User reviews

This show was.. busy to say the least, nonetheless it was intriguing. The actors were chosen wisely & characters well written. Every time you think you have it figured out & know what's going on there's a U-turn. The way the last episode ended made it clear that the story was going somewhere with a lot more twists & turns & answers to audience questions. I'm not sure what these networks base the decision of cancellation on, but when I look at IMDB ratings & reviews I just do not get it! Netflix, Prime, Hulu, etc must not check out this app/site prior to finalizing giving a lot of these shows the boot or don't take into consideration that new viewers are going to watch the show after all episodes have been released which would alter how many people tune in on each episode's release & even if an entire season is put out at once, a lot of people will finish binge watching whatever they're on before moving to the next. Some people may not start a new series until they & their significant other both have the free time to start it. The list of reasons can go on. I just feel that so many great shows w/great potential aren't given the proper chance to peak. At the very least there should be a system, if a show doesn't perform as expected in the first season the writers/producers/show in general should be given a second season no matter what to, at the very least, tie everything up for the story arch as well as for the audience. It's very unsatisfying to have a shows season end on a cliff hanger to just cancel it & us viewers not have a clue what might've been.

I recently watched the TV series 1899 and was thoroughly impressed by its intriguing and original plot. The show kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat from start to finish, and I was truly sad when it was unexpectedly cancelled amid unfounded rumors of plagiarism.

The author whining about plagiarism was gold digging and I don't know if that was a factor in its cancellation or not, but it shouldn't be. Just because they used pyramid shapes and so on in the series hardly constitutes plagiarism.

The show followed a group of immigrants traveling to America on a steamboat at the turn of the century. Each episode revealed new twists and turns, and the characters were complex and well-developed. The acting was top-notch and the production values were high.

Despite the cancellation of the show, I highly recommend checking out 1899. It was an excellent series that kept me guessing until the very end. It's a shame that it was cut short, but I hope that the talented cast and crew will continue to create new and exciting content in the future.

Boycotting Netflix Starts now!! And this time I'm serious! They crossed the line since cancelling The Midnight Club, but 1899 is a brilliant show!

Netflix keep cancelling good shows and renewing wrong ones!! And the worst thing that the shows they are cancelling is one that hits high rating! High viewership!

Netflix is so so freaking stupid, even a show created by Dark's creators got cancelled.

I'm boycotting Netflix, so sick for giving bad excuses and chances for nothing believe me you keep paying for a blood-money drinkers, I would prefer to not watch anything than paying to a company who is basically a vampire who don't respect the viewers, Shame on you Netflix.

6.5/10

Let me explain what I mean by "Netlifx Disease", and why I'm so strongly opposed to what Netflix has become nowadays, because I truly believe they're ruining entertainment.

The primary goal of Netflix is NOT to provide good entertainment. Their primary goal is to provide entertainment for a LONG TIME, so you watch their platform for as long as possible and pay the subscription for as long as possible. For that reason, all of their exclusive movies and shows have been "slow burners", but in a bad way. A slow burner that requires intelligent thought, analysis, that's rewarding at the end, is fine. But 1899 is not that. The plot isn't particularly complex or hard to follow at all, yet, it's presented in such a stretched out way. Dark was not plagued by this as it was still made very much independently, but 1899 fully suffers from all the symptoms.

• 90% of the running time are filler scenes, scenes of no value whatsoever, usually filled with silence, pointless and badly written conversations, slow motion sequences, and just uncomfortably long, clearly overly stretched out scenes for no reason other than to make them longer. There's no artistic value or any other value in what they do, all they do is extend the running time. For that reason, every episode that's 1 hour long realistically has enough content for 20 minutes, and that's a stretch. This whole season of 8 hours could have been a 2 hour movie, and it would still feel too long. Dark didn't suffer from that. Dark was the complete opposite, every episode was so filled with content and complexity it was hard to follow it all at times. Every second of every episode was relevant and the viewers were given some piece of crucial information or relevant information. When it comes to 1899 you can skip 5 minute segments and not miss anything, and even if you do miss something, it's of no particular value.

