FilmRise, the New York-based film and television studio and streaming network, and Cosgrove/Meurer Productions, the producers behind the “Unsolved Mysteries” franchise, have entered into a deal to co-produce and distribute a commemorative special paying tribute to the TV series.

Timed to coincide with the anniversary of the very first episode of the series, Unsolved Mysteries: Behind the Legacy will go behind the scenes and reveal the evolution of the landmark series.

Unsolved Mysteries: Behind the Legacy is an hour-long tribute to the series that shaped future generations of true crime TV. Including interviews with co-creators Terry Dunn Meurer and John Cosgrove, along with long-time producers and directors of the show, the special pulls back the curtain on “Unsolved Mysteries.” The crew divulges behind-the-scenes stories, covering all aspects of the show from research to filming to solving mysteries. The special also features never-before-seen outtakes of host Robert Stack and a look into some fan-favorite cases.

https://www.mediaplaynews.com/filmrise-to-co-produce-special-about-unsolved-mysteries/

https://www.sitcomsonline.com/photos/unsolvedmysteriesbehindthelegacy.png

This program honors one of television's most enduring and recognizable shows as well as the fans who were integral to its success. Sitting down with co-creators Terry Dunn Meurer and John Cosgrove, along with long-time actors, producers, and directors of the show, this documentary special pulls back the curtain with behind-the-scenes stories from research and casting to solving mysteries soon after episodes aired. With never-before-seen outtakes of beloved host Robert Stack and a look into some fan-favorite moments. The creators note that it is the loyal viewers who proved what the show always stood for: that someone, somewhere knows the truth. Join us this October! For more information, visit filmrise.com (https://filmrise.com)

This program will screen in select Alamo Drafthouse Theaters across the country on October 4th. It will then be available on Pluto TV on October 5th, and widely on other platforms at a later date.

https://unsolved.com/behind-the-legacy/

FilmRise Screenings
https://screenings.filmrise.com/unsolved-mysteries-behind-the-legacy

GpkMRqwINmE

Interesting. I just want to know where the future of the franchise is headed, though. No podcast and likely no tv series, so is this just some farewell special?

I assume this will be in the same style as the one they did for Forensic Files recently.

The FF doc interviewed all of the producers (Vince Sherry is great and should be on TV more) and covered their methods, along with going over the scariest/best/dramatic/favorite cases. It was really interesting.

IDK if i have ever seen Cosgrove or Muerer talk on camera before, so that will be neat. I'm sure there will also be a nice tribute to Robert Stack. Can't wait.

Interesting. I just want to know where the future of the franchise is headed, though. No podcast and likely no tv series, so is this just some farewell special?

Probably. I would think the Cosgrove/Meurer team are retirement age by now.

What the Netflix series and podcast showed was that the value of the old episodes far exceeded the value of the name itself, no surprise there. Slapping UM on an inferior product doesn't work, it just turns it into a zombie brand.

The old episodes, in their badly butchered form, can continue to pay for years, so they might as well just collect the rents from that and skip the effort of new content.

This has the look of a farewell special mixed with a bit of a promotional tool to get people watching the "old" episodes.

I assume this will be in the same style as the one they did for Forensic Files recently.

The FF doc interviewed all of the producers (Vince Sherry is great and should be on TV more) and covered their methods, along with going over the scariest/best/dramatic/favorite cases. It was really interesting.

IDK if i have ever seen Cosgrove or Muerer talk on camera before, so that will be neat. I'm sure there will also be a nice tribute to Robert Stack. Can't wait.

They spoke on camera in introductions to the box sets on DVD when those came out.

Probably. I would think the Cosgrove/Meurer team are retirement age by now.

What the Netflix series and podcast showed was that the value of the old episodes far exceeded the value of the name itself, no surprise there. Slapping UM on an inferior product doesn't work, it just turns it into a zombie brand.

The old episodes, in their badly butchered form, can continue to pay for years, so they might as well just collect the rents from that and skip the effort of new content.

This has the look of a farewell special mixed with a bit of a promotional tool to get people watching the "old" episodes.

The podcast was great. Do not conflate it with the Netflix series.

What on earth kind of issue could you have with the podcast?!

I suspect this is a case of Boomers not being able to accept change. The podcast was fantastic. The only podcast criticism I can think of is that people won’t accept a new host and that the older folks don’t know what a podcast is or how to listen to it. People who were in their 30s when the series premiered are quite elderly now, and podcasts are for Gen X/Millennials/Gen Z.

I’ve always found it quite sad that people would rather rehash the old stuff instead of embracing new content. That’s why we are where we are: the young ones liked the podcast/Netflix and the old ones hated both, so us young ones lose out again. Oh well. Maybe in a hundred years society won’t be like this. By then, old people will be trained to accept change.

Their Forensic Files one was great, looking forward to this.

The podcast was great. Do not conflate it with the Netflix series.

What on earth kind of issue could you have with the podcast?!

Taking a case and stretching it out for over a half an hour when the original series would have taken the "just the facts mam" approach and handled it in half of that time or less. Adding long, tedious interviews with people to accomplish this as well.

