http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2007/04/anchor-bay-works-on-fans-favorites-dvd.html

this really sux!

this really sux!
Got that right.I don't have the channel but I was going to switch cable companys to watch it.But,I guess I won't because it'll only air for 2 more months.:mad:

Well, maybe all the cases will be solved before then.

I'm watching the Masters.

:dog:

Well, at least you get to watch it for now. We don't get that station here, so I haven't seen UM in ages. :(

Is there any chance that it could be moving back to the main network? Even in a graveyard slot? :(

And as usual its being replaced with shows that are already on LRW. :rolleyes:

Is there any chance that it could be moving back to the main network? Even in a graveyard slot? :(

As long as there is no indication to the contrary, there is always a chance that it will be back on Lifetime.

Flood the Lifetime offices with letters in support of UM. Protest the show's exclusion from the network's schedule. Do it as if the whole universe depended on it. A public outcry is needed (that's what caused the Fox network to reinstate America's Most Wanted in 1996), but don't shoot from the hip. Attack issues, not people.

I've given up on Lifetime. I will give them some credit for airing the show for 15 years, but it hasn't been consistent. Too many time slot changes, reruns of episodes, and yanking of the series alltogether for me to wish the network air it anymore. I would rather get behind another network to air it.

WHAT??????????????????????????????????????????????


:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

THIS BLOWS BIG TIME!!!!!!!!

What happened, are the ratings not good enough or something? I can't watch it exactly when it airs, but I DVR it EVERY NIGHT!!!!

Not enough Tater Mitts are being sold I guess.

This Stinks! I don't even get LRW, but I feel bad for the people who do get the channel, and now won't be able to watch it. UM was on LRW for about 5 months. I hope UM wil go back to the normal Lifetime, or some other channel will show it.

I'm just reminding everyone to send out as many messages to Lifetime as possible.Is there anyway I can talk to Lifetime via telephone to ask them to put it back on the original channel?

I'm just reminding everyone to send out as many messages to Lifetime as possible.Is there anyway I can talk to Lifetime via telephone to ask them to put it back on the original channel?

I would strongly suggest contacting them via snail mail. Physical letters have more weight than emails or phone calls.

There are two different mailing addresses that you can write to. They are at the main page of this site (outside the message board). Just scroll down past the autographed photo of Robert Stack until you reach a section that says UPDATES. Right below that word are the two addresses to Lifetime.

Keep your letter concise, and complain in a respectful manner. Over emotional letters and rants are easily dismissed.

This is terrible news.

This means we have 74 episode left before it leaves.

Look forward to seeing the following blocks before it leaves:

January-May 1995
September-November 1990
January-March 1991
October-December 1991
We may get into January-May 1992 ... hopefully!

I have confidence LRW will go out with a bang, revealing the middle episode in UM's run. present:

I greatly miss Unsolved Mysteries, and did not got LRW. Therefore, I get my daily fix on this site. I get the Sleuth channel and I think this channel would be the perfect home for the show, anyone else? Does Lifetime own the rights to UM?

I greatly miss Unsolved Mysteries, and did not got LRW. Therefore, I get my daily fix on this site. I get the Sleuth channel and I think this channel would be the perfect home for the show, anyone else? Does Lifetime own the rights to UM?
Who owns the rights to UM, and can't another channel broadcast UM?

1,300 POST!

Don't get me wrong, I love Unsolved Mysteries as muchas the next person, but how long can it really go on? Lifetime has been airing repeats for years .. when does it become enough? Until every episode is repeating 100 times? At some point, UM fans need to let go ... UM is not coming back.. life goes on.

Who owns the rights to UM, and can't another channel broadcast UM?

Cosgrove & Meurer Productions owns the show, while the show is distributed by Buena Vista.

The only possible way for another channel to pick up UM would be if Lifetime relinquishes it. But unfortunately, it seems that Lifetime is trying to have it both ways: they no longer appear interested in the show, but they don't want another network to carry it. :mad:

Don't get me wrong, I love Unsolved Mysteries as muchas the next person, but how long can it really go on? Lifetime has been airing repeats for years .. when does it become enough? Until every episode is repeating 100 times? At some point, UM fans need to let go ... UM is not coming back.. life goes on.
You are right it has been on along time, but I still LOVE this show, and would like to see it on T.V. I just wish another channel would pick it up, or they would make more DVDs.

