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Netflix pulls the plug on 'Archive 81,' fans feel streamer 'always cancels good shows'

The Netflix supernatural series had garnered quite the fan following but unfortunately was canned after one season

Netflix is notorious for axing shows. Most of us, if not all, are no strangers to that. However, every now and then the streaming giant boots a show that has found a place in the hearts and homes of viewers. 'Archive 81' is one such show that, sadly, has been canned.

Based loosely on a horror podcast created by Daniel Powell and Marc Sollinger, the series was executive produced by horror stalwarts such as James Wan, Paul Harris Boardman, and Rebecca Thomas (Stranger Things). Following the mysterious events that unfold after an archivist begins to restore the videotapes of a documentary filmmaker, the eight-parter debuted on Netflix in January and eventually found its spot in the Top 10 lists and even made it to the No.1 spot for a brief period only to be replaced by 'Ozark.' Unfortunately, 'Archive 81' is not being renewed for a second season. What's the reason behind the cancelation? What do the fans think of the move? Keep on reading to find out!

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Why did Netflix ax 'Archive 81'?

Though Netflix pulling the plug on 'Archive 81' comes somewhat as a surprise, it's known by now that the streamer is quite ruthless when it comes to numbers. So, irrespective of the series topping the charts or scoring high, chances are 'Archive 81' just didn't meet expectations when it came to the viewership to budget ratio. 

What did the critics have to say about 'Archive 81'?

'Archive 81' has a 86% Tomatometer rating with a critics consensus that called the series "an intriguing blend of horror and noir." Metacritic gave it 73 on 100, with a user score of 6.8 which meant the series received "generally favorable reviews." Brian Tallerico of rogerebert.com called 'Archive 81' "the kind of show that pulls people in" lauding its execution though he had some issues with the writing while Daniel Fienberg of The Hollywood Reporter found the series to be "built pretty well."

What do fans think of 'Archive 81' being canceled?

Fans of 'Archive 81' had quite a lot to say about the series being booted. "@netflix I just caught wind that you cancelled #Archive81! Another one and done on a cliffhanger! I’m so done investing in your new shows and sick of watching you cancel great ones and keeping terrible ones! I’m on the verge of cancelling my subscription as what’s the point. Ugh!," a distraught fan tweeted. "I have just learned that #Archive81 wasn't renewed for a second season and I'm DEVASTATED. I absolutely loved that show, and was so looking forward to seeing how Dan dealt with being in 1994. C'mon @netflix, why ya gotta be this way??," another vented. 

"REALLY @netflix??? YOU ALWAYS CANCEL GOOD SHOWS!!!! #Archive81," a fan shared. Another seconded, tweeting "Of course @netflix cancels #Archive81 … it was an amazing show but, I’m not surprised.. stop canceling good series after their first season!!!!". There were many more tweets loaded with colorful language. Here's one just to give you a peek into the rage: "You guys are f***ing idiots for not renewing #Archive81@netflix".

What do you think of 'Archive 81' being canceled? Let us know in the comments below!