Dennis Farina is now gone too. Even America's Most Wanted has been gone for many years so I doubt a show like UM could make it today. Too many other distractions out there in the current smartphone/tablet age.

When did the talk of a UM reboot die off? A few years ago?

Dennis Farina is now gone too. Even America's Most Wanted has been gone for many years so I doubt a show like UM could make it today. Too many other distractions out there in the current smartphone/tablet age.

I wouldn't say "many years." AMW's last original broadcast was on Lifetime in October 2012, but it wasn't until March 2013 when it was officially canceled. In any case, the show has been out of production for five and a half years. Although the advances in technology are undeniable, I reject the idea that shows like UM or AMW couldn't make it nowadays. Indeed, the modern day devices such as smartphones are distractions, but they are so distracting that I suspect people have been simply brainwashed into believing that we don't need AMW, UM, or any show of their ilk.

When did the talk of a UM reboot die off? A few years ago?

I don't think it ever really died off. It just rests for a while.

You're saying there's still a chance for a UM reboot?? Any details?

Shows like UM could happen despite the advancement in technology. So many true crime programs and channels are popping up on the internet.

With all these "classic" cases being solved recently, hopefully UM is back on the radar of tv execs. I think it would work well on a streaming service where you'd have access to all-new episodes and not lose them to repeats.

While I would LOVE to see a "new" and properly done UM, I don't think it could happen, today, and be successful. :(

I wouldn't say "many years." AMW's last original broadcast was on Lifetime in October 2012, but it wasn't until March 2013 when it was officially canceled. In any case, the show has been out of production for five and a half years. Although the advances in technology are undeniable, I reject the idea that shows like UM or AMW couldn't make it nowadays. Indeed, the modern day devices such as smartphones are distractions, but they are so distracting that I suspect people have been simply brainwashed into believing that we don't need AMW, UM, or any show of their ilk.



I don't think it ever really died off. It just rests for a while.

To be honest the main audience of UM are going to be mostly forties upward-the people who detest the pace & way modern television has gone. It would be hard to be able to get a show commissioned like the original version these days as network executives are worried that people will get bored & switch off. The fiasco with Farina is a god example of that.

To be honest the main audience of UM are going to be mostly forties upward-the people who detest the pace & way modern television has gone. It would be hard to be able to get a show commissioned like the original version these days as network executives are worried that people will get bored & switch off. The fiasco with Farina is a god example of that.

Exactly my reasoning.

With all these "classic" cases being solved recently, hopefully UM is back on the radar of tv execs. I think it would work well on a streaming service where you'd have access to all-new episodes and not lose them to repeats.

I'm not talking about some lame streaming service on a tablet or smartphone. I'm talking about getting it back on a major network on TV. I know it's basically impossible to get in on NBC, CBS, ABC, or FOX in this day & age but a major cable network?

It seems doubtful after Lifetime dumped it.

While I would LOVE to see a "new" and properly done UM, I don't think it could happen, today, and be successful. :(

Unfortunately I agree. It's pretty much the same reason why America's Most Wanted isn't on anymore eventhough there's still plenty of crime & people wanted.

They could bring it back but it wouldn't be the same as the Stack era. It would probably have different music, different hosts (obviously) and an overall different feel about it.

I'm not talking about some lame streaming service on a tablet or smartphone. I'm talking about getting it back on a major network on TV. I know it's basically impossible to get in on NBC, CBS, ABC, or FOX in this day & age but a major cable network?

It seems doubtful after Lifetime dumped it.

"Lame streaming service"...LOL! You must be in your fifties or older. You are aware that "major" broadcast networks are fading away, right? You are aware that streaming services can be watched on your television, right?

Netflix has over 100 million subscribers and is bigger than Warner Bros., Fox, and Sony. It is not "lame".

The ignorance in your comment has me laughing. You think Lifetime is better than Netflix...!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Shows like UM could happen despite the advancement in technology. So many true crime programs and channels are popping up on the internet.

I'm glad I'm not alone in that consensus. The Hunt with John Walsh has been on the air since 2014. But since it was recently announced that John Walsh will be doing a new Investigation Discovery show called In Pursuit next year, there is no word yet on the future of the former.

Of course, ID airs Disappeared, which documents missing persons, but that's not the only current TV series that profiles such cases. There's a half-hour show called Missing, which has been in first-run syndication since 2003.