Don't get me wrong, I love Unsolved Mysteries as muchas the next person, but how long can it really go on? Lifetime has been airing repeats for years .. when does it become enough? Until every episode is repeating 100 times? At some point, UM fans need to let go ... UM is not coming back.. life goes on.

I think I understand what you're getting at. Here's 3 answers to your question:

1). There is a chance that somebody with crucial info on an unsolved case would be flipping through the channels and realize they have important information on it and will contact the show or the authorities.

2.) There are alot of shows that have been in reruns, far longer than UM has.

3.) I would watch the reruns whenever I could, but it was never on a daily basis. My schedule just never allowed it. While I have a fairly good collection of UM segments, and have seen even more, there are still quite a few I haven't seen yet that sound very intriguing. (Wow, I said intriguing. I think maybe I've been watching too much UM. :lol: )

I'm just reminding everyone to send out as many messages to Lifetime as possible.Is there anyway I can talk to Lifetime via telephone to ask them to put it back on the original channel?
What is Lifetime's phone number? I will call them on Monday.

Hopefully Lifetime or some other cable channel will bring it back. We don't get LRW on Time Warner Cable where I live so hopefully Lifetime will bring it back.

Does anyone know the number to call Lifetime?

Does anyone know the number to call Lifetime?

There is a phone number mentioned at the following link:

http://www.lifetimetv.com/about/privacy.html

There is a phone number mentioned at the following link:

http://www.lifetimetv.com/about/privacy.html
Thank You. I called them.

Lifetime called me back, and they said UM could come back to Lifetime, but right now they have no plans to. They told me that UM was on LRW. So I hope it comes on Lifetime or some other channel.

Sorry to be cynical, but it sounds to me like you got a polite brush-off...

Guess I'm going to be doing some letter writing....

Sorry to be cynical, but it sounds to me like you got a polite brush-off...

Guess I'm going to be doing some letter writing....
I agree.

Lifetime called me back, and they said UM could come back to Lifetime, but right now they have no plans to. They told me that UM was on LRW. So I hope it comes on Lifetime or some other channel.

I'm surprised they even called you back.

I'm surprised they even called you back.
No they did a good job. I left a message and about two hours later they called back.

No they did a good job. I left a message and about two hours later they called back.

I'm just surprised they called back! :eek:

We need to start an old fashioned petition.

A letter writing campaign is good as well and fully encouraged by me.. but a petition would be additional ammo.

Hell at this point I don't even care if it's on at like 1 or 2 AM.

I tend to not go to sleep until 4 or 5 AM anyway.

We need to start an old fashioned petition.

A letter writing campaign is good as well and fully encouraged by me.. but a petition would be additional ammo.

Hell at this point I don't even care if it's on at like 1 or 2 AM.

I tend to not go to sleep until 4 or 5 AM anyway.
I just want the show back on.

i cannot stress this enough, WHY is it that EVERY time I turn on the tv, there is full house or fresh prince playing 24/7, seriously. I used to like full house, now I can't stand the sight of it because its on constantly. There is room for Unsolved mysteries, there is a fan base for it, there had to be a reason it was on lifetime for 15 years.

i cannot stress this enough, WHY is it that EVERY time I turn on the tv, there is full house or fresh prince playing 24/7, seriously. I used to like full house, now I can't stand the sight of it because its on constantly. There is room for Unsolved mysteries, there is a fan base for it, there had to be a reason it was on lifetime for 15 years.


AMEN TO THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :mad: :mad:

i cannot stress this enough, WHY is it that EVERY time I turn on the tv, there is full house or fresh prince playing 24/7, seriously. I used to like full house, now I can't stand the sight of it because its on constantly. There is room for Unsolved mysteries, there is a fan base for it, there had to be a reason it was on lifetime for 15 years.

I'm going to apologize in advance for getting off topic.

