They put UM at 2 PM with only one episode so they could run boring sitcoms like Will & Grace and Frasier.

I too am frustrated @ the inept way Lifetime uses UM to fill programming time. This has been the subject of many threads. Does anyone else believe, as I do, that a revived UM would not only hold its own in prime time, but would downright be competitive against other shows on say a Mon. or Tues. 8-10 p.m. timeslot? It's almost impossible for me to watch TV during this time. I have to believe that the networks would be able to use a "new" UM to attract more viewers than say the absolutley unwatchable "According to Jim." Frankly, that's what pisses me off about the major networks, that a show like According to Jim has a Methusala-like run, while quality shows like UM are regarded as being unable to attract the right "demographic."

I'm very mad at Lifetime because they only put UM once a day now! I liked when they had 2 episodes.Also I would like to see OLDER episodes from like 87-90,and if they could put UM back on a Night Time again! I loved whewn it came on at night time that way I could watch it after dinner! Also whenever I write to Lifetime,they never write back! I don't know whats up with Lifetime!

Zanzibar we can only dream of a revived UM,it's a shame too because we all know that more people watch than lifetime thinks. As we get deeper into this decade I actually find myself missing the 90's,soooo much BS on the tube these days.

In my opinion the 2pm timeslot is goofy,last week with the ncca tourney and other things I actually forgot about UM a couple times. On days that I don't have class the early times like 11 and 12 were great to wake up/sleep in to. By the time 2 rolls around I'd rather be up and out doing things. Two hours was worth it,but now it's going to be hard to watch a 1 hour UM right smack dab in the middle of the day. It kills me that lifetime can't find a night spot for unsolved. This show was pure gold at night! If they don't want primetime go back to late night,I'll stay up to hear stack's story telling at night.

We can only dream with lifetime though.....but man were those two hour blocks great or what? Right when the credits are rolling with the sad piano music,you think thats it for the day then all of a sudden...."This program is about unsolved mysteries.........":)

Zanzibar we can only dream of a revived UM,it's a shame too because we all know that more people watch than lifetime thinks. As we get deeper into this decade I actually find myself missing the 90's,soooo much BS on the tube these days.

A lot of BS indeed. When UM debuted in the late-'80s, we had some nonsensical material on television. Just not as much as we have now.

f lifetime in the a.

I'm very upset, too! I love "Unsolved Mysteries", and that's the only reason I watch Lifetime at all! :mad:

Do you think Lifetime is trying to fade out UM all together?

Do you think Lifetime is trying to fade out UM all together?

If they are, then I'd say it's being done gradually.

Do you think Lifetime is trying to fade out UM all together?

I sure hope not!!!!

It sure seems like it, doesn't it? :(

To me, it does. I wish Lifetime knew what a following UM has on the network. Oh, well. At least Crystaldawn hooked me up with some pretty sweet classic segments. If UM goes off Lifetime, I'll be able to watch them. :)

There is strength in numbers. I'm sure there are a lot of members on this forum though I've never counted. We all complain about Lifetime but that's not all we can do. I myself took the time to write a letter to them. Not typed up either. Pen and paper carry more weight. I kept it one page while still managing to point out all 5 of my questions and concerns. I never got a reply and it's been about 6 months. How many people on here have done this? I know some have, but I'm sure there are more people on here that haven't. I suggest if you haven't done so already, you take the time to hand write a letter to Lifetime addressing your concerns. I'm not sure about follow up letters but it might not be a bad idea. If each and ever member of this board did that we might at least be able to show Lifetime how many people still care for the UM, and show Lifetime the potential we believe it still has!

If each and ever member of this board did that we might at least be able to show Lifetime how many people still care for the UM, and show Lifetime the potential we believe it still has!

Just remember that the mere fact that UM has a loyal following isn't enough to persuade Lifetime to keep the show (or even support it). If you write to Lifetime to complain about their current handling of UM, don't dwell too much on the show's fan base. Lifetime may very well know that UM has a loyal following, but they may tell you that every successful show has a following as well.