ID easily could pick up a rebooted version of the show. Hell, even a major network could. Look at the success of the Roseanne reboot on ABC. As of a year ago, Cosgrove and Meurer said this in a reddit AMA:

We too would very much like to see new Unsolved Mysteries shows on the air. We are in the process of reaching out to networks to see if there is interest in ordering new shows. Let's keep our fingers crossed!

I don't know if UM has been a success for Amazon Prime or not, but a new version of UM seems right up their alley. Their show, Lore, is fairly similar to UM: it takes real-life cases and combines reenactments, documentary, and voice-over to present them.

IF (I wish I could put that into a font visible from the Moon, to show just how big an IF it really is) they were to do it....I volunteer to be host! Provided they never show me on screen. Or show me very little. I have a better voice than face.

It won’t happen


There’s already an entire channel devoted to true crime shows (Invwstigarion Doscovery)


UM no longer would stand out

(Invwstigarion Doscovery)

I know it's a typo, but the "VW" part of that had me chuckling. Mostly because I was thinking of those old VW commercials with Peter Stormare.

https://pictures.dealer.com/c/camelbackphoenixazvw/0477/78886b9646ccb68757c097fbea5627acx.jpg

But I do agree. There's more chance of Zooey Deschanel appearing at my house and proposing to me than there is of a UM reboot, let alone a successful one.

I have no idea why you guys are so cynical of a reboot, especially when C&M are trying to make one happen.

I have no idea why you guys are so cynical of a reboot, especially when C&M are trying to make one happen.

Because, as the Farina version showed us, they will basically take all of the things we loved about the original and totally botch it. More recent generations do not have the attention span, hence the chopped up and shortened version they gave us.

It's mostly that we're jaded, at this point, having seen what they presented us with, prior. And honestly, you can even see it in some of the later seasons of the original.

Because, as the Farina version showed us, they will basically take all of the things we loved about the original and totally botch it. More recent generations do not have the attention span, hence the chopped up and shortened version they gave us.

It's mostly that we're jaded, at this point, having seen what they presented us with, prior. And honestly, you can even see it in some of the later seasons of the original.

Oh dear lord. I can tell you're a boomer---your type always puts down the younger generations.

Also, you can't look at the Farina version and assume that's how they'd do it again. Reboots in 2018 are much closer to the original. Look at Roseanne, Will and Grace, etc.

Oh dear lord. I can tell you're a boomer---your type always puts down the younger generations.

Also, you can't look at the Farina version and assume that's how they'd do it again. Reboots in 2018 are much closer to the original. Look at Roseanne, Will and Grace, etc.

The treatment would likely depend on the network-Spike are a testosterone filled lads channel, they were never going to keep it to the sedate pace or depth of the original.

Oh dear lord. I can tell you're a boomer---your type always puts down the younger generations.

Also, you can't look at the Farina version and assume that's how they'd do it again. Reboots in 2018 are much closer to the original. Look at Roseanne, Will and Grace, etc.

Really? You realize I was 5 when UM started airing, right? I literally grew up watching it. "My type." :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: I see it every single day, in dealing with those of my own generation, younger generations, and even some older ones. Where they watch a show or movie for five minutes before getting on their phone and playing "Plants vs. Zombies" or whatever.

At this point, the ONLY reboot of UM we have to go off is the Farina version. So, using that as a guide is very logical, since it is, at present, the only evidence.

The treatment would likely depend on the network-Spike are a testosterone filled lads channel, they were never going to keep it to the sedate pace or depth of the original.

I will concede that much. That certainly did not help matters.

I will concede that much. That certainly did not help matters.

You can say that again. The Spike version is a perfect example of how NOT to revamp a TV show. Sadly, UM isn't the only show to get a bad reboot. Two other examples are In Search Of and Cold Case Files. The 2002 reboot of the former was terrible, and now there are plans to revive it again. Let's hope they do it right this time around and not repeat the mistakes of the 2002 version. And as for CCF, the 2017 reboot was so different from the original it should not have been called Cold Case Files. The new look was completely at odds with the way the show was presented during its original run.

If you ask me, this is why, despite persistent calls by fans, we will most likely never see a reboot of Forensic Files. In fact, when Peter Thomas died in 2016, series producer Paul Dowling said in no uncertain terms that not only can Peter Thomas not be replaced but he doesn't want to water down the show.

