If you want to ask the creators of the show anything about Unsolved Mysteries. Here is your chance. It's going to be on https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/ and the announcement is stickied at the top of the page. Basically if you don't know what this is, it's an opportunity to ask questions for anyone that is up for an AMA (Ask Me Anything). Strange enough two or three days ago I was randomly thinking that it would be cool if these guys were ever going to be on a Reddit AMA. Weird.

Personally I have two questions I want to ask if I'm there for the talk:

1. Why did their company keep snatching their segments off YouTube via copyright claim. I know business is business, but couldn't having the cases on a platform like YouTube help solve a case?

2. Will the show's music ever be released to the public? The main theme is available, but there is a lot of original music that isn't available.

Wow. I need to make a reddit account. I think I would ask why it is that certain segments were never repeated again after their NBC run and maybe throw out a couple examples.

I don't know if Cosgrove or Meurer would have the answers since that might have been Filmrise's call, but I'd love for them to address why certain segments which are still unsolved (such as Charles Morgan and Mark Groezinger) have yet to be released on Amazon Prime.

I would like to ask why they chose to withhold the dates of the incidents in the Farina episodes.

I don't know if Cosgrove or Meurer would have the answers since that might have been Filmrise's call, but I'd love for them to address why certain segments which are still unsolved (such as Charles Morgan and Mark Groezinger) have yet to be released on Amazon Prime.

If I were only able to ask them one question, this would undoubtedly be it. I would modify it with a second part of the question though just for some clarity. Something along the lines of:

"Is there any particular reason why certain segments that originally aired during the first three seasons of UM's original run were omitted when the show was added to Amazon Instant Video? I understand that it's possible that FilmRise has assembled the episodes in a manner of their choosing but I would like to know which segments were withheld on your end that you haven't even given FilmRise access to and any reason(s) as to why?"

I'm no wordsmith by any stretch of the imagination, but I'd basically like to know which segments we are never going to see no matter what and the reason(s) as to why if applicable. Perhaps yourself or someone else can phrase the question in a more succinct and less antagonistic manner. I really don't want the question to look like criticism because it's really not about that. There are plenty of things for hardcore UM fans to justifiably criticize C/M Productions about, but the episodes finally being available in such great quality certainly isn't one of them.

I don't know if Cosgrove or Meurer would have the answers since that might have been Filmrise's call, but I'd love for them to address why certain segments which are still unsolved (such as Charles Morgan and Mark Groezinger) have yet to be released on Amazon Prime.



The Morgan episode is in Season 3



Hope everyone asks them the tough questions!

The Morgan episode is in Season 3

Ah, that's good, I haven't made it that far yet.

Looking at the episode guide, I see that the Morgan case originally aired alongside the segment about the Baskin children. I can TOTALLY understand why Filmrise would be reluctant to release that one, so they probably just had to slot in the Morgan segment somewhere else.

I'm no wordsmith by any stretch of the imagination, but I'd basically like to know which segments we are never going to see no matter what and the reason(s) as to why if applicable. Perhaps yourself or someone else can phrase the question in a more succinct and less antagonistic manner. I really don't want the question to look like criticism because it's really not about that.

Hot Jock, you gave a suggestion similar to what I am about to offer: Whatever you say to C/M, think before you say it. Be mature and professional in what you say. Verbal abuse and diatribes are easily dismissed.

Just FYI, it's very easy to make a Reddit account. Takes about 20 seconds. You don't need to give out an email or anything either.

You plotty-plottersons! Making my job easy. You've all already thought of the hard questions. Now I just may grab my popcorn and eat it Michael Jackson meme-style while you guys put them in the hot seat!

1. Why did their company keep snatching their segments off YouTube via copyright claim. I know business is business, but couldn't having the cases on a platform like YouTube help solve a case?


The main thing that jumps to my mind on this one has always been the syndication agreements they had with Lifetime and SpikeTV. There was quite probably language in the contracts that required them to not allow distribution of the show through means other than authorized syndication. Oftentimes, syndication agreements like they had result in the network airing the show virtually owning the content for the duration of the agreement.

Obviously, with some of the most popular shows on television, the original owners are able to exert more control and even create syndication deals with multiple parties due to demand.

I hate Reddit.

But, I hope someone asks those jabronis about a LEGIT possible DVD release. None of this streaming, or Dennis Farina Lifetime booty warrior mess.

There won't be a DVD release now. Considering how many seasons there are it would be crazy expensive and nobody would buy it now that it is available on streaming

There won't be a DVD release now. Considering how many seasons there are it would be crazy expensive and nobody would buy it now that it is available on streaming

True. Ah well.

