Netflix’s supernatural horror series “Archive 81” debuted in January, where it quickly broke into the streaming service’s Top 10 and became a buzzed-about title.
However, despite that attention, Netflix has opted not to move forward with a second season.
Executive produced by James Wan, Deadline speculates that the numbers of viewers “did not meet the threshold Netflix had set for the series based on its budget.” The eight-episode inaugural season is based on the found footage podcast of the same name.
“Archive 81” stars Underwater‘s Mamoudou Athie with “Altered Carbon” alumna Dina Shihabi, Martin Donovan (Big Little Lies), Matt McGorry (How To Get Away With Murder), Julia Chan (Katy Keene), Evan Jonigkeit, and Ariana Neal (Hidden Figures).
In the series: “When archivist Dan Turner (Athie) takes a mysterious job restoring a collection of damaged videotapes from 1994, he finds himself reconstructing the work of documentary filmmaker Melody Pendras (Shihabi) and her investigation into a dangerous cult. As Dan is drawn into Melody’s story, he becomes convinced he can save her from the terrifying end she met 25 years ago.”
Marc Sollinger and Daniel Powell created the podcast and co-produced the series. “Stranger Things” director Rebecca Thomas directed half the debut season.
Archive 81. (L to R) Gameela Wright as Erica Lewis, Ariana Neal as Jess, Martin Sola as Father Russo, Dina Shihabi as Melody Pendras in episode 103 of Archive 81. Cr. Quantrell D. Colbert/Netflix © 2021