The OA, a psychological thriller streaming on Netflix, has been described as "captivating" by fans who remain eager for a third season years after its cancellation. The series, which aired its second and final season in 2019, follows Prairie Johnson, a woman who returns to her adoptive family seven years after disappearing. Her parents are astonished to find she can now see, having been blind before her disappearance, and she bears troubling scars on her back. Prairie refers to herself as the OA and refuses to tell the FBI what happened to her.
Plot and Critical Acclaim
As her parents grow concerned about her mental state, Prairie confides in a group of high school students and their teacher, asking for their help to bring back other missing people by entering another dimension. Created and executive-produced by Zal Batmanglij and Brit Marling, who also stars as Prairie, the series was critically acclaimed and developed a devoted following.
Cancellation and Fan Reaction
Despite its success, Netflix cancelled the show after its second season, leaving the story on a major cliffhanger. Cindy Holland, Netflix's head of original content at the time, said: "We are incredibly proud of the 16 mesmerising chapters of The OA. We look forward to working with them again in the future, in this and perhaps many other dimensions." The decision to axe the show is believed to stem from insufficient viewership, though little is known about the specifics.
One fan gave The OA Part II a five-star review on IMDb in 2019, writing: "Why Netflix? Why?! Please renew this show!!! I recently finished watching it and am obsessed with this unique world written by star Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij. The OA is so creative, mysterious, haunting, spiritual, magical, and captivating. I love the characters and really want to see more. Please save The OA."
Another fan commented: "The music, suspense, drama, mystery, and horror of this show was enough to make me so invested in it and care for every character (except the bad ones who are in it for their own gain). Emotional and extremely compelling, especially the first season. Brit Marling shined wonderfully." A third wrote: "Loved the first season, watched it three times which I've never done with any other series. Two episodes into the second season and it's brilliant. Brit Marling is an absolute genius. The story truly is exceptional."
Ongoing Fanbase and Availability
Seven years after cancellation, fans continue to post theories and speculation about a possible return on the r/TheOA subreddit, though no official confirmation has been made. The series includes distressing scenes, such as depictions of drowning and near-death experiences, which may not suit all viewers. Both series one and two of The OA are currently streaming on Netflix.