If you try to persuade a network to keep a show just because it has a loyal audience, they might believe (rightly or wrongly) that you are expressing support for the show as a favor to someone. So my point is to write a letter that would give them the impression that you are doing this on your own.

Before you give your reasons for why you want Lifetime to continue supporting and carrying the show, make sure they are sincere. Don't give reasons such as "UM kicks butt" or "I can't live without the show". Reasons like that are more of a turn-off than a turn-on, and could strike the reader as arrogant.

This is all something to take into consideration.

I think if Lifetime can show 4 or more episodes of "The Golden Girls" and "The Nanny" every day, surely they can show two UM! Those shows are always on! I think 7:00 to 9:00 would be good since they usually show a movie at 9 pm. If they aired it in the evenings, I could watch every night. Right now I'm only able to catch a few episodes each month. :(

I agree I love GoldenGirls but 4 times a day!! Plus DVDs are coming out! They can show 2 more episodes at least! I really don't know how long Unsloved Mysteries is going to be on. Because that show "Meduim" is coming to Lifetime March 26,2006(don't know why??That show is still running!!???),and "Reba" is coming in August!

I really don't know how long Unsloved Mysteries is going to be on. Because that show "Meduim" is coming to Lifetime March 26,2006(don't know why??That show is still running!!???),and "Reba" is coming in August!

I saw that and it scared me a little too. Remember when they tried to replace UM with Providence? That was a horrible mistake! Let's hope these new shows don't get in the way.

Because that show "Meduim" is coming to Lifetime March 26,2006(don't know why??That show is still running!!???)

Yes, Medium is still on the air. It's on Monday nights on NBC.

Yes, Medium is still on the air. It's on Monday nights on NBC.
Yes so it is still on air,so why put it on Lifetime at all? I just really want my Unsloved Mysteries! Hopefully they'll put more DVDs out soon!

Correct me if I'm wrong but don't they HAVE to air the show at some point until the contract runs out? - I mean sure they can relegate it back to say 2 AM on Saturday mornings but they still HAVE to show it at some point correct?

Either way I sensed this coming and started taping the show off LIFETIME around this time last year. As I mentioned before if you tape the show straight for one year you'll probably get most of the segments you are looking for.

I wonder whenever the contract runs out that some other network like A&E, TNT or TVLand will pick it up and show the episodes unedited and complete, Lifetime always butchers these episodes.

I could see it going on A&E,but not Tvland! But I really like watching it on Lifetime,because all my others shows are there! I just wish lifetime would put 2 episodes of UM a day!

I wonder whenever the contract runs out that some other network like A&E, TNT or TVLand will pick it up and show the episodes unedited and complete, Lifetime always butchers these episodes.

No network could air the episodes uneditted and complete unless they want to do away with the "updates" to the cases. A lot of folks overlook the fact that when NBC originally broadcasted UM these "updates" segments were not part of the original broadcast. These "updates" tend to take up a great chunk of time (especially the "Lost Loves" updates which can last up to five minutes a piece) so "Lifetime" had to re-edit the show (and sadly drop a few segments here and there) to make everything fit into a one hour broadcast.

Now say A&E picks the show up, the would not have the right to air the re-edits "Lifetime" created which means they would have to "re-edit" the episodes themselves. They could go the same route as "Lifetime" in deleting segments to allow room for the "updates" but they could also start editting the segments they do show by deleting lines of dialouge and interviews etc.

"Lifetime" occasionaly does this but not so much that you'd really notice a difference if you watched the original NBC broadcast of a segment and then watched the syndication.

For all its faults, "Lifetime" has done a pretty good job with the series airing 80% of the segments produced from 1987-2002. I can't see A&E or any other channel doing any better just due to the nature of fitting the show into a one hour timeslot.

It would be great if Lifetime or some other network would show some of the real early segments even if there edited a little but they probably won't because several of those early cases are solved. Has anybody ever contacted First Look about including some of the early Pre- Stack segments in their box sets? I emailed them from their web site but I never got a response. Dante, how well have the DVD sets sold thus far in your opinion, or if you have info on this?

