1899 is an exciting and invigoratingly confident watch. Netflix will likely cancel it

IIf you are a fan of TV shows that require a lot of work, 1899 is for you. The new series, a German-produced word-of-mouth hit in 11 different languages, is currently by far the most complex series on the market. It follows migrants aboard an ocean liner as they hit the high seas with an alarming discovery: another ship that had disappeared days earlier. So far, so easy.

However, things take a startling turn when some of these characters decide to explore the boat. Let’s just say it’s advisable to watch closely with a pen and notepad. It’s a show destined to confound, and for those with a penchant for mystery layered upon mystery, it will lure you in with hook, line, and plumb line. But there’s just one problem: the show is on Netflix.

In fairness, the streaming service has been very kind too Darkthe previous show published by 1899‘s creators, Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese. That is, if being “friendly” means letting a show run its natural course. German language series Dark Lasted three seasons, was released from 2017 to 2020 and, luckily for Odar and Friese, became an international hit.

The show began as a straightforward family drama about a missing child and grew into a sprawling time warp saga that earned its title as “the most complex show on television.” In short: exactly my kind of show. Those who persevered were rewarded – there’s a strong case for it being Netflix’s biggest show yet – and if it had been canceled before it was completed it would have been a tragedy of the streaming age. I worry that 1899 might not escape that fate.

1899 is not immediately great like Dark – but it matters. Similar themes are there and right: an ensemble cast of ordinary characters caught in an extraordinary situation – hello! A mysterious contraption with the ability to warp space and time – check! Underground passages leading to different dimensions – you bet! A creepy overlord (Anton Lesser) seemingly controlling events to his will – there he is! But it’s less forthcoming with its raison d’être. Dark impressed non-sci-fi viewers by presenting an (at first) easy-to-follow plot in a contemporary setting; while, as the title suggests, 1899 is a historical play filled with characters whose motives are not clearly defined, and it is impenetrable for at least seven of its eight episodes. This is cause for concern. TV viewers generally love relaxed television and tend to switch off at the slightest hint of a challenge, but 1899 actively puts people through their paces, albeit with an invigorating confidence.

Speak with IndieWire, Odar and Friese admitted they didn’t plan on revealing many answers until a third and final season — but that’s if enough people watch the series. if 1899 not considered big enough for the streamer, you can bet Netflix will wield that axe.

Look at The OA, a cerebral show whose ambitious second season ending opened the game wide, only to be canceled five months later. More recently vampire series first kill inexplicably found itself sidelined despite topping the charts in several countries. Despite rumors to the contrary, mind hunterthe costly crime drama produced by David Fincher also appears to be in limbo.

Not helping 1899The reason for this is the fact that it is the most expensive series ever produced in Germany, for which Netflix paid 48 million euros of its 60 million euro budget. In other words, it needs to top Netflix’s top 10 lists around the world — at the time of writing 1899 is behind the last season of The crown in both the UK and US and is number one in just 25 out of 93 territories.

While many would flock to a second season – just try to stay away after the finale’s thrillingly disorienting ending – 1899The status of as a “mystery box” show will infuriate many (Mystery box is a term applied to shows that ask many questions and gradually reveal answers. See: Lost, Reversed, western world – REST IN PEACE). And that could cause dismay among Netflix bosses.

The streaming age can be glorious; Thanks to Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+ and Prime Video, shows are being created that would never have seen the light of day. However, it is also a fickle business. With 1899, Odar and Friese have presented a puzzle for viewers to decipher. But when it doesn’t tick the business boxes, viewers are left with an incomplete puzzle. So let’s hope so 1899 sails to victory.