Manifest's Epic Series Finale Marks a Historic 19-Year Journey That Revolutionized TV

Summary

Manifest is the final series in the "Lost" generation of TV shows that were inspired by Lost's themes and plot.

Shows such as The Leftovers, The Event, 4400, and The 100 were part of the "Lost" generation. These shows revolved around missing planes/ships, isolated groups of people, and enigmatic elements.

Manifest, however, signifies the conclusion of the "Lost" generation. Nevertheless, it possesses the capability to ignite a fresh era of enigmatic TV shows, similar to the impact created by Lost back in 2004.

When the sci-fi mystery show Manifest wrapped up in 2023, it not only marked the conclusion of the TV series but also represented the end of an era that began 19 years ago with the debut of Lost. Manifest, originally aired in 2018, is a drama that revolves around a group of people who reappear at an airport after being missing for five years. Spanning four seasons, the series features Josh Dallas and Melissa Roxburgh as its stars.

Although Manifest is a relatively recent production, it shares strong connections with an earlier series in terms of themes and concepts. Lost, a popular mystery drama that ran for six seasons starting in 2004, shares a similar premise: a plane crash strands a group of survivors on a deserted island, where they face not only the challenges of survival but also encounter strange phenomena. Notably, Lost distinguished itself from other shows of its time with its heavy emphasis on mystery and science fiction elements. Ultimately, Lost's immense success served as an inspiration for numerous sci-fi mystery shows that followed in its footsteps, with Manifest being one of the last to carry on this trend.

Manifest Was The Final TV Show Of The "Lost" Generation

Almost 20 years later, Manifest marks the last series to draw inspiration from Lost. With the conclusion of Manifest, the "Lost" generation reaches its culmination. Over the past 19 years, there have been several enigmatic shows, similar to Lost, that explore comparable themes and storylines. While Manifest serves as the most obvious example, featuring a missing plane as its central premise, there have been other shows that have also taken cues from Lost. These include The Leftovers, The Event, 4400, and The 100. All of these shows incorporate concepts such as disappearing planes/ships, stranded groups of people, and perplexing mysteries that need unraveling.

Most of these series debuted shortly after Lost aired. In the early 2000s, 4400 and Invasion hit the scene, presenting narratives about natural disasters and mysterious assailants. Later, in 2010, the same year Lost concluded, shows like Alcatraz and Flashforward emerged. Although all of these series were labeled as the "new Lost," many of them lasted only a season or two. Manifest, however, stands out among the "Lost" generation due to its late release and relative popularity. It managed to snugly fit into the final position of the "Lost" generation.

Manifest Could Inspire Its Own Generation Of Mystery TV Shows

Manifest may be the last installment in a series of Lost-inspired shows, but it is not devoid of its own ability to inspire. A new wave of enigmatic dramas has emerged, and Manifest could very well have been a trailblazer for them, much like Lost did in 2004. Recent series such as The Wilds, Yellowjackets, and Dark have revitalized the mystery genre, delving into the experiences of various groups of survivors as they navigate their peculiar environments. Ultimately, while Lost may have served as the catalyst for Manifest's creation, the show is now forging its own path and leaving a lasting imprint on the realm of mystery television.