I hate Reddit.

But, I hope someone asks those jabronis about a LEGIT possible DVD release. None of this streaming, or Dennis Farina Lifetime booty warrior mess.

I too hate Reddit. I also deeply appreciate your use of jabronis.

That is all.

I too hate Reddit. I also deeply appreciate your use of jabronis.

That is all.

:lol:

Thank you, thank you

:lol:

Thank you, thank you

Jabronis was excellent, but I personally liked "Dennis Farina Lifetime booty warrior mess" even better.

Your way with words reminds me a lot of a guy I used to work with when I lived in Indianapolis.

I would like to ask why they chose to withhold the dates of the incidents in the Farina episodes.

This is probably to make them more evergreen. By the time these were recut and repackaged, the cases were that many years older and usually updated.

I love reddit. Fite me irl :)

I love reddit. Fite me irl :)

Has your neckbeard swallowed the red pill yet?

Has your neckbeard swallowed the red pill yet?

You've owned a radio before right?

You've owned a radio before right?

No. I've only listened to the sound of the streets.

Does anyone believe that they'll answer any tough or hard-hitting questions?

I feel like there will be automated responses in tow for some of the questions they are anticipating.

No. I've only listened to the sound of the streets.

I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you at least know how one works?

A radio can pick up many stations. If you don't like what you are listening to, you can change the station. You don't have to throw the entire radio out.

I don't subscribe to The Red Pill, Incels, or whatever else doesn't suit me on Reddit. Just sayin. :cool:

Does anyone believe that they'll answer any tough or hard-hitting questions?

I feel like there will be automated responses in tow for some of the questions they are anticipating.
Depends. I remember an AMA with the ceo of REI (I used to work for them) and a few people thought the responses they were receiving to some of the tougher questions were either being ignored and/or getting BS answers.

https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/3scce7/i_am_jerry_stritzke_ceo_of_rei_and_were_closing/

Of course, this is about a workplace and not a TV show. You have a lot of former employees with commentary regarding the issues. Probably won't be the case with Unsolved Mysteries. Simply the consumers of a product.

If I don't get the chance, please ask them about getting the show streaming in Canada.

I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you at least know how one works?

A radio can pick up many stations. If you don't like what you are listening to, you can change the station. You don't have to throw the entire radio out.

I don't subscribe to The Red Pill, Incels, or whatever else doesn't suit me on Reddit. Just sayin. :cool:

What is a radio?

Nah, I was just messin' with ya

all I would ask (in a very courteous manner) is what took so long to get the old episodes to where we could legally par-take since they tried so hard to block others from sharing personal streams (bootlegs). I'm guessing as others pointed out before that the spike/lifetime deals held them up. but the farina versions are still circulating on (cbs reality)tv in England. I would also ask if there is ever any possibility of RS episodes being shown on tv again. just for kicks...

Does anyone believe that they'll answer any tough or hard-hitting questions?

Absolutely not.

but the farina versions are still circulating on (cbs reality)tv in England. I would also ask if there is ever any possibility of RS episodes being shown on tv again. just for kicks...

Why couldn't they show the Stack versions on television? The Farina episodes are still on LifeTime here.

Why couldn't they show the Stack versions on television? The Farina episodes are still on LifeTime here.

They probably could have before they struck a deal with FilmRise to go streaming.

I'm betting the current syndication contract with Lifetime is very specific to the Farina episodes, and that's understandable. In 2008-9, they invested a lot of money in re-tooling the episodes to that format. It makes sense that they'd want to push those. Instead of going with FilmRise, they probably could have taken the Stack episodes to a network to air instead. But, now that they're in business with FilmRise, I'd bet that the contract gives FilmRise the exclusive rights to those episodes for the duration of the deal.

I love reddit. Fite me irl :)

I like it too. There's a lot of entertaining content that gets me through the day. That said, I can understand why some people don't like it because the hive mentality on that site is extremely annoying.

Does anyone believe that they'll answer any tough or hard-hitting questions?

I feel like there will be automated responses in tow for some of the questions they are anticipating.

I certainly don't expect anything more revealing than that there are legal reasons for it. And I don't begrudge them that. The truth is that distributing a TV show is more complicated than we sometimes realize and it's not as simple as leaving the show up on YouTube to help solve cases or putting the original unedited Stack episodes out anytime they wish.

Can someone ask them if they made up The Wackers case for ratings, please?

Can someone ask them if they made up The Wackers case for ratings, please?