I believe someone (Kane perhaps?) looked into this and the dvd sales weren't that great. They were not heavily promoted though and a lot of the major stores (Barnes & Nobles, Suncoast etc.) didn't stock them. Most folks here picked up the dvd sets at WAL-MART.

As far as the "Pre-Stack Specials", it would be a cool idea for First Look to put them on dvd but I guess they are sort of a "novelty item". I seriously doubt anyone but hardcore UM fans know that someone other than Robert Stack ever hosted the show.

I believe someone (Kane perhaps?) looked into this and the dvd sales weren't that great. They were not heavily promoted though and a lot of the major stores (Barnes & Nobles, Suncoast etc.) didn't stock them.

I haven't found anything that would confirm how they sold (poorly or otherwise). However, it is my understanding that the show's DVD distributor, First Look Media, is described as an independent company, which is a general contrast to major distributors (Warner Brothers, Paramount, Universal, etc.).

With that in mind, the allegedly low sales of the UM DVDs would in fact be considered poor if the show's distributor were, say, Warner Brothers (or any other major company of its ilk). But it tends to be a different matter for an independent distributor. So if an independent company's sales of a product were only a fraction of what one might expect from a bigger, more commercial distributor, then such sales are considered (at the very least) respectable for the independent distributor.

It's hard for me to explain all this in a concise way. Therefore, you will have to do some research on the subject in order to have a better understanding on what I have discussed.

Just remember that the mere fact that UM has a loyal following isn't enough to persuade Lifetime to keep the show (or even support it). If you write to Lifetime to complain about their current handling of UM, don't dwell too much on the show's fan base. Lifetime may very well know that UM has a loyal following, but they may tell you that every successful show has a following as well.

If you try to persuade a network to keep a show just because it has a loyal audience, they might believe (rightly or wrongly) that you are expressing support for the show as a favor to someone. So my point is to write a letter that would give them the impression that you are doing this on your own.

Before you give your reasons for why you want Lifetime to continue supporting and carrying the show, make sure they are sincere. Don't give reasons such as "UM kicks butt" or "I can't live without the show". Reasons like that are more of a turn-off than a turn-on, and could strike the reader as arrogant.

This is all something to take into consideration.

No kidding. I said if enough people write it MIGHT make the people at Lifetime realize a thing or two. Then again it might not.

Like I said, nothing wrong with addressing your concerns. I did it in a mature fashion and I did it for myself. FYI, when I wrote them I told them it was a great idea that they were still updating certain segments and that I would love to see more. I asked about the 800 number. If there is ever a chance for the show returning with a new host. And finally I let them know that my personal favorite episodes were the early ones. Sounds all right to me. I never used persuasion. I'm old enough to know better.

No kidding. I said if enough people write it MIGHT make the people at Lifetime realize a thing or two. Then again it might not.

That's another thing to consider. In fact, I have learned that some decisions are so final that even the most vigorous protest would have no effect.

I wonder whenever the contract runs out that some other network like A&E, TNT or TVLand will pick it up and show the episodes unedited and complete, Lifetime always butchers these episodes.


If Lifetime did drop Unsolved Mysteries for some reason, I have always felt that it would find another home on some other cable channel. It would make a perfect fit for Court TV or the new Sleuth cable channel, put out by NBC/Universal. However, since Lifetime is co-owned by ABC and Unsolved Mysteries is distributed by Buena Vista/Disney, maybe they will just keep it on Lifetime.


Either way I sensed this coming and started taping the show off LIFETIME around this time last year. As I mentioned before if you tape the show straight for one year you'll probably get most of the segments you are looking for.


I did this too.:D

If Lifetime did drop Unsolved Mysteries for some reason, I have always felt that it would find another home on some other cable channel. It would make a perfect fit for Court TV or the new Sleuth cable channel, put out by NBC/Universal. However, since Lifetime is co-owned by ABC and Unsolved Mysteries is distributed by Buena Vista/Disney, maybe they will just keep it on Lifetime.