If you ask me, this is why, despite persistent calls by fans, we will most likely never see a reboot of Forensic Files. In fact, when Peter Thomas died in 2016, series producer Paul Dowling said in no uncertain terms that not only can Peter Thomas not be replaced but he doesn't want to water down the show.

I had no idea he died. :(

I loved his narration. I agree he's irreplaceable.

I had no idea he died. :(

I loved his narration. I agree he's irreplaceable.

Neither did I :(

He was amazing.

Two other examples are In Search Of and Cold Case Files. The 2002 reboot of the former was terrible, and now there are plans to revive it again. Let's hope they do it right this time around and not repeat the mistakes of the 2002 version.

Agreed. I LOVED the original ISO. And while I really like Mitch Pileggi, it's the same kind of thing as with Farina. I liked Farina, but he and Mitch were both kneecapped by a subpar product, in my opinion.

I disagree with the point that most fans of the original UM are in their late 40's now, I started watching the show when I was 9 years old in 1995, now I am 32. I think there are plenty of viewers in all the generations from young to old that a new version of UM will be able to attract.

But the key to success will be that it has to be done as close to the original as possible.

I do remember seeing a post on The Official UM Facebook Page late last summer/early fall, I think in September that said Cosgrove & Meurer plan on having new episodes of UM on the air by the end of 2017. But of course that never happened. I would say the odds of a remake are only 25% at this point.

Because, as the Farina version showed us, they will basically take all of the things we loved about the original and totally botch it. More recent generations do not have the attention span, hence the chopped up and shortened version they gave us.

It's mostly that we're jaded, at this point, having seen what they presented us with, prior. And honestly, you can even see it in some of the later seasons of the original.

Or make it like one of the murder-porn shows from Investigation Discovery.

The network that cast a fitness model for the role of 500lb Mel Green and described him as good looking in the segment.

If they ever did a remake, you would have to go in to it knowing that SOME things would never be the same. Most notably, a narrator that is capable of being mentioned in the same breath as Robert Stack. I've heard some decent ones on other documentaries and various commercials. But Stack was irreplaceable. You can keep trying to order a steak but you're going to end up with a hot dog. It's good. Just not AS good.

I ripped on the Spike version of UM plenty of times. But I might not have complained as much if they just did new segments instead of destroy the classic ones. Looking at the broader picture, it's important to have these cases broadcast out there because there will always be missing loved ones who need to be found and criminals who need to be arrested. That's more important than my unobtainable need for the the classic version of the show to be perfectly recreated on every level.

This short attention span excuse for shorter segments doesn't fly with me, though. Four minutes is not enough time to properly dedicate to a case for any segment unless there is so little known, the producers don't have any other choice.

I'm hard pressed to really think of anyone who could do it justice.

Lance Henrikson is the only person I really could have seen doing it well by the original standard, but that's like the Frank Black era LH and that was 20 years ago. He's no spring chicken anymore.


It's just hard to replace these hosts. You'd have thought that Keith David would have been a perfect replacement on City Confidential but nothing could match Paul Winfield and the show died quickly.

If they ever did a remake, you would have to go in to it knowing that SOME things would never be the same. Most notably, a narrator that is capable of being mentioned in the same breath as Robert Stack. I've heard some decent ones on other documentaries and various commercials. But Stack was irreplaceable. You can keep trying to order a steak but you're going to end up with a hot dog. It's good. Just not AS good.

I ripped on the Spike version of UM plenty of times. But I might not have complained as much if they just did new segments instead of destroy the classic ones. Looking at the broader picture, it's important to have these cases broadcast out there because there will always be missing loved ones who need to be found and criminals who need to be arrested. That's more important than my unobtainable need for the the classic version of the show to be perfectly recreated on every level.

This short attention span excuse for shorter segments doesn't fly with me, though. Four minutes is not enough time to properly dedicate to a case for any segment unless there is so little known, the producers don't have any other choice.

Yes. Just...yes. And I especially agree on the whole "if they'd have had new segments" part.

I'm sure Virginia Madsen will take exception she is dead. She was a co- host at one time can't forget about her.

Anyone catch that Cosgrove and Meurer are looking into reviving the series for television, or possibly Netflix ?
This is from wikipedia.

Viewing has changed so much even since the Dennis farina revamp.

I don’t think UM will get a chance on the major networks but it’s not impossible. It would be extremely risky for C&M to go that route.

ID or a cable channel is more likely. I personally would like to see one of the online companies premier the show.

