Although Netflix has saved a network series or two from cancellation, it’s new model has frequently been to cancel some (albeit not all) new programs after a couple of seasons. In the case of The OA, the sci fi series has now been firmly dumped into the “canceled” sandbox, which means fans won’t be able to see how the storyline plays out following the events at the end of Season 2.
Without getting into too many spoilers – but getting into some right here -- there was a lot of dimension hopping during The OA Season 2. There was even a dimension where The OA was actually a TV show, which we called a “bonkers” choice at the time and seemingly set up for Season 3 to go in a crazy direction.
Instead, Netflix has cancelled the series in a trend that is becoming all too common. Other victims of Netflix cancellations this year include Designated Survivor, Friends From College, The Good Cop, Santa Clarita Diet, Jessica Jones and more. Other shows, like Lucifer and 13 Reasons Why, will be ending after upcoming seasons.
The one thing we know for certain is that the cancellation of The OA was as much of a surprise to the creative staff as it may be for you right now. Series creator Brit Marling took to Instagram to share her story about finding out The OA had been cancelled before she had officially been able to wrap the story, also mentioning her creative partner Zal Batmanglij in the conversation. She said:
Zal and I are deeply sad not to finish the story. The first time I heard the news I had a good cry. So did one of our executives at Netflix that has been with us since the early days when we were sketching out Hap’s basement on the floor of our production office in Queens. It’s been an intense journey for everyone who worked on and cared for this story.
The original post is much longer and details why Brit Marling has often chosen to write strong female characters in science fiction worlds. Fans of The OA can take a look at her detailed post below.
Brit Marling ends with the note that perhaps, it is OK that The OA will be ending without concluding the story, noting,
Maybe, in some ways, it’s OK not to conclude these characters. Steve Winchell will be suspended in time in our imaginations, infinitely evolving, forever running after and finally reaching the ambulance and OA.
I don't know if that's any consolation for you, but it makes me feel a little bit better. Despite the cancellation, the first two seasons of The OA will be available streaming on Netflix for the near and probably longterm future. If you haven't checked it out yet, do give it a watch. Even with a shortened shelf life, it's "bonkers" TV.