• Literally needless sexual and gender politics being aggressively shoved into the viewers face. This is something that's become a norm with Netflix and American TV in general, it's like every movie and series is a political message.

• Every episode is literally made in the same exact pattern. The first 90% is completely stretched out and virtually nothing happens that couldn't be comfortably covered in 15 minutes with no atmosphere, context, depth, etc. Lost. Then the last 10% suddenly ramp up, so you're left with a cliffhanger that makes you wanna watch the next episode. What Netflix does with this is masterful mind-control and manipulation of the viewer. They make their episodes just long enough to make you start feeling bored, and just when you'd say "screw this" and turn it off, something interesting happens that intrigues you and keeps you watching. Sadly, this show isn't remotely the worst example of that.

• I like the fact that it's mainly a European cast and there's multiple langues being spoken, but it's so badly done, there's a scene after scene of totally unrealistic interactions between characters who apparently don't understand each other, yet they communicate as if they do. Clearly, the show has subtitles so we as viewers understand what's going on, but the characters in the show act as if they do as well. Point being, this is totally not how two people who can't speak the same language would interact.

• Finally I'm giving this a 6.5/10 because of a fairly interesting story and a concept, but I wish the makers of the show were not in such a tight grasp of Netflix. It's not their fault the show ended up being far worse than it could have been.

I love mysteries. But this isn't a mystery. Watching the first season of 1899 is like someone gives you a puzzle and then just leaves. And then returns after eight hours and tells you how to solve it.

You're given clues here and there, but no context as to how these clues matter. And since you don't know what's going on and what is at stake, there's little to no tension. So you just watch characters talking and running around without knowing what it is they're really after and how any of this matters.

You keep watching in hope of some mind-boggling twists and reveals but they never come or are very unsatisfying.

This could and should have been the first two episodes of a well-written show. Instead, it's a long bloated first season whose real story kicks off in its last few minutes.

The premise is fairly simple: numerous people from different countries board a ship to America in 1899 each with a history and story. When the ship is about half way to America, they receive a distress call from a ship that has been missing for four months and then embark on a mission to find said ship. Once they do, crazy and unreal stuff starts happening and people start questioning their reality. I have to say I really liked this show. It does remind me of such shows like Lost, Dark, and even a bit of Twilight Zone. I don't wanna give anything away, but you won't get many answers until the last few episodes, but leading up to that it's very entertaining and keeps ya guessing along the way. Not an annoying guessing like Lost. Yes, there are subtitles sometimes because there are many languages spoken.... English, German, Dutch, French, etc. But that doesn't bother me at all. Great story telling. Great acting. The one exception, and reason for missing a few stars, is the ending. Unlike other reviews, I am actually okay with the ending. But I wanted more. What happens next when we have all the answers? The question of what is happening is answered, but the why it's happening is not very clear. It needs more explanation and because it just ends, the ending feels flat. I don't think the ending ruins the entire show, but it definitely leaves you wanting more. The first 7 episodes are a solid 10, last episode maybe a six. Still worth a watch because it's great story telling. One of the best on Netflix as of late. Give it a try just don't expect an exploding ending.

Dark is a masterpiece, this is not.

8 hours of endless unnecessary running around that adds nothing to the story, painfully long scenes of button pressing, plug switching etc.

Each character has its on back story with suspense but nothing is ever answered and then ultimately an anti-climate uncreative cliche twist that has been done endless amount of times, making the whole season pointless.

It would be better to wait for after the release of season 2 or more (if its not cancelled) and binge watch them at a go, then maybe u MIGHT get a best story with an actual answer/explaination that make sense.

1899 is exactly what you'd expect from the creators of Dark. It's another dark, broody, cerebral, mystery drama, where most of the characters, like the audience, are trying to make sense of what's happening. Quite like Dark, 1899 starts off slowly, but once you get a vague idea of what is going on, you can't lose attention. It constantly surprises you with revelations, making you concoct different theories in your mind to find out the truth.