Well, ownership is evidently an issue here. Networks prefer shows they can own, as they tend to be thriftier to maintain. Although NBC aired UM for ten years, that network never had any official ownership of the series. The way I see it, if UM were to go to a network that couldn't obtain ownership, they would likely be quick on the trigger to terminate the show if its performance (in viewership and profits) is not satisfactory enough for them.

Although Lifetime is co-owned by ABC, I don't see the Alphabet network being interested in a show like UM, even if their lives depended on it. Instead, as I have noted in other posts, it would appear that our best hope in seeing UM on a different would be if a new network were created. It would have to be one that would have easy access to programs that are owned and/or distributed by Buena Vista. That way, the network would have a good level of consistent ownership of UM. That's how I see it.

I can see them putting it on ABC Family at some point.

I hope to god that ABC Family doesn't aquire the show. I'd rather the show not be aired at all then on that network. They are probably the most disrespectful network I've seen in regards to how they treat their syndicated shows. The use some type of weird "cross fade" to edit out chunks of the show and it is very obvious when they delete something. In addition they add commercial breaks where they didn't originally exist and they just cut off lines of dialogue before breaking to a commercial.

That channel is just really a "mickey mouse" operation in my opinion

I didn't know they did that, thanks for the info, I rarely watch that network. Hopefully some network will show some of those lost segments from UM early years.

I hope to god that ABC Family doesn't aquire the show. I'd rather the show not be aired at all then on that network. They are probably the most disrespectful network I've seen in regards to how they treat their syndicated shows. The use some type of weird "cross fade" to edit out chunks of the show and it is very obvious when they delete something. In addition they add commercial breaks where they didn't originally exist and they just cut off lines of dialogue before breaking to a commercial.

In other words, only a network that is consistently supportive of UM could have the series. To me, this is why the idea of seeing UM moved to just any network (USA Network, TNT, A&E, CourtTV, Fox, ABC Family, etc.) is wishful thinking.

There is some network in Canada that airs Unsolved Mysteries. How do they air it, just like Lifetime or do they show any of the early segments? I believe it's called the Mystery Channel or something.

I remember someone saying that the Canadian channel only airs the 2001/2002 episodes for some reason?

Kane: I'm not necessarily against another network aquiring UM just not ABC Family due to the reasons I stated. They are just very "cheap" in my view. Most of the other networks you mentioned are a bit more respectful in my opinion.

I do agree with you about UM not resurfacing on another network. If "Lifetime" boots it which is entirely possible (although since it still pulls in some ratings it might just linger on) I think people are going to have to start "tape trading" to watch the show because honestly 75% of the cases that are mentioned here are actually from the 1980s!

The chances of a cable network syndicating a non-sitcom show which had its glory years from 1987-1992 and featured segments on unsolved cases which took place for the most part in the 1980s is slim to none. There are additional reasons I feel that UM won't get picked up by another network but I'll leave it at that for now.

One reason that the show may not air in the future if Lifetime cancelles it is that many of the people featured on the show were regular folks with the exception Robert Stack and the other hosts and that they may not want to keep being featured on the show all the time because of privacy or some people might want to get paid for appearing on the show. Is that a logical reason?

I really hope that Lifetime dosen't take it off! I can't imagine UM on another station,because I've watched this show on Lifetime forever,and all my other favorite shows come on this channel!

One reason that the show may not air in the future if Lifetime cancelles it is that many of the people featured on the show were regular folks with the exception Robert Stack and the other hosts and that they may not want to keep being featured on the show all the time because of privacy or some people might want to get paid for appearing on the show. Is that a logical reason?

You bring up a good point, and I've often wondered if perhaps this is the reason why some segments didn't make it to Lifetime. Perhaps the cases were resolved and the parties involved asked that the episodes not be repeated.

