Why Did Netflix Cancel 1899 Despite High Viewership Numbers

When Netflix canceled 1899 in January 2023—just months after its November 2022 premiere—it sent shockwaves through the fanbase. The show, created by the minds behind Dark, had quickly gained a cult following for its intricate storytelling, multilingual dialogue, and atmospheric mystery. More surprising was the data: 1899 ranked among Netflix’s top 10 most-watched non-English series globally during its debut week, accumulating over 134 million hours viewed. So why cancel a show with strong viewership?

The answer lies not in audience interest, but in the complex interplay of financial strategy, internal performance metrics, and long-term content planning that defines Netflix’s decision-making. While fans saw a hit, Netflix saw a high-cost project with uncertain returns beyond its first season.

The Illusion of High Viewership

On the surface, 1899 performed well. According to Netflix’s self-reported Top 10 data, it reached No. 1 in 56 countries and stayed in the global Top 10 Non-English titles for three weeks. However, Netflix measures success using more than just total hours watched. The company relies on a proprietary metric known as \"engagement efficiency\"—a calculation that weighs cost against viewer retention, completion rate, and subscriber acquisition impact.

A show can rack up millions of views while failing to convert casual viewers into loyal subscribers or retain attention past the first few episodes. In 1899’s case, early reports suggest that while initial curiosity was high, episode drop-off increased significantly after Episode 4. This pattern raises red flags internally, even if raw viewership looks impressive.

“High launch numbers don’t always translate to long-term value. What matters is whether a show keeps people subscribed—and whether it does so cost-effectively.” — Amanda Chen, Streaming Industry Analyst at Paragon Insights

Tip: A show's longevity on streaming platforms depends less on total views and more on how efficiently it retains viewers relative to its budget.

Production Costs and Budget Constraints

1899 was an expensive production. Filmed across multiple countries with a large international cast speaking eight languages, the series required extensive coordination, translation supervision, and high-end visual effects. Reports estimate the budget per episode exceeded $10 million, making the first season one of the most costly non-English productions in Netflix history.

For context, compare this to other Netflix originals:

Show	Estimated Cost Per Episode	Viewership (First 28 Days)	Status
1899	$10–12 million	134 million hours	Canceled after S1
Squid Game	$2.1 million	1.65 billion hours	Renewed (S2 in production)
Lupin	$3–4 million	770 million hours (S1)	Renewed (multiple seasons)
Bridgerton	$12–15 million	625 million hours (S1)	Renewed (S4 confirmed)

While Bridgerton also carries a high price tag, it has proven global appeal, consistent renewal, and drives significant merchandising and cultural conversation. 1899, despite critical acclaim, lacked the viral momentum or mass-market breakout needed to justify such investment without a second season payoff.

Netflix’s Strategic Shift in 2023

By late 2022 and early 2023, Netflix faced mounting pressure. Subscriber growth had stalled, advertising revenue from its new lower-priced tier was still minimal, and competition from Disney+, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video intensified. In response, Netflix adopted a stricter financial discipline, canceling underperforming shows—even popular ones—to free up capital for higher-potential projects.

This shift meant reevaluating every title based on return on investment (ROI), not just popularity. In a now-publicized internal memo, Netflix executives emphasized focusing on “projects with clear paths to multiple seasons and global scalability.” 1899, while ambitious, was deemed too niche and too costly to scale sustainably.

The creators, Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese, had envisioned 1899 as a five-season saga. But Netflix only greenlit the first season, citing uncertainty about long-term narrative cohesion and audience appetite for such a dense, slow-burn thriller. Without guaranteed future seasons, the risk of escalating budgets became untenable.

Real Example: The Fate of Other Canceled International Hits

1899 isn’t alone. Several international Netflix originals with strong debuts were canceled due to similar pressures:

• Platonic (Spain): Topped charts in Latin America but canceled due to rising production costs and moderate retention.
• Warrior Nun (Spain/US): Amassed a passionate fanbase and 109 million hours in its first month, yet canceled after two seasons due to declining engagement in later episodes.
• KAOS (UK): Despite buzz and a star-studded cast, canceled before release due to poor test audience feedback and high post-production expenses.

These cases illustrate a broader trend: Netflix now prioritizes sustainability over spectacle. A show must not only attract viewers but do so efficiently and repeatedly.