It's really a miracle that just over 2 years after finishing Dark, Jantje Friese and Baran Bo Odar have given us another similar mind boggling series. What a brilliant couple! I hope they never stop making such shows.

And now, the wait for season 2 begins.

I don't want to give away any spoilers (is really hard to talk about this in any detail without giving anything away, so sorry for the lack of details!), but this show goes crazy with the twists and turns, and goes through multiple genre changes as the story progresses! This can be a pro or a con, depending on each person's genre preferences, but for me it was good (it featured all of my fave genres!). The main genre for this show is suspense, so expect that with every question that gets answered, you'll have more questions pop up in its place! I found a few moments in the show to drag a bit longer than I would have liked in the search for answers, but overall it it kept things moving and want boring!

With all of the genre changes and twists and turns, my head felt a bit overwhelmed by the end (though I binge watched the series in 1 day, so maybe don't do that if you don't want a headache!). I think my favourite part was the ending, as you realise that every single answer you got didn't actually prepare you at all for what's going to happen in the next season! It's ALL a big mystery, and the writers have virtually limitless potential as to where they can take the story!

I've come here after completing S1 and have so much praise for this show. It's absolutely worth watching. If you're easily bored because you're a victim of today's instant gratification problem, then this show is 100% not for you. It's meant to be a slow burn and to keep you wondering what the heck is going on, which is a good thing! If it's confusing to you or feels inaccessible the first watch, watch it again! Some TV shows and films are not meant to be understood the first time around.

Comparing it to Dark-> Yes, it's not as good, but that doesn't mean it's bad. Of course it's not going to live up to the masterpiece that is Dark. That kind of story telling amazingness only happens ever so often and we are lucky the the creators of Dark made another fantastic show for us. I swear, ppl don't know how to appreciate the time and effort filmmakers/directors put into making shows anymore. If you have a better idea on how the show should be written, then write about it in detail in your review, don't just give empty complaints.

Overall- you should watch this show. It's engaging, aesthetically pleasing, dark, psychological, and just mind-bendingly fun.

1899 is a strong contender for the best feel-bad show of the year, with its conniving characters, unrelenting suspense, and grim stakes. It's a case of atmospheric gloom overload, and it proves all the more frustrating considering that the show's aesthetics are otherwise effectively spooky.

Like Friese and bo Odar's previous streaming gem, this supernatural thriller is so knotted up that trying to untangle its mysteries is not simply challenging but borderline headache-inducing-generally, in the best way possible.

With its mystery and horror, 1899 manages to right the ship, even if it's sometimes confusing. The truth is, fantastic costuming, strong performances, dynamic set design, and a score of modern songs that somehow works in the period context keep the series worth watching.

A perfect 10/10 for me.

Peoples are not watching it on Netflix there are other sources to watch. Netflix should give them a second chance to release season two because all people are loved this season. Because of financial issues you shouldn't have to postponed this amazing series we need it please peoples around the world like it after watched season 1. Thats amazing and very good acting of actors please netflix we request you to bring the season 2 of 1899. We love Netflix we love your test on movies and..... jajajhavjskbsjnsbjsjbshhsjsnnsjsjjsjjsjsksiidbdihdbnsknsnjsjjsnsjsjsjsjjjsjsjj. Jsjiisbss kisbsnjsjjs jsjjj.

I really thought 1899 was going to be just some regular period drama like a titanic, finishing with the typical ending, but was something completely different!

Just remember one thing, don't let the slow start fool you. With every episode, more details are added to put together the puzzle and you're left asking yourself questions and rooting for your favorite characters find out the answers as quick as possible!

They spends a lot of time exposing the backstory of the major characters. At first one thinks there is no connection, but through their "dreams" or is it their "reality", we began to see how each share a connection which brought them together on this voyage.

The cinematography and direction have been on point. The music in first few episodes where amazing, so appropriate to dark atmosphere, fear and curiosity.