I've often wondered if this was the deal with the stories about Officer Jim Fontes and Jimmy Aprille. Both cases involved parental abductions, and were quickly solved after their initial broadcast. The children in both cases were very young, so I could understand the respective families wanting to put such ugly matters in the past and not wanting the segments re-aired for that reason alone.

Kane: I'm not necessarily against another network aquiring UM just not ABC Family due to the reasons I stated. They are just very "cheap" in my view. Most of the other networks you mentioned are a bit more respectful in my opinion.

DarkeDante: I hope you don't think that I view the other networks as disrespectful. I have no contempt for those networks at all, and I do watch most of them. It's just that, for a number of reasons, I don't foresee any of them being interested in acquiring UM.

In Canada Prime TV only airs UM at 5 pm on Saturdays.

They used to air it every night at 8 pm, just like it was on NBC, here.

Now it's down to once a week.

At least, do you still get UM daily on Lifetime?

Lifetime just aired the church explosion episode twice this week. I think Lifetime is running out episodes that they can still show for the reasons I pointed out in a previous post.

Agreed for the most part about ABC Family... do have to give them some credit though, as it's the only option for my beloved "Whose Line" anymore... since it was canceled. (American version anyway... I believe my equally beloved British Version is still on comedy central... even though it too is only reruns at this point)

People it seems would rather watch lame reality tv crap


I hope to god that ABC Family doesn't aquire the show. I'd rather the show not be aired at all then on that network. They are probably the most disrespectful network I've seen in regards to how they treat their syndicated shows. The use some type of weird "cross fade" to edit out chunks of the show and it is very obvious when they delete something. In addition they add commercial breaks where they didn't originally exist and they just cut off lines of dialogue before breaking to a commercial.

That channel is just really a "mickey mouse" operation in my opinion

It would be good if Lifetime on their site would tell us what stories they are airing each week but guess they can't since they show them out of sequence.

Unsolved should come back at night again like it used to so I can see it :)

I know i think it would bost up it's ratings on Lifetime if it came on at night time. That way people could see it!

I believe that this is a gradual phasing out of the show in order to bring in new material. It's sad to see such a great show to be reduced to one-a-day status. I'll admit, 2PM is actually better for me since I don't get out of school until 2:20 and I usually don't get home from the walk until about 2:45, so if they even bumped it up another hour I would be estatic to watch it "live" instead of clogging the DVR. That might not be true for everyone watching the show, though.

I'd take the two episodes a day as compared to one that is closer to my time to watch. I think this gradual phasing is because they know that UM holds a fairly cult following, but at the same time, is aware that bringing new material to that timeslot would most likely bring in even more new viewers. People might view UM as outdated, which is kind of is because most of the good cases took place 10 years ago. It's in that aspect that new shows might be better: the newer UM episodes they made were, well, fairly bad. There were some good segments but all-in-all it was underwhelming. Then Robert Stack died and those shows ended. Now UM is just a shell, the website sporatically gets "Update! Mao Zedong has been captured!" on some of their case file pages, and you can see the work of the final update crew for segments (one that sticks out in my mind is the country music billboard guy who heard suspicious sounds outside of his friend's house, then they went to get in the car and he was assassinated, the update featured the new UM style and the woman, so I imagine that it was made near the end of the new UM, possibly after Stack had died or during a time when he was unable to really get to a studio and do a recording).

My dream would be that if they cancel UM, they have a gigantic "Goodbye, Unsolved Mysteries!" marathon with a day or two of straight UM, 12:00 - 12:00, no repeats, just for fans to get priceless copies of the segments before they go out of syndication, possibly permenantly. It would be even better if it was the original UM airings.

Oh well, I can dream. I can dream.

Fazing it out is cleary not the right idea...

In fact they 'should' do the opposite and have a new version of the show.

Sure it won't be the same without Stack.... however it would serve a useful purpose.. and I honestly believe that with a suitable replacement host and more updated stories.... the show could do fairly well.

Now that they are airing 3 episodes a day I'm not Mad at Lifetime! 3 is alot, i think they should just show at 7& 8, but I'm glad that I'll get to watch it at night!