Why 'Manifest' Is The Show You Need To Watch If You Loved 'Lost'

If you're still holding onto that bittersweet nostalgia for the iconic series Lost, NBC's Manifest is here to reignite that spark. Fans of the show will find themselves drawn into a world where passengers aboard Montego Air Flight 828 experience a phenomenon that defies logic. When the plane takes off from Jamaica and lands in New York, they discover that while only hours have passed for them, five-and-a-half years have elapsed in the real world. This mind-bending premise not only sets the stage for an intriguing mystery but also introduces a deeper emotional journey. As the passengers try to adjust to a world that has moved on without them, they also start hearing voices in their heads—mysterious directions that seem to have a purpose. These elements weave together to create a show that’s as compelling as its predecessor, Lost.

Josh Dallas, who played Prince Charming in ABC's long-running Once Upon a Time, joins the cast as Ben Stone, an associate professor returning home to a life that has dramatically changed. His wife, Grace (played by Athena Karkanis), has moved on and found love with someone else during the five years Ben was missing. From the moment Josh read the script, he felt the unmistakable vibe of Lost. The parallels are clear, but Manifest brings its own unique twist to the table.

Josh Dallas shares his excitement about the show, emphasizing how Manifest captures the essence of Lost while adding its own unique flavor. "We’ve been compared to Lost, and I think that’s a fantastic comparison," he says. "But Manifest is more than just a nod to Lost; it's like Lost meets This Is Us. It's not just about the high-concept mythology that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. It's also about the grounded family drama and the complexities that each character faces. These elements blend together to create a rich tapestry that resonates with audiences on a deeper level."

Josh's co-star, Melissa Roxburgh, plays Ben's sister, Michaela, a New York City police officer dealing with her own set of challenges. Michaela discovers that her ex-fiancé, Det. Jared Vasquez (played by J.R. Ramirez), is now married to her best friend. This twist adds another layer of complexity to the story, making it even more engaging.

Melissa Roxburgh highlights the dynamic between her character and Josh's, noting that Ben and Michaela couldn't be more different. "Ben is a very logical, fact-based, science-driven guy," she explains. "Michaela, on the other hand, is more open to the unknown and tends to go with the flow. As they navigate the mystery surrounding their disappearance, Michaela leans towards the spiritual aspects of what might have happened, while Ben takes a more logical approach. This difference in perspective often leads to clashes, but it also creates a balance that keeps the story moving forward. We’ll see moments where they’re on opposite ends of the spectrum, and other times when they flip-flop. Despite their differences, what truly sets them apart is their unwavering support for each other."

The Genesis of Manifest

For writer and showrunner Jeff Rake, the journey to creating Manifest wasn't a quick one. The idea had been brewing for about a decade before it finally came to fruition.