I have absolutely no idea why Nick at Nite is airing Full House, that channel has went completely downhill from when they used to air classic sitcoms. The "humor" on that show is so juvenile that I can't imagine anyone but kids wanting to watch it, and they'd be asleep during the middle of the night when it is being shown.

Confession: Okay, I was actually going to briefly catch either the Thursday or Friday episodes last week, for the sole purpose of seeing how Lois Nettleton (the lady in my avatar) has aged. Rumor has it she has aged pretty well, which wouldn't suprise me. She is 78 nowadays. I missed those eps, though. She was in an episode of Seinfeld, plaing George's girlfriends mother in the one where he eats something out of the trash and Nettleton's character walks in on him. I remember seeing that but didn't even know then it was her and don't remember what she looked like then. P.S. thanks dislimb for the props on my avatar last week. Midnight sun is my second favorite TZ ep, behind "eye of the beholder" Nettleton was also in an episode of Rod Serling's Night Gallery, but for some reason only a fraction of that show has found it's way on dvd. some posters in the trading post on this site have the complete series, so I'm going to see if I can trade for it sometime in the future. Yesterday, I was looking on ebay and saw that some of the ORIGINAL Night Gallery paintings were being auctioned. Out of my price range though, but man those would be cool to own.

It's not that I don't love Full House or The Fresh Prince, but it seems like they are on practically every network. Okay, so I'm exaggerating, but I think the shows are on major overkill!
There certainly is room for UM, and I'll be very sad to see it go. :(

i cannot stress this enough, WHY is it that EVERY time I turn on the tv, there is full house or fresh prince playing 24/7, seriously. I used to like full house, now I can't stand the sight of it because its on constantly. There is room for Unsolved mysteries, there is a fan base for it, there had to be a reason it was on lifetime for 15 years.
I agree. They show those show to much, and Roseanne as well.

So... would this be a bad moment to flip my cap on backwards and say, "Now.. this is a story all about how my life got flipped, turned upside down. And I'd like to take a minute, just sit right there..."

*hee hee hee hee hee* And yes, I totally agree. I'm getting pretty tired of the Fresh Prince marathons. And the Roseanne marathons. And the Full House marathons. But I never EVER get tired of UM marathons. :)

Well Lifetime's contract for airing Unsolved Mysteries expires in 2008. So they can do what they want for now. :rolleyes:
It's not 2008 yet. So why isn't Lifetime showing UM if there contract ends in 2008??

As kane stated the fans should both lobby Cosgrove/Meurer to not give lifetime an extension and also lobby other cable outlets to pick up the show.

Pardon me for asking, but are you sure it was I who said that? :confused: I only ask because I don't recall having ever said such a thing (or at least not explicitly). But I have made suggestions in the past, such as flooding Lifetime with letters in support of UM.

By the way, Iraq War Party, where did you hear about 2008 being the expiration date for Lifetime's contract for UM?

It's not 2008 yet. So why isn't Lifetime showing UM if there contract ends in 2008??

I have no control of what Lifetime does. First of all, the show is still airing. After June they may put it back on the main lifetime. If the show is a major liability then Lifetime can replace it with another show that produces more revenue. It's their call. Remember the show was out of the air for several months before they put it back on LRW.

All I do is post a fact that the show is under contract until 2008 and I am on the defensive. I guess I shouldn't post these facts if everyone is so dubious about it.

I have no control of what Lifetime does. First of all, the show is still airing. After June they may put it back on the main lifetime. If the show is a major liability then Lifetime can replace it with another show that produces more revenue. It's their call. Remember the show was out of the air for several months before they put it back on LRW.

All I do is post a fact that the show is under contract until 2008 and I am on the defensive. I guess I shouldn't post these facts if everyone is so dubious about it.

Woah. Okay, now you don't need to be on the defensive. The fact is, this is the first time I'VE heard that Lifetime has UM until 2008. I and I am sure Kane and everyone else here are just curious as to where you got your info, that's all! No offense or anything, but in this day and age, with message boards and eveything it pays to be a bit cynical. Wikopedia has proven that!!!

