I am glad that Netflix has renewed 3 Body Problem for 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 8 was 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 OA met 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 my beloved sci-fi shows fall into Netflix’s graveyard of cancelations, I could not help but be cautiously optimistic about 3 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.

Like 3 Body Problem, 1899 Had The Makings Of A Great Sci-Fi Show

1899’s Cliffhanger Ending Made Room For At Least Two More Seasons

Since 3 Body Problem is based on Liu Cixin’s renowned book trilogy of 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 by Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss. Similar to 3 Body Problem, Netflix’s 1899 was also anticipated to be a groundbreaking sci-fi series because its creators, Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese, were the masterminds behind the streamer’s most ambitious and mind-bending sci-fi show, Dark.

I, too, was expecting Netflix to make some long-term bets on 1899, 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 like Dark and 3 Body Problem‘s opening seasons. Since Dark took its time to unfurl the depths of its loopy time-travel drama, I was also looking forward to how 1899 would achieve the same after its season 1’s cliffhanger ending.

Unfortunately, despite having immense potential, 1899 was 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 acclaimed shows like Netflix’s 1899 do 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.”

It’s Sad That Netflix Was Not Too Patient With 1899

1899’s Future Potential Was Judged Using An Unfair Parameter

As per reports, 1899 was canceled after season 1 because the streaming giant considered completion rates and viewership numbers to determine whether the series should continue. 1899 reportedly (via What’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, including Breaking Bad, were hits among critics after their early seasons but took some time to be noticed by a wider audience.

1899 also 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 than 1899, the show’s timing might have significantly impacted its completion rate. Like many shows and movies, 1899 could 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’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 renewed 3 Body Problem for 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 like 1899 and The OA were not treated the same way, but it is good to know that I will be able to watch 3 Body Problem‘s season 2 without fearing that its story may never get a well-rounded closure.

Although 3 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.

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 that 1899 will 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.

Unfortunately, since Netflix only offered to continue these shows with conclusive movies and 2-hour specials, it would be unreasonable to expect a full-fledged 1899 season 2 to happen. Therefore, for now, I will probably embrace the fact that 3 Body Problem will 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.