Netflix historical drama '1899' cancelled after just one season - and recent controversy may be a reason

A major Netflix series has been cancelled after just one season, the show’s creators have confirmed.

Horror historical drama ‘1899’ followed a group of immigrants on a steamship as they travelled from London to New York. The show first aired on Netflix on November 17, 2022.

But after only one season, the German show’s co-creator Baran bo Odar confirmed on Instagram that it will not be renewed for season 2 or season 3.

Odar is also responsible for Netflix’s science-fiction thriller series ‘Dark’, but unless 1899 is picked up by another network, the show is unlikely to see similar success.

In a joint-statement on Instagram, Baran bo Odar (44) and co-creator Jantje Friese (46) said: “With a heavy heart we have to tell you that 1899 will not be renewed. We would have loved to finish this incredible journey with a 2nd and 3rd season as we did with Dark. But sometimes things don't turn out the way you planned.

'That’s life. We know this will disappoint millions of fans out there. But we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts that you were a part of this wonderful adventure. We love you. Never forget.”

Although exact reasons for the cancellation remain unclear, the show has recently been marred by controversy, including accusations that plot material was lifted from a Brazilian graphic novel.

Mary Cagnin, author of 2016 graphic novel Black Silence, previously said she was “shocked” to see imagery very similar to that in her novel appear in the TV series.

This included imagery linked to a black pyramid, deaths of characters. She claimed she was never contacted by Netflix about the use of any of her artwork.

In a since deleted post, Friese spoke to defend the show against claims of plagiarism and said Mary was ‘crying wolf’.

1899 currently has a 7.5/10 score on IMDb and a 76 percent ‘fresh’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating it has been a hit with many audiences.

While the first season is still streaming on Netflix, the lack of any new episodes is likely to be a big disappointment with fans.