The Strangers and 20 best Halloween movies and shows to watch on Netflix (plus 12 to skip) in 2023

Archive 81

I have to preface this blurb by saying that Archive 81 was, unfortunately, a victim of cancellation at Netflix. The series was axed after just one season, and it does end on a significant cliffhanger. However, the “main” mystery is mostly wrapped up. The cliffhanger is more or less a set-up for a possible future season, so you get some resolution.

The only reason I’ve listed this show as a “skip,” is due to the big cliffhanger at the end of the season. That said, I genuinely loved Archive 81 and would rewatch it despite its ending. I’m disappointed it won’t get additional seasons. However, on the plus side, this show is based on a podcast, so if you like it, you can listen to the podcast of the same name.

Archive 81 is about Dan Turner (Mamoudou Athie), an archivist who is requested to restore a bunch of old videotapes recorded by a woman named Melody (Dina Shihabi), who was investigating a mysterious apartment building called the Visser as part of her Ph.D. dissertation. But as Dan starts watching the tapes, he finds himself increasingly pulled into the mystery of what really happened to Melody.

There is another series kind of similar to this one on Facebook Watch, too, called Limetown, which is also based on a podcast and only got one season. I recommend checking that one out, too, if you enjoy this show! The British horror film Censor is also fantastic and has a similar vibe to Archive 81, as does the film Broadcast Signal Intrusion starring Harry Shum Jr.

VERDICT: Skip