This just in from SitcomsOnline!: Fresh Prince of Bel-Air comes to TBS this summer! :rolleyes:

Didn't you say something like "The only possible way for another channel to pick up UM would be if Lifetime relinquishes it. But unfortunately, it seems that Lifetime is trying to have it both ways: they no longer appear interested in the show, but they don't want another network to carry it"

True. But I didn't explicitly state anything about suggesting that fans "lobby Cosgrrove/Meurer to not give Lifetime an extension." I was only concerned that my words were being taken out of context (though I'm not necessarily accusing anyone of doing so).

In any case, I do stand by my remark that Lifetime would have to give up UM if another network were to carry the show. Until that happens, no network can pick up the show, even if they wanted it in the worst way.

To avoid any confusion UM told me that lifetime is contracted to the End of 2008. So they have about 20 months left. According to the UM viewer mail department.

We will see if anyone picks up the show. But if they don't CrystalDawn promises to be up to Volume 20 by then, to keep your appetite filled. Just kidding.

To avoid any confusion UM told me that lifetime is contracted to the End of 2008. So they have about 20 months left. According to the UM viewer mail department.

We will see if anyone picks up the show. But if they don't CrystalDawn promises to be up to Volume 20 by then, to keep your appetite filled. Just kidding.
Ok so I'm just curious Where did you get this information? Also I really hope Lifetime puts UM back on. Has Lifetime ever put UM on LRW before?

From my understanding, LRW is a new channel that Lifetime offers. My best guess is that they put UM on the channel to get an audience streaming in to watch the new channel. Now that they have an established audience, they most likely do not feel the need to show UM anymore. It's a cynical outlook on things, I'm aware, but it's the only guess that comes to my mind. :)

Has Lifetime ever put UM on LRW before?

Yes. Lifetime Real Women was launched in 2001, the same year UM resumed production for the Lifetime channel. So UM had been on the LRW lineup back then. However, there were periods of time when the show was absent from the LRW, even when it was still present on the original Lifetime network.

I just learned that Unsolved Mysteries was on the Lifetime Real Women network. I also just learned that the Lifetime Real Women network even EXISTS! I also learned that I do not get the Lifetime Real Women network, since I no longer have digital cable. Now I have learned that Unsolved Mysteries will soon no longer be airing on the Lifetime Real Women network!

By the way, as a staunchly heterosexual male, I always felt a little weird watching Unsolved Mysteries (one of my favorite shows, except when they started geting into the "ghosty-type" stories late in their run) on the Lifetime "Television for Women" network.

I would feel even weirder if I had to watch it on the Lifetime REAL WOMEN network. Why don't they just put it on the Lifetime-Don't-Watch-This-If-You-Have-Male-Genitalia-Network?

Yes. Lifetime Real Women was launched in 2001, the same year UM resumed production for the Lifetime channel. So UM had been on the LRW lineup back then. However, there were periods of time when the show was absent from the LRW, even when it was still present on the original Lifetime network.

Fascinating. I didn't realize that LRW was an established channel. Now I really do wonder why they suddenly beefed up their schedules with UM. So strange.

I just want to see UM back on the NORMAL Lifetime.

I just want to see it on TV period!!!! :(

So I guess that means the Lifetime Channel and all of its varients go back to being officially useless now...

So I guess that means the Lifetime Channel and all of its varients go back to being officially useless now...

Just like numerous other channels. Why should we have faith in a network when the feeling doesn't appear to be mutual?

Was it not performing well in the ratings or something? What happened? Why do this to us?? If Lifetime won't air it, give the rights to some other network that will respect the show!!!!

Was it not performing well in the ratings or something? What happened? Why do this to us??

Only the folks at Lifetime know for sure. They could tell us, but I guess that's only if they're willing to volunteer the information. :rolleyes:


If Lifetime won't air it, give the rights to some other network that will respect the show!!!!

I find it hard to disagree with you on that. If you ask me, I say there needs to be new cable networks created, ones that could be more receptive not only to shows like UM, but also to us disgruntled TV viewers.