*faints*

I'm about to throw down my hockey stick and call you a jabroni. :lol: :lol:

*faints*

I'm about to throw down my hockey stick and call you a jabroni. :lol: :lol:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

I only said that to ruffle feathers

:lol: :lol: :lol:

I only said that to ruffle feathers

I know you did, you pot stirrer! :)

A koook

A koook

Kookbroni

I started a podcast that was initially called "Uncovering Unsolved Mysteries" with my friend Mike and I even reached out to Don Devereux (key interview in the Danny Casalero murder and other segments on Unsolved) and got him on our podcast. Well I guess he subsequently sent a copy of my letter (containing my address) to John & Terry in Burbank. They then proceeded to send ME a cease and desist letter which was just lovely. They threatened to take legal action if I didn't comply with their demands (changing the name and removing any trace of their copyrights from our podcast). They are such dicks about their precious copyrights. They don't understand how the internet works now. People make channels, podcasts etc and invoke fair use to criticize, comment on and critique a show. In the case of my podcast (which is still doing well even after changing the name) we are worshiping this show. We are like a constant mouth piece not only reminding people about the show, but also talking about the segments and reminding everyone how great it is..WHY WOULD YOU THREATEN TO SUE YOUR LOYAL FANS OVER THAT! it's so maddening to think about.. So yeah.. I'd like to ask them what their problem is.. and I geetttttt itttttt .. you have a name and brand you want to protect but when it's fair use I have rights too. I donno.. I started off really liking john and terry and even thought for a moment they'd make an appearance on our podcast (We've already had the aforementioned Don Devereux and director of photography Kevin O'Brien on the show). But now I'm thinking anytime i try to get in contact with them I'm just going to meet with a brick wall from their lawyer.. END RANT.. btw if you wanna check out said podcast it's called "Uncovering Unexplained Mysteries" and you can get it on iTunes, soundcloud, stitcher etc..

I started a podcast that was initially called "Uncovering Unsolved Mysteries" with my friend Mike and I even reached out to Don Devereux (key interview in the Danny Casalero murder and other segments on Unsolved) and got him on our podcast. Well I guess he subsequently sent a copy of my letter (containing my address) to John & Terry in Burbank. They then proceeded to send ME a cease and desist letter which was just lovely. They threatened to take legal action if I didn't comply with their demands (changing the name and removing any trace of their copyrights from our podcast). They are such dicks about their precious copyrights. They don't understand how the internet works now. People make channels, podcasts etc and invoke fair use to criticize, comment on and critique a show. In the case of my podcast (which is still doing well even after changing the name) we are worshiping this show. We are like a constant mouth piece not only reminding people about the show, but also talking about the segments and reminding everyone how great it is..WHY WOULD YOU THREATEN TO SUE YOUR LOYAL FANS OVER THAT! it's so maddening to think about.. So yeah.. I'd like to ask them what their problem is.. and I geetttttt itttttt .. you have a name and brand you want to protect but when it's fair use I have rights too. I donno.. I started off really liking john and terry and even thought for a moment they'd make an appearance on our podcast (We've already had the aforementioned Don Devereux and director of photography Kevin O'Brien on the show). But now I'm thinking anytime i try to get in contact with them I'm just going to meet with a brick wall from their lawyer.. END RANT.. btw if you wanna check out said podcast it's called "Uncovering Unexplained Mysteries" and you can get it on iTunes, soundcloud, stitcher etc..

There's an interesting AMA question.... sorry for the circumstances, but welcome to the forum! :wave:

I started a podcast that was initially called "Uncovering Unsolved Mysteries" with my friend Mike and I even reached out to Don Devereux (key interview in the Danny Casalero murder and other segments on Unsolved) and got him on our podcast. Well I guess he subsequently sent a copy of my letter (containing my address) to John & Terry in Burbank. They then proceeded to send ME a cease and desist letter which was just lovely. They threatened to take legal action if I didn't comply with their demands (changing the name and removing any trace of their copyrights from our podcast). They are such dicks about their precious copyrights. They don't understand how the internet works now. People make channels, podcasts etc and invoke fair use to criticize, comment on and critique a show. In the case of my podcast (which is still doing well even after changing the name) we are worshiping this show. We are like a constant mouth piece not only reminding people about the show, but also talking about the segments and reminding everyone how great it is..WHY WOULD YOU THREATEN TO SUE YOUR LOYAL FANS OVER THAT! it's so maddening to think about.. So yeah.. I'd like to ask them what their problem is.. and I geetttttt itttttt .. you have a name and brand you want to protect but when it's fair use I have rights too. I donno.. I started off really liking john and terry and even thought for a moment they'd make an appearance on our podcast (We've already had the aforementioned Don Devereux and director of photography Kevin O'Brien on the show). But now I'm thinking anytime i try to get in contact with them I'm just going to meet with a brick wall from their lawyer.. END RANT.. btw if you wanna check out said podcast it's called "Uncovering Unexplained Mysteries" and you can get it on iTunes, soundcloud, stitcher etc..