I think the third time could be the charm. UM would have to do new cases. Perhaps learning from the 2nd revamp would help this time. But a network would have to give them a chance.

There are a lot of things going for UM. First off it has a reality/documentary theme. Those are timeless for me. UM fans like us would need to keep an open mind and give C&M leverage to make changes to where the show could also reach a new audience.

The thing that works against Unsolved Mysteries, compared to the canned shows like most of what places like ID do, is that they're unsolved. So you have to put a system in place to allow viewers to solve it. That's money.

The thing that works against Unsolved Mysteries, compared to the canned shows like most of what places like ID do, is that they're unsolved. So you have to put a system in place to allow viewers to solve it. That's money.

The one thing that I can say about the possibilities for a new UM is the ability to use the tech available NOW that wasn't in UM's heyday. For instance, this board. Imagine if we had this board back in the late 80s and early 90s. All of us, finding other nutcases who are as into the cases as we are, and discussing and potentially solving cases. The interaction for the fans would be SO MUCH easier. I think that ability for direct interaction could be a big draw, if done right. Apps for phones, the ability to contact the producers/show to suggest new cases, etc.

The one thing that I can say about the possibilities for a new UM is the ability to use the tech available NOW that wasn't in UM's heyday. For instance, this board. Imagine if we had this board back in the late 80s and early 90s. All of us, finding other nutcases who are as into the cases as we are, and discussing and potentially solving cases. The interaction for the fans would be SO MUCH easier. I think that ability for direct interaction could be a big draw, if done right. Apps for phones, the ability to contact the producers/show to suggest new cases, etc.


That's true. But there's also a large segment of the general viewing public that are still like "what does this button do?" when it comes to tech, especially when you're talking about profiling new cases that go back decades with older witnesses. You'd still need some kind of phone-in system for those people. Or they could just do Millennial Mysteries :lol:

That's true. But there's also a large segment of the general viewing public that are still like "what does this button do?" when it comes to tech, especially when you're talking about profiling new cases that go back decades with older witnesses. You'd still need some kind of phone-in system for those people. Or they could just do Millennial Mysteries :lol:

:lol: No, obviously there still should be phone-in options. But I think embracing that technology would help a lot. S***, a Facebook page, with weekly missing people or unsolved murders or whatever. Really, they could run wild with it.

Millennial Mysteries :lol:

"Someone took all of drew790's avocados. But why?"

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

"Someone took all of drew790's avocados. But why?"

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:


He stopped at the diner for some Avocado (awkward-Stack-pause-of-unfamilliarity) Toast.

Then, was murdered.

He stopped at the diner for some Avocado (awkward-Stack-pause-of-unfamilliarity) Toast.

Then, was murdered.

But when his apartment was searched for evidence, all of the avocados had mysteriously returned. Who was responsible for the returning avocados? Was it the same person responsible for his death?

Agreed. I LOVED the original ISO. And while I really like Mitch Pileggi, it's the same kind of thing as with Farina. I liked Farina, but he and Mitch were both kneecapped by a subpar product, in my opinion.

"Subpar" is a perfectly legitimate label. The original In Search Of is far better than the 2002 reboot. It had something the reboot lacked: Good production values. Like the Spike version of UM, the ISO reboot looked too generic and did no justice to the original whatsoever. When a show gets rebooted like that, I the studios and/or networks apparently do so based on what they think viewers want to see. But the things they get wrong usually outnumber the things they get right (if they get anything right at all). Hence the negative audience reactions to such reboots.

But when his apartment was searched for evidence, all of the avocados had mysteriously returned. Who was responsible for the returning avocados? Was it the same person responsible for his death?

His co-worker discounted his feelings before his death, is he the one that killed him?

His co-worker discounted his feelings before his death, is he the one that killed him?

Also suspect is that he had shared several odd pictures on Facebook in the weeks before his death.

Imagine RS trying to explain memes :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Also suspect is that he had shared several odd pictures on Facebook in the weeks before his death.

Imagine RS trying to explain memes :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:


"The images were linked to satanic cult that prays to a breakfast pastry-shaped cat"

"The images were linked to satanic cult that prays to a breakfast pastry-shaped cat"

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

The cult, going by the online handle "4chan," was unavailable for comment.

"His death certainly had nothing to do with any aspect of 4chan that I had any knowledge about"

:santa2:

I had no idea he died. :(

I loved his narration. I agree he's irreplaceable.