I was mostly amazed by the diversity of the cast. The multicultural aspect led to a more authentic representation of life aboard an immigrant ship at the turn of the last century.

I hope to see a season 2 because the cast, producers and directors have really outdone yourselves.

1899 is very similar to Dark. If you enjoyed Dark you will without a doubt enjoy this new series as well. It's dark, mysterious, and well-made. The acting is fantastic and there are many intriguing characters who are already well-introduced in the first episode. There are many characters of different nationalities which is something that could have ruined the show, but it did not. It makes the show even more interesting to watch.

Like Dark, 1899 is intense and very intriguing. Especially before the mysteries are solved. It's a new world with new rules which we do not understand yet. The score is similar to Dark - great, uncomfortable, and tense.

While I enjoyed '1899' I just kept having flashbacks - especially once it got to the later episodes - of the time bending, time twisting that was a big part of 'Dark'. The sets were spectacular, really giving a sense of a ship from the turn of the 19th century. The cast were good, with no one really standing out. Yet, the plot overall just was too smart for its own good, with too much exposition without enough being revealed other than in it bits and pieces. It had way, way too much build up - the whole series really could have been compressed to 6 episodes. While I didn't see the underlying nature of what was playing out until later in the series, in many ways it then left me disappointed and annoyed since it all just seemed to be mind games leading up to the 2nd season. And it just didn't really give clear motives, sort of the point, as to who are the protagonist and antagonist with their end games.

This is really good. First time I heard about this sometime before Dark Season 3.

So you can guess I had expections from this. This series doesn't disappoint me at all. I won't say anything about it otherwise it will be spoiler.

Now there are negative reviews but if you read them they all tells about how it has slow start. So all of them haven't watched full series and they are talking about only first episode.

If you have seen baran bo odar's work (Dark) you know it takes only 1 or 2 episode to to establish characters.

I guarantee you that if you watch 2 episodes then you won't stop watching this and I don't know why people are even complaining about pilot. Do you want to know what is going to happen in full series just by watching 1st episode?

There is no ending to this story because it got cancelled. I had no problem with that, i knew it but i watched it anyways. If it's a big deal for you, of course you shouldn't watch it. This story is incomplete.

Now, the big question is : Irrespective of the lack of a conclusion, was this a good series? Had 1899 potential to be great? I am not sure. First episodes were very good, i got intrigued by its mysteries, this was an interesting story. However, as it progressed, it became less interesting. At some point, i didn't care much about what happened. It became repetitive, characters kept making the same route over and over, with some strange devices at their hands. I would even say that acting got worse, they were overacting during the last 3 episodes, somewhat pompously, like watching a Greek Tragedy or a Shakespearean play.

At some point, many things start to annoy me, like the different languages. I can't explain precisely the reasons, but these likeable characters at first, were bland and indifferent to me during the last episodes. Story itself got tiring.

I still gave this a high rating because the first half was very good. In any case, this was an entertaining sci fi series. Probably i would have watched the second season, if it existed. I am curious to see where it goes and i am sorry it ended like this. However i am not sure that the writers knew what they were doing towards the ending. It seems to me they lost controll. It became messy, confusing and chaotic. I don't think it was salvageable anyways.

I was very excited for this show because I loved Dark, it's one of my favorite shows. Then, when I found out they were gonna take a Lost-style approach by introducing a new character backstory in each episode I got even MORE excited. It seemed like I was going to get a new exciting web of mystery to untangle.

Unfortunately, this show was more dedicated to having crazy twists and surprises than making sure they made any sense. It got goofy after the fourth-ish episode, and the final reveal in the season finale made everything we had watched and learned in the season completely moot. Sure, it set up what could possibly be an interesting second season, but it sacrificed all the character development of the first to do so.

That's not to say the entire show was a complete waste of time. It was beautifully made. The production, acting, and overall quality was great. It's just a shame it was wasted on such a silly and nonsensical story.