Jabronis confirmed.

Unless you're lying for attention. You type like you're a 15 year old girl, so you're either a troll or mentally insane.

Jabronis confirmed.

Unless you're lying for attention. You type like you're a 15 year old girl, so you're either a troll or mentally insane.

Hey Ace, I thought the management of this place told you to work on your impulse control? It would be a shame for them to boot ya from this place. The quality of the posting on this forum would drop drastically

I thought the management of this place told you to work on your impulse control, Ace?

Didn't they tell you the same thing, champ?

Also, sick edit.

Hey Ace, I thought the management of this place told you to work on your impulse control? It would be a shame for them to boot ya from this place. The quality of the posting on this forum would drop drastically

Boot me. I'm sure your insane ramblings would feel the gap nicely.

I hope they dont boot ya. That would bring more attention on myself. Ya know Im not liked because of the brutally honest truth I speak.

I hope they dont boot ya. That would bring more attention on myself. Ya know Im not liked because of the brutally honest truth I speak.

Not true.

We all love you.

*kisses*

Not true.

We all love you.

*kisses*

What a relief! If Meg likes me I've got it made in the shade!:happyface

What a relief! If Meg likes me I've got it made in the shade!:happyface

I like you too.

*kisses*

Am I doing this right?

I like you too.

*kisses*

Am I doing this right?

Ain't you a smooth operator

I like it too. There's a lot of entertaining content that gets me through the day. That said, I can understand why some people don't like it because the hive mentality on that site is extremely annoying.
True. There is a hive mentality that does exist there. That is always going to be the case with a social platform like that. I am afraid that overtime the commentary is going to degrade to the point of comments that you see on YouTube or Facebook which are just...God awful in my opinion.

Does depend on the subreddit though. I try not to partake in discussions on groups that have a lot of subscribers. Or at least a topic that has a lot of comments. Like r/NBA.

I started a podcast that was initially called "Uncovering Unsolved Mysteries" with my friend Mike and I even reached out to Don Devereux (key interview in the Danny Casalero murder and other segments on Unsolved) and got him on our podcast. Well I guess he subsequently sent a copy of my letter (containing my address) to John & Terry in Burbank. They then proceeded to send ME a cease and desist letter which was just lovely. They threatened to take legal action if I didn't comply with their demands (changing the name and removing any trace of their copyrights from our podcast). They are such dicks about their precious copyrights. They don't understand how the internet works now. People make channels, podcasts etc and invoke fair use to criticize, comment on and critique a show. In the case of my podcast (which is still doing well even after changing the name) we are worshiping this show. We are like a constant mouth piece not only reminding people about the show, but also talking about the segments and reminding everyone how great it is..WHY WOULD YOU THREATEN TO SUE YOUR LOYAL FANS OVER THAT! it's so maddening to think about.. So yeah.. I'd like to ask them what their problem is.. and I geetttttt itttttt .. you have a name and brand you want to protect but when it's fair use I have rights too. I donno.. I started off really liking john and terry and even thought for a moment they'd make an appearance on our podcast (We've already had the aforementioned Don Devereux and director of photography Kevin O'Brien on the show). But now I'm thinking anytime i try to get in contact with them I'm just going to meet with a brick wall from their lawyer.. END RANT.. btw if you wanna check out said podcast it's called "Uncovering Unexplained Mysteries" and you can get it on iTunes, soundcloud, stitcher etc..
*Shrugs* Business folk with the firepower at the top flexing their muscle I guess. I mean I also get that they have to protect their property too, but I would think that fair use laws do give some of the people at the bottom of the barrel some stretching room. Whatever the case, if you do decide to ask them I just wouldn't go in there guns blazing. Just be civil (don't sound like a wacko) and hopefully you'll get a response. Reddit users love drama so your story will probably get upvoted by people in an effort to try and get a reply.

.