Behind the Scenes: Why Renewal Isn’t Guaranteed

Many assume that high viewership automatically leads to renewal. In traditional TV, ratings often correlate with ad revenue, creating a direct incentive to continue successful shows. But Netflix operates differently. Its primary goals are:

1. Subscriber acquisition and retention
2. Cost-effective content production
3. Global scalability of intellectual property

Even if a show like 1899 performs well initially, Netflix evaluates whether it will:

• Continue to grow in Season 2
• Justify increased budget demands
• Drive word-of-mouth marketing
• Perform consistently across diverse regions

In 1899’s case, regional performance varied widely. It dominated in Germany, France, and Brazil but underperformed in key markets like the U.S. and India. For a platform aiming for universal appeal, uneven geographic traction reduces a show’s strategic value.

Checklist: What Determines If a Netflix Show Gets Renewed?

Checklist: Use these factors to assess whether a show is likely to be renewed:

• ✅ Completion rate (percentage of viewers who finish the season)
• ✅ Weekly retention (how many users return each week)
• ✅ Cost per hour viewed (total budget divided by viewing hours)
• ✅ Global reach (performance across at least 5 major regions)
• ✅ Cultural impact (social media buzz, press coverage, memes)
• ✅ Scalability (feasibility of producing multiple seasons)

Creator Vision vs. Corporate Strategy

One of the most poignant aspects of 1899’s cancellation was the disconnect between artistic ambition and corporate pragmatism. The creators had mapped out a multi-season arc inspired by psychological thrillers, maritime folklore, and philosophical themes. They designed the first season as a deliberate slow burn, building mystery and character depth over time—a hallmark of their previous work on Dark.

However, modern streaming audiences increasingly favor faster pacing and immediate gratification. Netflix’s data shows that shows with quicker payoffs tend to have higher completion rates. 1899’s deliberate ambiguity and layered narrative, while praised by critics, may have alienated casual viewers expecting clearer answers sooner.

In a statement, co-creator Jantje Friese said: “We knew it was a risk. Not everyone would understand it right away. But we believed in the story. Sometimes, art needs time to breathe.”

“We built 1899 like a puzzle—every piece matters. But in today’s environment, if the picture isn’t obvious in the first three pieces, many stop assembling.” — Jantje Friese, Co-Creator of 1899

FAQ: Common Questions About the Cancellation

Did 1899 really have high viewership?

Yes. It accumulated over 134 million hours viewed in its first 28 days, ranking in Netflix’s Top 10 in numerous countries. However, viewership alone doesn’t guarantee renewal—especially when engagement drops after early episodes.

Could fan campaigns save 1899?

While fan efforts like #Save1899 generated social media traction, Netflix rarely reverses cancellation decisions based on petitions. Exceptions like Manifest and Lucifer involved external buyers stepping in. As of now, no studio has picked up 1899.

Is there any chance 1899 will return?

Unlikely. The sets were dismantled, contracts expired, and the creators have moved on to new projects. Though Friese mentioned the story could continue in novel form, a revival seems improbable without Netflix’s involvement or a deep-pocketed buyer.

Lessons for Creators and Viewers

The cancellation of 1899 serves as a cautionary tale about the evolving nature of streaming entertainment. Success isn’t just about quality or initial buzz—it’s about alignment with platform economics.

For creators, this means balancing artistic vision with audience accessibility. Complex narratives can thrive, but they must also hook viewers early and maintain momentum. For viewers, it underscores the fragility of even “successful” shows in the algorithm-driven era.

It also highlights the need for transparency. Netflix’s opaque metrics make it difficult for audiences to understand why beloved shows vanish. Greater disclosure about how decisions are made could build trust and allow fans to support shows more effectively—not just by watching, but by completing them and sharing them widely.

Conclusion: Understanding the Bigger Picture

The cancellation of 1899 wasn’t a reflection of failure, but of recalibration. In a competitive, profit-driven industry, even critically acclaimed, well-watched shows can fall victim to cold financial logic. High viewership is necessary—but not sufficient—for survival on modern streaming platforms.

As audiences, we can appreciate 1899 not just as a lost opportunity, but as a symbol of the tension between creativity and commerce. Its legacy lives on in its bold storytelling and the conversations it sparked about identity, reality, and human connection.

If you were moved by 1899, consider supporting independent creators who take similar risks. Share your thoughts on forums, rate the show on platforms, and advocate for nuanced storytelling. The more we value depth and originality, the greater the chance such stories will find a home—even if not on Netflix.

💬 What did 1899 mean to you? Did you finish the season? Would you have continued watching? Share your experience and help keep the conversation alive.