Stranger Things' impressive five-season run makes it hard not to wonder what another incredible Netflix sci-fi series would’ve been like if it had lasted so long. Many originalsci-fi shows on Netflixwere canceled before they could reach their natural conclusions, butStranger Thingsmanaged to become a rare exception.
After first landing on Netflix in 2016,Stranger Thingsquickly rose in the ranks to become one of the most valuable sci-fi IPs for the streamer. With its final installment, which will be split into three parts,Stranger Thingsis all set to endits incredible run before returning to the streaming service with other potential follow-ups and spin-offs.
Unfortunately, whileStranger Thingsthrived, another epic sci-fi show on Netflix struggled to last as long. Its creators seemingly had the vision and ambition to turn it into something as influential asStranger Things, but Netflix pulled the plug on it before it reached its true potential.
Netflix’sThe OAboasts an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 84%, with its second season having a 92% critics' rating. The show is often touted as a sci-fi masterpiece by many who watched it on Netflix, and, despite being canceled in 2019, the show managed to garner 96.1 million views across its first season between January 2023 and December 2024 (viaUnilad).
The OA’s creators, Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij,had initially envisioned a five-season run for the showwhen they pitched it to Netflix. Unfortunately, their ambitions were cut short whenNetflix canceledThe OAafter season 2, even though the show had a massive cult following.
AfterThe OA, Zal Batmanglij and Brit Marling teamed up for FX’sA Murder at the End of the World.
Given howThe OAandStranger Thingspremiered in the same year and showed incredible promise with their opening seasons,The OA’s early cancellation leaves one with a massive “what if” about what it could have become. Despite delivering a compelling opening season,The OAsignificantly improved in season 2.
If it had been given the opportunity to last longer, it is possible that its following would have grown with each installment, which would have allowed Marling and Batmanglij to fully realize their five-part vision. The story beats fromThe OA’s seasons 1 and 2 show how it was designed to evolve into something even more brilliant if only it had been as fortunate asStranger Things.
The OA’s Cast & Creators Still Believe It Can Return
Jason Isaacs Also Hopes The Show Will Return In The Future
The OA’s creators have previously revealed that Netflix gave them the opportunity to wrap the series with a final movie. However, realizing that the show deserved far more, they declined the offer. It has been over five years sinceThe OA’s cancellation, but many viewers still cannot help but demand its return.
In a 2023 interview (viaVulture), Brit Marling opened up about howThe OA’s cancellation was unfair and even revealed that “if the right conditions and circumstances come again,” the show might return. Jason Isaacs, who played the primary villain in the Netflix series, also talked about how he still laments the show and highlighted how they would be willing to pick it up again if given the chance.
Many years have passed sinceThe OA’s second season came out, which significantly reduces the odds of its return. However, the fact that the demand for its return is still quite high and even its cast and crew want it to return makes one hopeful thatNetflixor some other streaming service will give it a second shot.
The OA
The OA is a mystery drama series that follows Prairie Johnson, who returns to her hometown after being missing for seven years with her sight mysteriously restored. As her baffling reappearance raises questions, she refrains from discussing her ordeal with authorities or family, sparking intrigue and speculation.
Stranger Things
Cast
Stranger Things is a Netflix series set in the 1980s, where the mysterious disappearance of a young boy leads a small town to uncover secret experiments and supernatural forces. A significant focus is on a peculiar girl who may hold the key to the unfolding mystery.
