Stephen King Meets H.P. Lovecraft In Netflix’s 8-Part Horror Series

Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft are two of the most influential figures in the horror genre. While Stephen King’s books and stories are consistently picked up for TV and movie adaptations, traces of Lovecraftian cosmic horror can be found in some of the best additions to the horror genre. On several occasions, even Stephen King has cited H.P. Lovecraft’s work as his key inspiration for horror.

In some of his most popular books and stories, like The Mist, Revival, and It, Lovecraftian influences are quite evident. Even the multiple adaptations of The Mist and It have embraced their source material’s Lovecraftian elements. A highly acclaimed horror show on Netflix is neither a direct Stephen King adaptation nor based on any of H.P. Lovecraft’s original stories.

However, a close look at its storyline reveals that it perfectly combines ingredients from both Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft’s brand of horror. The show in question, Archive 81, is based on a podcast series of the same name and features many subtle references to Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft’s works. Arguably, it is also one of the most Lovecraftian shows in Netflix’s horror catalog.

Archive 81 Merges Stephen King’s The Shining With Lovecraftian Lore

Archive 81 on Netflix unfolds in two settings and timelines. In the present, the show centers on an archivist, Dan, who isolates himself in a secluded home and attempts to restore the video footage of a grad school student for a mysterious company. In the past, the show focused on the grad school student, Melody, who films her eerie experiences in an apartment building.

The settings and the stories in both timelines seem reminiscent of Stephen King’s The Shining, where, like Jack Torrance, the two protagonists find themselves isolated from the outside world. Both start experiencing supernatural horrors, making them wonder whether the terrifying events around them are mere projections of their fractured minds.

Even the central apartment building seems reminiscent of the Overlook Hotel as it feeds on the traumas and fears of the residents before gradually driving them insane. Just like The Shining draws parallels between Jack and Delbert Grady’s stories to connect the past with the present, Archive 81 presents a mirror between Dan and Melody.

The Netflix horror show also does not shy away from making its Lovecraftian influences quite evident. Like the Necronomicon, footage and analog recordings of the apartment building from the past are presented as cursed media that can physically infect and alter a listener or viewer. The overarching threat in the show is also an interdimensional deity, Kaelego, reminiscent of Lovecraft’s Great Old Ones.

A subplot in Netflix’s Archive 81 also focuses on a mysterious black mold that reminds one of the titular color in The Color Out of Space. The show even explores how music in itself has the ability to transcend dimensions and as a vessel for supernatural terrors. This will remind many of H.P. Lovecraft’s The Music of Erich Zann.

Archive 81 Remains One Of Netflix’s Most Disappointing Cancellations

Despite showing immense promise in its early story and also earning immense acclaim, Archive 81 showed some signs of slowing down towards the end of season 1. Owing to this, its conclusion received a more divisive response from many viewers. Despite this, the show seemingly performed quite well on Netflix and had a good chance of returning for another season.

The cliffhanger ending of Archive 81 also suggested that it had more stories to tell. Even its original podcast offered more content for at least one more season. Unfortunately, like many promising shows on Netflix, Archive 81 was cancelled after season 1. What could have become a great addition to Netflix’s horror catalog after Mike Flanagan’s shows ended before realizing its full potential.

While it seems unlikely that Archive 81 will ever get a second chance, its first season stands as a compelling 8-part horror story that perfectly combines Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft‘s best story elements.