I suspect this is a case of Boomers not being able to accept change. The podcast was fantastic. The only podcast criticism I can think of is that people won’t accept a new host and that the older folks don’t know what a podcast is or how to listen to it. People who were in their 30s when the series premiered are quite elderly now, and podcasts are for Gen X/Millennials/Gen Z.

You suspect wrong, guess again.
Its not about the new host, we all understand RS has passed on to the great show in the sky and cannot do the job anymore. Its about the cheap format, the zombie brand feeling of the product, the typical approach of contemporary true crime podcasts to drag out a marginally mysterious case ad nauseam.
You don't sound authoritative or insightful with your use of the term "boomer" or statements like "People who were in their 30s when the series premiered are quite elderly now." On the high end someone who was 39 in 1987 would be 75, which is not "quite elderly" unless you are speaking as a adolescent.


I’ve always found it quite sad that people would rather rehash the old stuff instead of embracing new content. That’s why we are where we are: the young ones liked the podcast/Netflix and the old ones hated both, so us young ones lose out again. Oh well. Maybe in a hundred years society won’t be like this. By then, old people will be trained to accept change.

No one is saying we should "rehash the old stuff" we are saying we would prefer the format of the series that was good, obviously with new cases and stories, because it is better storytelling.
Why embrace new content when it is low quality?

On a positive note, I think the documentary is going to be interesting, in large part because I suspect they will spend most of the time reminiscing about the show as it was, rather than documenting how some guy in a basement churns out the podcast.

That’s not how the podcast was produced and you know it. You’re just trolling.

I suspect you never even listened.

So where will be able to see this special? FilmRise’s YouTube channel?

Yes, I would like to know too.

As a “quite elderly” “ boomer” I totally agree with Media Hoarder’s last post. Sarcasm intended.

Ok, the “elderly boomer” thing was a bit much. I apologize.

So where will be able to see this special? FilmRise’s YouTube channel?

Yeah it should be -- the Forensic Files special is on their YouTube Channel. They also cycled it thru on Pluto TV so I imagine it will be there and all the other places they distribute their shows.

I would love if they could get some of the actors interviewed too. And Keely Shaye and Virginia Madsen

I suspect this is a case of Boomers not being able to accept change. The podcast was fantastic. The only podcast criticism I can think of is that people won’t accept a new host and that the older folks don’t know what a podcast is or how to listen to it. People who were in their 30s when the series premiered are quite elderly now, and podcasts are for Gen X/Millennials/Gen Z.

I know quite a few "Boomers" who listen to podcasts. Also, Gen X did a TERRIBLE job of raising their children, who now make up the emotionally fragile, chronically under/unemployed, clinically anxious and depressed Gen Z'ers. I don't say that to ridicule either. And as for Millennials, they are some of the most annoying people out there. And before you say it, no, I am not a boomer. Yes I am a member of one of those other cohorts. I guess my point is, something being for the generations you mentioned isn't anything to brag about.

I guess if the podcast was as great as you make it out to be, it would still be on. I listened to it here and there and it was fine, but I am more of a visual person who much prefers to watch something than listen to it.

I would love if they could get some of the actors interviewed too. And Keely Shaye and Virginia Madsen

Yes! We know there were several actors used in multiple segments. I would love to hear their perspectives, or really that of any of the actors.
I was wondering about the release date too. It looks like the first episode, with Raymond Burr, aired Jan. 20, 1987. Oct. 5, 1988 was the first episode of Season 1 on NBC. Making this coincide with the 35th anniversary of the Season 1 premiere makes sense to me.

The special will be in select theatres on October 4 and available to stream on October 5.

More details here: https://www.thewrap.com/filmrise-alamo-drafthouse-unsolved-mysteries-anniversary-special/

This program honors one of television's most enduring and recognizable shows as well as the fans who were integral to its success. Sitting down with co-creators Terry Dunn Meurer and John Cosgrove, along with long-time actors, producers, and directors of the show, this documentary special pulls back the curtain with behind-the-scenes stories from research and casting to solving mysteries soon after episodes aired. With never-before-seen outtakes of beloved host Robert Stack and a look into some fan-favorite moments. The creators note that it is the loyal viewers who proved what the show always stood for: that someone, somewhere knows the truth. Join us this October! For more information, visit filmrise.com (https://filmrise.com)

GpkMRqwINmE

Thank you for posting this. I was able to snag two tickets (Austin,TX)

Can't wait!!

Thank you for posting this. I was able to snag two tickets (Austin,TX)

Can't wait!!

Nice! Please tell us how it goes!

I hope ad-supported VOD means this special will be available on their official YouTube channel.

Nice! Please tell us how it goes!

You bet! Fan since '89, and this is the first time I've seen any kind of screening or event for UM. So a rare occasion indeed. I can share some pics here

Follow-up special: How Cosgrove-Meurer Destroyed the Legacy of Unsolved Mysteries with SPIKE and Netflix Reboots

Follow-up special: How Cosgrove-Meurer Destroyed the Legacy of Unsolved Mysteries with SPIKE and Netflix Reboots

There was one good thing about the Spike reboot, and that was the number of rare cases we were able to see again. Granted it wasn't in their original format, but we got to see them again.