He died on April 30, 2016, two years ago. He was 91 years old. Forensic Files executive producer Paul Dowling acknowledged his reluctance to revive the show without Peter Thomas, as noted in the following excerpt from the article at the link below it:

While Dowling said he has been encouraged many times to bring "Forensic Files" back, the producer doesn't think it will be possible. The show's reruns are broadcast in the U.S. on the HLN network and syndicated internationally.

"He can't be replaced," Dowling said. "He was that great at it. I don't want to water it down or change it."

http://archive.naplesnews.com/news/local/famed-voice-over-icon-peter-thomas-dies-at-91-022ad336-4bbf-5cbb-e053-0100007f64ba-377801571.html/

Paul Dowling's remarks show how much he cherishes FF. It goes without saying that he doesn't want to do anything to tarnish the series. FF ceased production in 2011, as TruTV was gradually moving away from the true crime format in favor of different programming. So, at the time of Peter's death in 2016, there had been no new episodes in nearly five years.

"The images were linked to satanic cult that prays to a breakfast pastry-shaped cat"

OMG, I’m dead! 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣

"Someone took all of drew790's avocados. But why?"

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

3 avocados
1 lime
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup white onion - diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro - finely chopped
2 Roma tomatoes - diced into 1/4 inch cubes
2 garlic cloves - finely diced

In a glass mixing bowl mash the avocado into a thick paste. Cut the lime into quarters and squeeze the juice from all four pieces into the mashed avocado. Add the salt and stir. Add the onion and stir again. Add the cilantro and stir again. Add the tomatoes and stir again. Add your garlic and stir one final time. Taste one small bite. If it’s too citrusy, add another dash of salt. If it’s too salty, add another dash of lime. Once it’s just right, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour. Serve with unsalted blue corn chips for the best flavor combination. Enjoy.

OMG, I’m dead! 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣

Suddenly and mysteriously, Hot Jock dropped dead. Was it tied to the sudden avocado thefts? :eek:

Suddenly and mysteriously, Hot Jock dropped dead. Was it tied to the sudden avocado thefts? :eek:

That’s the only way they were going to get my guacamole recipe out of me... from my cold, dead hands. 😵

I think it could work - "Making a Murderer" has shown there's enough interest in the genre and of course you have these little web communities like ours.

The one thing Cosgrove/Meurer would have to do to get a UM 3.0 to succeed is get the marketing and presentation right. A lot of the other shows still out there aren't nearly of the same caliber and could be left to dwell where they are. Get the concept down though, pitch it to the right network/streaming service and then mention the interactive element (existing message boards, facebook pages, possible ideas for new elements) and boom.

I think it could work - "Making a Murderer" has shown there's enough interest in the genre and of course you have these little web communities like ours.

The one thing Cosgrove/Meurer would have to do to get a UM 3.0 to succeed is get the marketing and presentation right. A lot of the other shows still out there aren't nearly of the same caliber and could be left to dwell where they are. Get the concept down though, pitch it to the right network/streaming service and then mention the interactive element (existing message boards, facebook pages, possible ideas for new elements) and boom.

Dude, that's on Netflix. You can't compare that to UM's position on national TV on NBC.

I can't imagine UM being on Netflix! :lol:

I can see it on a cable network like Lifetime or USA but regardless it's reach will be a lot more limited than what it used to be.

Dude, that's on Netflix. You can't compare that to UM's position on national TV on NBC.

I can't imagine UM being on Netflix! :lol:

I can see it on a cable network like Lifetime or USA but regardless it's reach will be a lot more limited than what it used to be.

Netflix is bigger than NBC. They have 118 million subscribers. Broadcast television is dead. Streaming is the future (and present).

Unsolved Mysteries was one show that my mom liked because she likes mystery shows and shows about cold cases and she watched the original Unsolved Mysteries with Robert Stack and I thought he was an awesome host that really made the show what it was. Mom tried to watch the Dennis Farina version of Unsolved Mysteries and while Dennis Farina was a smart host Unsolved Mysteries just wasn't the same. If an Unsolved Mysteries reboot were to happen I would choose Idris Elba or J.K. Simmons to host it because as we saw in Disney's Zootopia J.K. Simmons's voice or Idris Elba's voice would fit the sneakers of the late Dennis Farina and the late Robert Stack easily
Bestie