, it’s highly unlikely that another network would want to pick it up. Netflix is the only real platform that saves shows, and they decided to kill ours.
SMALL SCREEN: What’s next for the Archive 81 team?
SOURCE: Honestly, we don’t know yet. We would love to work together again, but we’d have to find the right project. It’s still very fresh and we’re just processing things right now.
They finished off with a nice little message to the many fans of the show.
Thank you for your interest in the show – it means a lot to us!
Archive 81 was cancelled before its time
Read more: Lucifer Season 5 Part 2’s Viewing Numbers Are Huge
It’s such a shame that Archive 81 ended up being cancelled way before its time.
However, it does sound as though the team involved in making the show might be looking for another project to do together.
The show was created by Rebecca Sonnenshine who also served as its showrunner.
Paul Harris Boardman and James Wan served as executive producers on the series and it was made by Wan’s production company, Atomic Monster.
Mamoudou Athie and Dina Shihabi starred in leading roles as Dan and Melody.
We’d like to thank our source for the information on why Archive 81 Season 2 was cancelled.
It’s nice to get some clarification on what happened to a show after it’s been cancelled.
What are your thoughts on Netflix’s move here?
Do you think Archive 81 should have been renewed for a Season 2?
Let us know in the comments, we do read all of them.
What do you make of this story? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages! And if you enjoy listening to film podcasts, why not check out our podcasts, Small Screen Stories and Small Screen Film Club wherever you get your podcasts!
It’s a real shame this show was cancelled. I’ve only just finished it now and was hooked. I initially had little interest in the show when I saw the trailer as I misinterpreted the show as a documentary. The series was well worth watching and storyline ominous but gripping.
I hate Netflix they cancel so many great programmes, it’s always about money (as always) I bet they made a profit, just enough for them to carry on.
My wife and i were thoroughly enjoying this show and eagerly looking forward to season 2. As far as numbers go, this seems to be happening a lot on streaming services. This isn’t the first show that I’ve loved being cancelled. There needs to be some device in place to accommodate for people who stream later. This is not live tv so you can’t have a Nielson ratings type model. There’s a show in watching now that is several years old and I love it! Help us out here Netflix.
Season 1 was very true to the podcast. The subsequent 2 seasons of the podcast were just awful. Dan became a bizarrely built machine in the other universe. The dark overtones of the first season were replaced with a bad comedic vibe. Maybe Netflix looked at the scripts and thought “Are you kidding? Get the ax.”
Instead of making really bad stuff like season 3 of Locke&Key, they should rather invest in good and unique shows like Archiv 81.
Such a shame. I keep hoping Netflix will change their minds.
I just finished this and it was so good! I still cannot believe it was canceled. And with such a cliffhanger too!
Awesome show. Just finished watching S1 over 2 nights. Very sad there will be no season 2: come on Netflix, reverse this decision!