*Shrugs* Business folk with the firepower at the top flexing their muscle I guess. I mean I also get that they have to protect their property too, but I would think that fair use laws do give some of the people at the bottom of the barrel some stretching room. Whatever the case, if you do decide to ask them I just wouldn't go in there guns blazing. Just be civil (don't sound like a wacko) and hopefully you'll get a response. Reddit users love drama so your story will probably get upvoted by people in an effort to try and get a reply.

One of my biggest issues with trademark and copyright law has to do with how situations like the aforementioned must be handled. If the holder of a trademark or copyright such as the "Unsolved Mysteries" brand doesn't legally challenge every infringement to their brand then they risk losing the important ones that they do challenge because the brand has already been diluted. It's an unfortunate truth of the business world that forces the holders of such copyrights to often pick fights they don't wish to because they are backed into that corner.

One of my biggest issues with trademark and copyright law has to do with how situations like the aforementioned must be handled. If the holder of a trademark or copyright such as the "Unsolved Mysteries" brand doesn't legally challenge every infringement to their brand then they risk losing the important ones that they do challenge because the brand has already been diluted. It's an unfortunate truth of the business world that forces the holders of such copyrights to often pick fights they don't wish to because they are backed into that corner.

That's a pretty accurate description of copyright law, at least to my understanding. (I only took one class in Entertainment/Copyright Law, so its definitely not my specialty.) It explains why the Walt Disney Company and Mattel (who markets Barbie) are so rabid about protecting their copyrighted material.

This sucks. It's the same day as opening day for baseball. I'll be missing it.

This sucks. It's the same day as opening day for baseball. I'll be missing it.

Same here and for the same reason.

MLB Opening Day > watching Little John and Big Terry dodge the good questions

Same here and for the same reason.

MLB Opening Day > watching Little John and Big Terry dodge the good questions

I guess that depends on which team(s) you'll be watching on opening day.

Ain't you a smooth operator

:lol:

Whatever the case, if you do decide to ask them I just wouldn't go in there guns blazing. Just be civil (don't sound like a wacko) and hopefully you'll get a response. Reddit users love drama so your story will probably get upvoted by people in an effort to try and get a reply.

I'm glad to see that someone is on the same page as me. On this thread, I suggested that people be mature and professional in what they say. You don't want to make the mistake of shooting your mouth off and saying something you'll later wish you hadn't said. Besides, it's a good bet that are some people who are looking for an opportunity to make UM fans look bad, so don't give them one.

It's today. Get ready to grill these guys!

It's today. Get ready to grill these guys!

You're off by two days. It is scheduled for Monday, April 3.

Would like to put them to the sword but can't see myself getting up at 3am for it lol.

Would like to put them to the sword but can't see myself getting up at 3am for it lol.

Even if it's said in jest, I would hope that no such comment is uttered in their presence. Rightly or wrongly, it could be interpreted as a threat, since the phrase means "kill." In any case, I won't be available to take part in the Reddit Q&A, but I hope that everyone who does behaves in a civil and mature fashion. Rudeness and insults won't help.

They just started. Just asked my questions. Hope they are answered.

Strange. It was supposed to be three hours from now. Yet it's now. I only noticed it was beginning by chance.

They just started. Just asked my questions. Hope they are answered.

Strange. It was supposed to be three hours from now. Yet it's now. I only noticed it was beginning by chance.

Noticed that, too. And posted questions of my own, which I'll copy and paste here. I'm not one for the "hard-hitting" questions, but I know I can count on others to pick up where I left off. :)

------------------------------------------
I actually joined Reddit to take part in this AMA--

1.) Looking at how well-received the Robert Stack episodes on Amazon Prime have been, especially when compared with the Dennis Farina episodes, I'm just curious if you were involved with the re-formatting of the original series for the Spike network. Who made the decisions to incorporate Google Earth and to entirely change the music? Why were such decisions made that way?

2.) What process went into picking the segments that were ultimately featured on the "Best of Unsolved Mysteries" boxed set? While I appreciate a good chunk of the segments included, I would note that some of the more "classic" segments-- to include Angela Hammond, Wendy Camp, Father John Kerrigan, Judith Himes, and others-- were not used. I'm curious as to who ultimately selected the segments that were used and why.

3.) Robert Stack's cameo in BASEketball is probably one of my favorite cameos of all-time. Did Trey Parker and Matt Stone contact you to arrange such a scene and more importantly, what was Robert Stack's opinion of it?

Here's mine: Pointed and fair enough IMO:

Hi Terry & John

Thanks for finally reaching out to the many fans of Unsolved Mysteries and answer some of our questions.

1) Did you only decide to release the Robert Stack season's when it became more financially viable via a streaming service?