I think "Sleuth" is the perfect network to pick up the show. The very genre of that network is investigative, mystery, and crime shows, which are all fiction, but UM could easily be worked into the line-up.

I think "Sleuth" is the perfect network to pick up the show. The very genre of that network is investigative, mystery, and crime shows, which are all fiction, but UM could easily be worked into the line-up.

Unfortunately, that channel is not available in my area. It seems to me that Sleuth is currently not as widely subscribed as, say, USA Network or Lifetime. :(

Well it stinks that they couldn't even leave it on the air for a year! :(
I think the Sleuth network would be a good idea too, maybe A&E?? I know that's stretching it...

Well it stinks that they couldn't even leave it on the air for a year! :(
I think the Sleuth network would be a good idea too, maybe A&E?? I know that's stretching it...

I would think a&e at first, if it was about two years ago, when a&e had quality programming, which they are slowly moving away from(eg. dog, king of cars, intervention). I really don't know what network it would go good on, considering I would have never guessed it would be on lifetime if i hadn't already known. It would be a good later night filler(11 pm or later) for a number of networks, even lifetime, I don't know why they don't do that. You know everyone who flips through that late and can't find anything to watch, they will scan over U.M. and watch due to remember it from years ago or used to like it, i know people would watch it. There needs to be a revolution against the television companies or something, programming is getting worse and worse. UM could have lasted infinitely in primetime and still be interesting, because there are constantly new unsolved mysteries, and people are always interested in what they can't explain.

I would think a&e at first, if it was about two years ago, when a&e had quality programming, which they are slowly moving away from(eg. dog, king of cars, intervention). I really don't know what network it would go good on, considering I would have never guessed it would be on lifetime if i hadn't already known. It would be a good later night filler(11 pm or later) for a number of networks, even lifetime, I don't know why they don't do that. You know everyone who flips through that late and can't find anything to watch, they will scan over U.M. and watch due to remember it from years ago or used to like it, i know people would watch it. There needs to be a revolution against the television companies or something, programming is getting worse and worse. UM could have lasted infinitely in primetime and still be interesting, because there are constantly new unsolved mysteries, and people are always interested in what they can't explain.

I couldn't have said it better myself!!!!!!!!!!!

I would think a&e at first, if it was about two years ago, when a&e had quality programming, which they are slowly moving away from(eg. dog, king of cars, intervention). I really don't know what network it would go good on, considering I would have never guessed it would be on lifetime if i hadn't already known. It would be a good later night filler(11 pm or later) for a number of networks, even lifetime, I don't know why they don't do that. You know everyone who flips through that late and can't find anything to watch, they will scan over U.M. and watch due to remember it from years ago or used to like it, i know people would watch it. There needs to be a revolution against the television companies or something, programming is getting worse and worse. UM could have lasted infinitely in primetime and still be interesting, because there are constantly new unsolved mysteries, and people are always interested in what they can't explain.

I couldn't have said it better myself!!!!!!!!!!! If only Lifetime and LRW realized that!!!!! :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

There needs to be a revolution against the television companies or something, programming is getting worse and worse. UM could have lasted infinitely in primetime and still be interesting, because there are constantly new unsolved mysteries, and people are always interested in what they can't explain.

I think one of the reasons that overall programming is getting worse is because too many of today's TV executives are snobs, opportunists, or both. They care more about making money than producing quality programming.

Hostedbyrobertstack, I believe you are correct when you said that people are always interested in what cannot be explained. But you know what? I strongly believe there is a silent majority in favor of the subjects that Unsolved Mysteries presented. I say that because I feel that the majority of us care about a number of these subjects, especially wanted fugitives, missing persons, and unsolved murders. We care about seeing such cases getting resolved.

Sadly, however, there are some who are painfully apathetic about these subjects, and don't want such topics being presented on television at all (even if someone's life depended on it). But I take comfort in knowing that such people are most likely in the minority.

How do we know it isn't going back to Life time in the future?

Unfortunately, that channel is not available in my area. It seems to me that Sleuth is currently not as widely subscribed as, say, USA Network or Lifetime.


