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Netflix Original Horror Series ‘Archive 81’: Trailer, Release Date, Details

‘Archive 81’ is the first of the year’s major Netflix Original shows and is a supernatural horror series with a dark romantic twist.

By Anne SewellPublished 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago 3 min read
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Mamadou Athie in Archive 81 - Netflix/YouTube

Coming in January 2022, “Archive 81” is a new Netflix Original horror series, loosely based on the podcast of the same name. The showrunner is Rebecca Sonnenshine (“The Boys”, “The Vampire Diaries”), while James Wan (“Aquaman”, “The Conjuring”) is executive producer along with his production company Atomic Monster Productions.

To keep things interesting, Netflix’s “Stranger Things” director Rebecca Thomas is tapped to direct four episodes, including the pilot and will also act as executive producer. Meanwhile, the original podcast creators, Marc Sollinger and Daniel Powell will also act as producers for the new series. Read on to find out more about this exciting new series, coming to the streamer this month.

Netflix Original horror series ‘Archive 81’

To give a feel for the series, showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine recently made a comment about “Archive 81” as follows:

“With “Archive 81”, we’re hoping to give the supernatural horror genre a new twist — while keeping a dark, deeply emotional romance as its core. I’m excited to take Netflix viewers on a terrifying and visually thrilling adventure.”

Plot of the new Netflix horror series

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the storyline of “Archive 81” centers around Dan Turner, an archivist who is offered a mysterious job, restoring a collection of damaged videotapes from 1994. They were damaged by a serious fire on the premises and he soon finds out he is reconstructing the work of documentary filmmaker Melody Pendras and her investigation into a dangerous cult at the Visser apartment building.

Mamadou Athie in Archive 81 - Netflix/YouTube

As Turner is drawn into Melody’s story, he becomes obsessed with uncovering what happened to her. When the two characters form a mysterious connection, he becomes convinced that he can save her from the terrifying end she met 25 years ago.

Readers can enjoy the trailer for the upcoming season 1 of “Archive 81” here:

Where was the series filmed?

Filming of the Netflix series “Archive 81” was carried out in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Locations for the shoot included the sound stage at Marshall Township, North Side Pittsburgh, the Downtown area of the city and in Allegheny County. Production wrapped back in March 2021.

Who stars in ‘Archive 81’ on Netflix?

The male lead for the Netflix Original series “Archive 81” is Mamadou Athie (“The Get Down”, “Uncorked”) as Dan Turner, the archivist. Meanwhile, Athie stars opposite Dina Shibabi who plays Melody Pendras. The Saudi Arabian actress previously starred in the sci-fi series “Altered Carbon”.

Dina Shibabi in Archive 81 - Netflix/YouTube

Supporting cast members include some equally big names, including Matt McGorry (“How to Get Away With Murder”, “Orange Is the New Black”) as Mark. Martin Donovan (“Ghost Whisperer”, “Big Little Lies”) will portray the role of Virgil, while Julia Chan (“Katy Keene”, “Silent House”) will play Anabelle.

Martin Donovan in Archive 81 - Netflix/YouTube

Evan Jonigkeit of “X-Men: Days of Future Past”, “Bone Tomahawk”, and “Easy”, stars as Samuel, while Ariana Neal of “Hidden Figures”, “Brothered Up” and “Restored Me” plays the role of Jess.

How many episodes will the horror series have?

The Netflix Original horror series “Archive 81” will have eight, one-hour episodes, all of which will drop at the same time. However, as the original podcast of the same name has already had three seasons, should the adaptation be successful, viewers can expect further seasons and episodes.

Release date for season 1 of ‘Archive 81’ on Netflix

As mentioned earlier, season 1 of “Archive 81” will be the first major Netflix Original series of 2022. All episodes will premiere on the streamer on Friday, January 14, 2022.

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About the Creator

Anne Sewell

I am a freelance and travel writer and have spent most of my life in Africa. I now live in La Cala de Mijas, a charming seaside town on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain.

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