2) Will these Stack seasons be released on Youtube just like the Dennis Farina ones have been?

3) Will you be releasing the other Specials that were hosted by the late Raymond Burr and Karl Malden as well? there were many great cases profiled on those too!

4) How come some cases are not released in the seasons? will they be released on upcoming seasons and if not why?

5) Is there a chance that this show could be revived and actually have new cases on there? I understand it will never be the same as it was with Bob but is it realistic in this day and age?

Thanks

Sean, Perth Australia.

Here's mine: Pointed and fair enough IMO:

Hi Terry & John

Thanks for finally reaching out to the many fans of Unsolved Mysteries and answer some of our questions.

1) Did you only decide to release the Robert Stack season's when it became more financially viable via a streaming service?

2) Will these Stack seasons be released on Youtube just like the Dennis Farina ones have been?

3) Will you be releasing the other Specials that were hosted by the late Raymond Burr and Karl Malden as well? there were many great cases profiled on those too!

4) How come some cases are not released in the seasons? will they be released on upcoming seasons and if not why?

5) Is there a chance that this show could be revived and actually have new cases on there? I understand it will never be the same as it was with Bob but is it realistic in this day and age?

Thanks

Sean, Perth Australia.

As I read it, I KNEW THAT WAS YOU!! :)

As I read it, I KNEW THAT WAS YOU!! :)

:lol: What gave it away? Question 1 or that I'm from Perth, Australia?

:lol: What gave it away? Question 1 or that I'm from Perth, Australia?

Sean from Perth.

I was impressed you stayed up so late :)

Sean from Perth.

I was impressed you stayed up so late :)

1am is fine. 3am is too much 😆

So, are there any answers yet, or is that not starting until the 3pm established time. Perhaps they only opened it for questions early.

So, are there any answers yet, or is that not starting until the 3pm established time. Perhaps they only opened it for questions early.

They've just started answering...

Thanks for doing this AMA. Some of my favorite memories from when I was younger including watching Unsolved Mysteries, both on broadcast tv and then on Lifetime. I always made sure that my girlfriend and I were back home for that midnight showing of Unsolved Mysteries. Those were some really great times.
Are you guys currently involved in producing any shows, or do you have any that you're working on? Is there a chance that UM could be revived with a new host, or possibly a new but similar type of show? If a series isn't possible, is there any chance that we could get something similar to those early specials that ran before the seasons started?
I really loved watching all of the segments, but one that has always fascinated me was the Pat Mealbach (Dodge) segment. Do either of you believe that she was a member of the Dodge family?
Again, thanks so much for creating a ton of great memories for me. I wish you both the best of luck in the future.

Has anyone had any tough questions answered yet?

Has anyone had any tough questions answered yet?

They did answer a question about the content being pulled off of the forbidden site...

I looked through the questions and didn't see that one. What was their explanation and do you believe them?

They said something about residuals paid to actors and distribution deals they had with other companies that didn't allow them to put the show on the site that shall not be mentioned. Pretty much what we already suspected/knew.

Here's the answer: We are really happy that the shows are now available for streaming, because we agree with you, there are still mysteries that need to be solved. When it comes to the show being removed off of YouTube, there were two concerns: one is the residuals that would need to be paid for the writers, directors and actors; another was that we had contracts with distributors that didn't allow us to put the show on YouTube.

I can see the royalty issue being troublesome. The contract stuff is a little more interesting (given that YT didn't exist when the show was airing) but I guess you can contract almost anything??

Here's the answer: We are really happy that the shows are now available for streaming, because we agree with you, there are still mysteries that need to be solved. When it comes to the show being removed off of YouTube, there were two concerns: one is the residuals that would need to be paid for the writers, directors and actors; another was that we had contracts with distributors that didn't allow us to put the show on YouTube.

I can see the royalty issue being troublesome. The contract stuff is a little more interesting (given that YT didn't exist when the show was airing) but I guess you can contract almost anything??

Well, I think they might be referring to the contracts that get drawn up for the syndication agreements. YouTube certainly existed when they first reached their agreement with SpikeTV and re-tooled the show (which is also when they started rabidly getting the videos taken down and also when our old moderator had to stop her sharing).

Well, I think they might be referring to the contracts that get drawn up for the syndication agreements. YouTube certainly existed when they first reached their agreement with SpikeTV and re-tooled the show (which is also when they started rabidly getting the videos taken down and also when our old moderator had to stop her sharing).

