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Entertainment • Television

The OA

The OA is an American mystery drama television series with science fiction, supernatural, and fantasy elements.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The OA is an American mystery drama television series with science fiction, supernatural, and fantasy elements. Created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, it premiered on Netflix in 2016 and ran for two seasons before being cancelled in 2019. The series follows Prairie Johnson, a woman who returns after a seven-year disappearance with her sight restored.

Premise

The series centres on Prairie Johnson, who reappears after being missing for seven years and now calls herself the OA. The story combines mystery, personal trauma, and speculative elements including near-death experiences and interdimensional themes.

Production

The OA was created and executive-produced by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, their third collaboration. The series was produced by Plan B Entertainment and Anonymous Content, with Batmanglij directing nearly all episodes.

Release and cancellation

Netflix released the first season in December 2016 and renewed the series in February 2017. The second season arrived in March 2019, and Netflix cancelled the show in August 2019.

Reception

The series drew attention for its unusual storytelling, complex mythology, and mature content. Coverage and reviews described it as a distinctive and ambitious genre series.

Key facts

  • The OA is a Netflix original series created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij.
  • It premiered on December 16, 2016, and its second season was released on March 22, 2019.
  • The series follows Prairie Johnson, a woman who returns after a seven-year disappearance with her sight restored.
  • The show consists of two seasons with eight episodes each.
  • Netflix cancelled the series in August 2019 after two seasons.
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Canadian context

The OA was available to Canadian viewers through Netflix, and its cult following included Canadian audiences on the same streaming platform as elsewhere.

Frequently asked questions

What is The OA?
The OA is a Netflix mystery drama series with science fiction, supernatural, and fantasy elements.
Who created The OA?
It was created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij.
How many seasons does The OA have?
The OA has two seasons, with eight episodes in each season.
When did The OA premiere?
It premiered on Netflix on December 16, 2016.
Was The OA cancelled?
Yes. Netflix cancelled the series in August 2019 after two seasons.
What is the plot about?
It follows Prairie Johnson, who returns after a seven-year disappearance with her sight restored and a mysterious new identity as the OA.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_OA
    Supports: Created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij; premiere date; two seasons; production details.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4635282/
    Supports: Series format, release years, genres, and premise.
  3. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/80044950
    Supports: Official synopsis and premise.
  4. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_OA
    Supports: Premiere date, season structure, and cancellation.
  5. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/the-oa/1030153999/
    Supports: Two seasons, genre, and release years.
  6. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/the-oa
    Supports: Plot description and mature-content context.