Kane, Sleuth is avaliable in your area. I highly suggest ditching cable and getting a dish -- specifically DirecTV. I will never, ever, go back to cable unless I am absolutely forced to if I have to move somewhere where dishes are not allowed etc...

Kane, Sleuth is avaliable in your area. I highly suggest ditching cable and getting a dish -- specifically DirecTV.

Obviously, I should have said that the network is not available on my cable system, because that's what I actually meant. My bad. :cool:

So do you think Lifetime or LRW will put UM back on soon, or do you think this is the last we will see of UM?

So do you think Lifetime or LRW will put UM back on soon, or do you think this is the last we will see of UM?

If anything, with Lifetime's contract for UM reportedly slated to expire at the end of 2008, it might be that show's days with Lifetime are numbered.

Unsolved Mysteries is a fine show, a favorite show of mine, but I think it's about run its course as a profitable program for a television network, unless they produce new episodes, which I still think could be done successfully, especially in this post-9/11 crime-crazed country we live in. The one very nice thing about Unsolved Mysteries is that they never need to worry about running out of story lines. I think if the show ever were to be resurrected (the chances of which I think are between zero and the mass of a single electron), it would need to be reformatted somewhat, to account for the death of Stack and for changing tastes. I wonder how popular "ghost" segments would be, as the world becomes more ever more modern and cynical --- on the other hand, it seems even as we rocket forward in certain areas, we are at a practical standstill if not moving straight backward in others, so perhaps some of the segments that I think would start to disinterest a sophisticated audience (ghosts, UFOs, miracles) might still hold a lot of interest for people.

The murders and missing persons will always have their appeal. I don't expect UM ever to be resurrected per se, but perhaps a show with a similar format --- covering various mysteries requiring viewer tips with reenactments of the key elements of the story --- will eventually be produced.

I never watched any America's Most Wanted, but from some posts on here I get the sense that it is very similar to UM in format and kind of what I am talking about. Is that the case?

I never watched any America's Most Wanted, but from some posts on here I get the sense that it is very similar to UM in format and kind of what I am talking about. Is that the case?

AMW is similar to UM in the sense that they both feature wanted fugitives, missing persons, and other unresolved criminal cases. But they each have a different approach to featuring the cases. In other words, same ideas, different presentations.

I don't think it has out ran it's course, and I would still like to see it on T.V.

I don't think it has out ran it's course, and I would still like to see it on T.V.

My thoughts exactly. Obviously, some people rule out the possibility of UM ever coming back to TV. But I don't.

My thoughts exactly. Obviously, some people rule out the possibility of UM ever coming back to TV. But I don't.

Is it possible? Sure. Is it probable? Well, shows that have been out of production for several years and whose star is deceased don't have a great track record of being resurrected, so no.

Is it possible? Sure. Is it probable? Well, shows that have been out of production for several years and whose star is deceased don't have a great track record of being resurrected, so no.
Well I would Still like to see it on T.V.

Okay, so who's starting the petition????

We can start it here and then mail hard copies to lifetime and anyone else we see feasible.

So is Unsolved Mysteries really going off the air again!?!? I'm in the process of changing cable things around so that I can get that channel.

That would stink if it went off the air!

Is is going offf the air or changing to a different channel? Anyone know?

It's going off the air, but as of now, not to a new channel. :(

I REALLY want them to bring it back to Lifetime!!! There is so much extra crap they don't need! LOL!

It would also be a good fit for the Sleuth channel, which is owned by NBC, right?

I haven't given up on Lifetime airing it again. I did notice that UM is still on the list of shows on the Lifetime website, so maybe thats a good sign.

I haven't given up on Lifetime airing it again. I did notice that UM is still on the list of shows on the Lifetime website, so maybe thats a good sign.
Ya. It's been on their forever. Also Lifetime got rid of their "Golden Palace" homepage, but still have UM up. Their is still some hope.

I would love to see it back on because I had not seen it in several years and only started seeing again it again recently and now they're cancelling it!!

THAT SUCKS!!!

UM is probably the most mysterious, compelling, and intellectually stimulating shows of all time!!

I agree that we should try to get it back!