Good point about the syndication rights. This is why I'm not in entertainment law. That's a pretty big detail to miss. :D

"There was a case where the wanted fugitive was on the set while we were filming the reenactment and no one knew initially. No one on the crew had seen his photograph yet. "

Unfortunately they didn't tell us who it was

I just got done reading the transcript of the AMA.

Here are my thoughts....

Some good questions were asked but unfortunately most of the answers were very vague, and CM never announced when they were ending the AMA session so a lot of people were asking questions and not getting answers. It was as if Cosgrove and Meurer had been coached by a Attorney on how to answer the questions.

When asked why certain segments are not on Amazon Prime? CM answered because of the statue of limitations had expired. When asked to elaborate, CM did not respond.

They failed to respond to a question of Why NBC had canceled the show in 1997? This was a good question in my book, because after moving UM to Fridays in 1994 the show REALLY dropped in the ratings. However in the 1996-1997 season UM's ratings had actually INCREASED, so much so in fact that the show was winning it's 8 PM timeslot regularly. Yes, it even beat ABC's Family Matters and Boy Meets World. I have done extensive research of Nielsen Ratings regarding UM.

Any good news? Yes, the Amy Billing case will be released to Amazon Prime in Season 6. I have not seen that case in over 15 years. I remember it aired on Lifetime all the time in the late 90's and then I never saw it again. After 2001, I think Lifetime just aired the "blue screen" '95-'97 seasons as well as there own 2001-2002 episodes, maybe a few "very few" 1988-1993 shows were sprinkled in too. I don't remember any "pink bar" '93-'95 seasons airing after 2001.

Disappointed with a lot of answers to the questions. Especially seething that there are no plans to release the Raymond Burr and Karl Malden episodes.

Totally agree with the disappointment about the vague answers, but did I chuckle when someone asked for their thoughts on Jule Caylor and their only response was "hmm".

After reading through that entire AMA, the only thing I could say was, "What was the point of this?" :lol:

Sure they "talked" to us, but they really didn't have anything to say.

This is why I didn't make a reddit account for this. I knew how bare bones it would be. This was nothing more than a promotion to watch it on Amazon. I'm sure they can't, or won't answer the important questions. This was literally nothing more than a "haha yeah. watch our show on Amazon".

Ah well.

They said something about residuals paid to actors and distribution deals they had with other companies that didn't allow them to put the show on the site that shall not be mentioned. Pretty much what we already suspected/knew.

Here's the answer: We are really happy that the shows are now available for streaming, because we agree with you, there are still mysteries that need to be solved. When it comes to the show being removed off of YouTube, there were two concerns: one is the residuals that would need to be paid for the writers, directors and actors; another was that we had contracts with distributors that didn't allow us to put the show on YouTube.

I can see the royalty issue being troublesome. The contract stuff is a little more interesting (given that YT didn't exist when the show was airing) but I guess you can contract almost anything??

This was the answer to my question. I was glad they answered it, and assumed I'd get a "business is business/it's complicated" answer.

What I really wanted was hope that the music would get released. Looks like it may never be. Probably an assumed lack of interest (guessing it won't make money).

What I really wanted was hope that the music would get released. Looks like it may never be. Probably an assumed lack of interest (guessing it won't make money).

Could be more royalty/contract mess.

Maybe the composer shoved the song rights up his butt, and never wants to let it out.

Pretty much what I thought of these guys before hand still remains the same after this Reddit thing..

"When asked why certain segments are not on Amazon Prime? CM answered because of the statue of limitations had expired. When asked to elaborate, CM did not respond."

That doesn't make any sense because there is probably already at least a dozen cases/segments on there where the statue of limitations has already expired. That answer is not truthful. Maybe they lost some of the archives over the years, lol. I'm sure they have real reasons that they are unwilling to share.

Pretty much what I thought of these guys before hand still remains the same after this Reddit thing..

Maybe there's a reason they had this Q&A on Reddit instead of on here, lol. Some of the folks on here are intelligent enough (not saying myself but certainly quite a few people) to be able to pick apart some of their answers that don't really add up.

I don't think they realized the magnitude of questions they would receive.

Doesn't look like we're getting Unsolved in Canada anytime soon. :-/

The answer about the statute of limitations is one that I agree with. Take the Boston Mall Rapist for example, the limitations are up, so there is nothing that can be done at this point. They couldn't air it and ask for people to come forward with information for a case that cannot legally go forward. It would make no sense, and it could also lead to a possible lawsuit if some guy is outed as the rapist who's totally innocent.

I was looking forward to the answer on this one. I did not ask it but a reply would have been interesting.

