Netflix has announced the cancellation of its latest series, The Atomic Shelter, following disappointing audience reception and harsh reviews since its premiere on September 19. The series only managed to garner a 33% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which has ultimately led to its downfall, leaving viewers without closure as the storyline failed to meet the expectations of both the audience and its creators, Álex Pina and Esther Martínez Lobato.
Reports from El País have confirmed the cancellation, noting that Vancouver Media, the production company behind the series, has already begun to dismantle the sets that were in place until the first part aired. This unfortunate turn of events has left fans discontented, especially since the first season concluded on a cliffhanger that will now remain unresolved.
The decision by Netflix to cancel the series was not made hastily; it took nearly three months for the platform to arrive at this conclusion. This delay may have been part of a strategic effort to coincide with other positive announcements. Coincidentally, on the same day as the cancellation, Netflix unveiled the release date for the much-anticipated second season of Berlin, where Álvaro Morte will reprise his beloved role as the Professor, providing a silver lining for fans of Pina’s work.
The cancellation of The Atomic Shelter serves as a reminder of the difficulties Netflix encounters in launching new content that resonates well with its audience. Despite the initial optimism surrounding this series as a possible successor to the blockbuster hit Money Heist, the reality of its performance has demonstrated a stark contrast. While the cancellation is unfortunate for fans of the show, the forthcoming release of Berlin may offer a new wave of excitement for viewers who appreciate engaging narratives from the creators.