I would love to see it back on because I had not seen it in several years and only started seeing again it again recently and now they're cancelling it!!

THAT SUCKS!!!

UM is probably the most mysterious, compelling, and intellectually stimulating shows of all time!!

I agree that we should try to get it back!
It was on Lifetime for a long time. Since 1992(early 90's).

It was on Lifetime for a long time. Since 1992(early 90's).

Exactly!! Why ruin a good thing? :(

Well I would Still like to see it on T.V.


Well, of course, so would I, but I'm just being realistic and preparing myself for the probable outcome.

It would be wonderful it they could produce some new segments (I think that would help the show to get picked up), but there are a lot of obstacles. That said, if I were independently wealthy, this is what I would be working on in my spare time.

It's going off the air, but as of now, not to a new channel. :(

I REALLY want them to bring it back to Lifetime!!! There is so much extra crap they don't need! LOL!

It would also be a good fit for the Sleuth channel, which is owned by NBC, right?

Yes, Sleuth is owned by NBC (aka Nothing But Communism, aka Nonsense By Creeps :lol: ).

I wish they would keep it on! People still watch it

I am not going to knock NBC, as they ran UM for 9 years and promoted it well. This helped increase the amount of viewers and resulted in more fugitives caught and families getting reunited. Just look at what happened when CBS took the show? Yes, the show was ailing in the last NBC seasons but CBS was the nail in the coffin. The late Friday time slots, music alterations, and a certain co-host didn't help. :p

The debate about why the ratings went down and why the show is not back in the air has been touched extensively by many threads here. Instead of bumping old threads, my question is do you think Lifetime was fair to UM? They actually gave it an evening broadcast last year to try to renew interest on the show. It ran between 7Pm to 9Pm along with the morning broadcasts. I have no doubt if the ratings were good they would have contemplated shooting a new pilot and giving it a go. They did the most any one can ask for promoting a show.

Even if UM would start new episodes it would be very different then the past. With hundreds of channels and documentary style news shows the unique qualities of it are not very distinctive much more. So it be like very different.

Yes, the show was ailing in the last NBC seasons but CBS was the nail in the coffin. The late Friday time slots, music alterations, and a certain co-host didn't help.

Well, CBS typically aired the show at 9 pm (Eastern Standard Time), although one CBS episode was shown as a "special" at 10 pm (EST) on a Thursday in November 1997. So I question whether the 9 pm was too late of a time slot for the show.

Evidently, however, the real reason the move to CBS hurt the show was because the network only aired two months of first-run episodes each season in the spring of both 1998 and 1999. In other words, the show had been on some painfully long hiatuses (from fall 1997 to spring 1998, and from August 1998 to April 1999). As a result, too many viewers accepted the idea that UM was permanently out of production and off the primetime airwaves. In retrospect, it seemed as though CBS wasn't sufficiently invested in the show. Otherwise, they would most likely have commissioned more episodes per season. (Maybe they were too cheap to do that?)

But the addition of co-host Virginia Madsen was undoubtedly a contributing factor. I think she was added to UM because CBS wanted to attract more young viewers for UM, a practice the network was doing for most of its programming at the time. But too many UM viewers did not accept Virginia Madsen, and it showed in the overall viewership. So it's easy to understand why she didn't return to the show when Lifetime revived it in 2001.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to catch what could have been UM's last airing on television. I've got a bad feeling it won't be coming back. It's been three-quarters of a year since Lifetime aired it, and now it's been bumped off their less viewed sister station. Hopefully I'm wrong and it will come back.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to catch what could have been UM's last airing on television. I've got a bad feeling it won't be coming back. It's been three-quarters of a year since Lifetime aired it, and now it's been bumped off their less viewed sister station. Hopefully I'm wrong and it will come back.
I hope you are right too.

Lifetime used to be my favorite network. But I'm boycotting them, and they will hear about this.

:singer:

*sigh*

I don't understand why Lifetime just doesn't give the rights up so another network can show UM!!! :(

*sigh*

I don't understand why Lifetime just doesn't give the rights up so another network can show UM!!! :(
I agree.