HalkeFralg 7 points 20 hours ago
The Sammy Wheeler murder case. Obviously, a horrible crime. However, the original segment was almost comical between his girlfriend, Bob Beane, and Danny Wheeler. When it went to editing, was it hard not to laugh when putting it together?

Totally agree with the disappointment about the vague answers, but did I chuckle when someone asked for their thoughts on Jule Caylor and their only response was "hmm".

That answer SLAYED me. Obviously, because I made a comment about how funny it was. And I wanted to make a Paul Pollis/Mark Nichols joke, but chose not to.

I agree that I wish it had been a bit more substance in the answers. However, I will say that it was actually more than I was expecting, so I was left pleasantly surprised...

Also, season 4 is going to be released on Amazon in a few weeks-- from C&M themselves in the content of the Reddit. They must have went back and answered some more questions...

The answer about the statute of limitations is one that I agree with. Take the Boston Mall Rapist for example, the limitations are up, so there is nothing that can be done at this point. They couldn't air it and ask for people to come forward with information for a case that cannot legally go forward. It would make no sense, and it could also lead to a possible lawsuit if some guy is outed as the rapist who's totally innocent.

I agree with you, but, as Steve W pointed out, there have been cases released to Amazon where the statute of limitations is up. Take, for example, the tunneling bank robbers. Statute of limitation had to be long gone on that one, but it was still shown.

I agree with you, but, as Steve W pointed out, there have been cases released to Amazon where the statute of limitations is up. Take, for example, the tunneling bank robbers. Statute of limitation had to be long gone on that one, but it was still shown.

As the crime was so unusual (and unusually well-planned and executed), I reckon that one was included in the stream for the novelty value, for lack of a better term.

As the crime was so unusual (and unusually well-planned and executed), I reckon that one was included in the stream for the novelty value, for lack of a better term.

That's a good point.

After I made that last post, I thought of something else. When looking at the previous cases listed, we need to keep in mind that whether the statute of limitations is expired only applies if the suspect wasn't charged. That doesn't apply to the bank robbery case, but it is why most of the "wanted" cases on UM will always be valid until solved because the suspect has already been charged. The statute of limitations argument applies to cases that UM aired looking for more information but the prosecution hadn't charged a suspect. If the case was a murder where most if not all jurisdictions have no statute of limitations, then there is still value in showing the case. But other types of crimes like robberies, fraud, and assaults would be fruitless (other than showing them for fans of the show to see again).

I still feel like some of it is selective. For example, in the update they said police are no longer looking for Ann Coricelli, yet they still kept the segment.

The rights, streaming, case selection, and producers are the real unsolved mystery it seems.

The answer about the statute of limitations is one that I agree with. Take the Boston Mall Rapist for example, the limitations are up, so there is nothing that can be done at this point. They couldn't air it and ask for people to come forward with information for a case that cannot legally go forward. It would make no sense, and it could also lead to a possible lawsuit if some guy is outed as the rapist who's totally innocent.

It could also be that continuing to air the segment damages or hurts the victims. It's been a long time, and while I don't think anyone ever really recovers from these types of attacks, maybe continuing to show the segment only serves to make them relive those moments and serves as a reminder that the person who committed those horrible acts basically got away with it.

That's a sad scenario, but I can understand not showing certain segments again if it's only going to hurt the victim(s) and nothing can be done to the perpetrator(s).

I still feel like some of it is selective. For example, in the update they said police are no longer looking for Ann Coricelli, yet they still kept the segment.

Yes, but that case also allowed them to provide an update on the other two perps involved in the case.

"There was a case where the wanted fugitive was on the set while we were filming the reenactment and no one knew initially. No one on the crew had seen his photograph yet. "

Unfortunately they didn't tell us who it was

I wouldn't be surprised if it was Jerry Strickland. Wasn't he the guy that said UM is his favorite show?

I agree with you, but, as Steve W pointed out, there have been cases released to Amazon where the statute of limitations is up. Take, for example, the tunneling bank robbers. Statute of limitation had to be long gone on that one, but it was still shown.

I wonder if that one was still shown because LE suspected the robbers of continuing to commit robberies (but possibly changing their MO), which would be why they still aired it. Or because a robbery is less damning to someone as opposed to being accused of being a serial rapist.

They didn't only say that it was statutes of limitations, they also said that when the law enforcement involved asks them to stop showing a case they do. And I would imagine that there are cases where victims/family asked them to stop showing a case and they would probably do it then as well. Hard to argue with either of those.