Netflix is diving back into the world of Manifest with a new sci-fi series. Manifest aired for three seasons on NBC and was canceled before fans learned the answer to what actually happened to Flight 828. Following a massive #SaveManifest social media campaign, Netflix resurrected the series for a fourth and final 20-episode season.
Manifest: A New Manifest Mystery, announced on 8/28, takes place in the Manifest universe but involves a different plane. Per Netflix: “When a mysterious plane crash-lands in Denver, the passengers emerge with no memory of who they are, where they came from, or why they’re here. A young social worker and a novice Homeland Security agent team up with the new arrivals in an attempt to stop a humanity-ending catastrophe, discovering along the way that they are all part of the very puzzle they’re trying to solve.”
The announcement didn’t include any cast details.
Manifest creator, writer, and showrunner Jeff Rake returns, alongside Laura Putney and Margaret Easley. Putney, Easley, and Rake are Arrivals‘ co-creators, writers, showrunners, and executive producers.
“When the idea for Manifest first crash-landed in my head, I never imagined where it would lead,’ stated Jeff Rake. “What started as a wild concept became something much bigger – a story that connected with millions of people around the globe. And thanks to Netflix, we were able to finish the journey and give those fans the ending they deserved.”
Rake continued, “But the world of Manifest has more stories to tell. To now bring fans a brand-new mystery from that world is quite simply beyond my wildest dreams. Arrivals co-sreators and co-showrunners Laura Putney and Margaret Easley have been my trusted colleagues for over a decade. Their contribution to the Manifest mothership cannot be overstated. It was a no-brainer to make them my partners on this spinoff. Together we’ve set out to create something bold, surprising, deeply human, and full of the kind of big ideas that spark conversations long after the credits roll. We can’t wait for a whole new audience – and longtime Manifest fans – to discover Arrivals.”
Season four of Manifest, starring Josh Dallas and Melissa Roxburgh, held down a spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 list for nine weeks. The streamer reports that the sci-fi drama has racked up well over 130 million views.
“We are thrilled to expand the Manifest universe with Arrivals, led by the original creative team of Jeff Rake, Margaret Easley, and Laura Putney. Their return ensures the creative continuity essential to this franchise, allowing us to honor what made the original a phenomenon while introducing a fresh perspective for fans worldwide,” said Jinny Howe, Netflix Head of Scripted Series, US & Canada.
The new series’ executive producers include Robert Zemeckis and Jack Rapke of Compari Entertainment; Len Goldstein of Tall Baby Productions; and Jacqueline Levine.
