Netflix’s 16-Part Mystery Box Sci-Fi Show Is Not An Easy Binge

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The OA was a truly exceptional streaming series that sparked a lot of conversation and fan speculation. While it was brilliant, it’s now difficult to watch knowing it was canceled. Netflix often cancels promising shows, but the cancellation of The OA felt particularly unfair. The story begins with a seemingly straightforward premise: a young woman who was blind goes missing and then returns home with her vision restored.

The OA starts as a mysterious show and quickly evolves into a complex sci-fi story. It blends strange plotlines involving angels, multiple universes, and the surprising power of dance. Just when the second season seemed ready to reveal its secrets, the show threw in a completely unexpected twist, creating one of the most shocking cliffhangers ever seen on television.

The OA Is A Frustrating Binge

The second season of The OA concluded with Prairie and the others seemingly on a movie set, referring to the actors by their actual names. This initially suggested their story was breaking into reality, but then details emerged that made things unclear. For example, the character played by Jason Isaacs claimed to be married to Brit Marling, even though the actors themselves aren’t married in real life.

The unexpected turns in The OA made it a difficult show to watch, because it was truly unpredictable – even more so than other shows that leave you with unanswered questions. Fans were upset and protested online when Netflix cancelled it, and the actors themselves were disappointed. Reportedly, the decision came down to the show’s cost versus the number of people watching.

Is The OA Worth Watching Despite The Ending?

Even though the ending of The OA might be disappointing for some, the show is still worth watching. Its initial mysteries are compelling, the visuals are beautiful, and the story is truly unique. While many sci-fi shows rely on familiar ideas, The OA stands out as exceptionally original, and its heartfelt story is rewarding to follow.

Viewers and critics alike have given The OA high praise, with scores of 84% and 83% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and audiences respectively. Though often labeled as science fiction, the show blends multiple genres, making it a compelling watch for fans of fantasy as well, due to its supernatural elements, exploration of near-death experiences, and references to angelic beings.

The OA Illustrates A Sad Streaming Reality

Brit Marling, the creator, writer, and star of The OA, recently shared her disappointment about the show being cancelled in an interview with The New York Times. She explained that the move to streaming services, especially during the pandemic, negatively impacted creative freedom. Marling described the current situation as “a flawed business model that’s actually worse than before.”

Marling seems to have a point. With shows being canceled so quickly these days, it’s tough to get excited about new ones. Netflix might be feeling the consequences of its cancellation habit now. By focusing on numbers instead of quality, they missed opportunities to become leaders in several genres, creating space for other streaming services to succeed with bold shows like The OA.

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2026-02-08 15:28