I have a feeling that this is going to be geared to casual viewers of UM ("hey guess what Matthew McConaughey was on one of our segments") and is not going to reveal anything that wasn't revealed in the commentary on the DVD sets a few years ago.

Follow-up special: How Cosgrove-Meurer Destroyed the Legacy of Unsolved Mysteries with SPIKE and Netflix Reboots

Here’s what we’re not going to do: we’re not going to hijack this thread with more whining about the Netflix series. There are already plenty of threads on this forum for people who want to do that. This thread is not going to devolve into off-topic ranting.

UNSOLVED MYSTERIES... in a movie theater?!?!

DONE!

PER ARTICLE:

FilmRise and Alamo Drafthouse are teaming up to commemorate the 35th anniversary of “Unsolved Mysteries” through a one-time only TV special, TheWrap can reveal exclusively.

“Unsolved Mysteries: Behind the Legacy,” which will celebrate the long-running true crime television series through fan-favorite moments and never-before-seen outtakes, premieres Oct. 4 at Alamo Drafthouse locations nationwide. C0producers FilmRise and Cosgrove/Meurer Productions will also host a special screening event at Alamo Drafthouse’s Los Angeles venue on the same day.


https://www.thewrap.com/filmrise-alamo-drafthouse-unsolved-mysteries-anniversary-special/

Here’s what we’re not going to do: we’re not going to hijack this thread with more whining about the Netflix series. There are already plenty of threads on this forum for people who want to do that. This thread is not going to devolve into off-topic ranting.

Thanks for saying this.

I just grabbed seats to one of the Los Angeles shows! :)

Here’s what we’re not going to do: we’re not going to hijack this thread with more whining about the Netflix series. There are already plenty of threads on this forum for people who want to do that. This thread is not going to devolve into off-topic ranting.

I think I understand where you are coming from. I am supportive of a rant or a debate about other UM productions. In my opinion, it is very hard to start a new topic on these boards, without talking about the past.

I’m a huge fan of all things UM and am excited to see this special. I am hopeful that it is successful. I can also see the apprehension that some have. C&M hoarded the RS segments for years and blocked us from viewing them online in turn forcing us to watch their remakes that were not successful nor sustainable. Not trying to be negative, just trying be realistic about expectations. I hope this is a great product.

I think I understand where you are coming from. I am supportive of a rant or a debate about other UM productions. In my opinion, it is very hard to start a new topic on these boards, without talking about the past.

I’m a huge fan of all things UM and am excited to see this special. I am hopeful that it is successful. I can also see the apprehension that some have. C&M hoarded the RS segments for years and blocked us from viewing them online in turn forcing us to watch their remakes that were not successful nor sustainable. Not trying to be negative, just trying be realistic about expectations. I hope this is a great product.

I definitely don’t have a problem with criticizing the Netflix series. There are already at least two threads on this forum devoted to criticizing it which is fine. The issue is when other unrelated threads get hijacked by complaints about the Netflix series. We get it folks, you don’t like it. No need to say it over and over again in so many threads.

This thread is about the anniversary special which has nothing to do with Netflix which is why I want to keep things on topic.

Hopefully viewers outside the US like me will be able to stream the special!

Here’s what we’re not going to do: we’re not going to hijack this thread with more whining about the Netflix series. There are already plenty of threads on this forum for people who want to do that. This thread is not going to devolve into off-topic ranting.

You can do as you wish. I said what I said. :) And it was directly on topic. It's produced by Cosgrove Meurer. And it ruined the legacy of the show.

You can do as you wish. I said what I said. :) And it was directly on topic. It's produced by Cosgrove Meurer. And it ruined the legacy of the show.

Blocked.

Again, if you want to bitch about the Netflix series do it in one of the myriad threads devoted to that topic. There will be no hijacking of my thread.

So anyway. How about that legacy.

Lol.

We don't need any fighting. Let's keep it civilized please. This is a thread to celebrate the 35th Anniversary Special.

Per the UM mailing list:

This program will screen in select Alamo Drafthouse Theaters across the country on October 4th. It will then be available on Pluto TV on October 5th, and widely on other platforms at a later date.

https://unsolved.com/behind-the-legacy/

FilmRise Screenings
https://screenings.filmrise.com/unsolved-mysteries-behind-the-legacy

Yoooo, I’m off the grid for a few months and I come back to see arguing?!

That’s a bummer. THAT BEING SAID— let’s keep the talk positive! We can respect and agree to disagree here. Our ability to keep on scrolling down is something I need to focus on doing more in my own life.

I’m hoping for some great content with this special. I also fear it’s going to be like, “Did y’all know Daniel Dae Kim had a small part?”

Fingers crossed!!

We don't need any fighting. Let's keep it civilized please. This is a thread to celebrate the 35th Anniversary Special.

Per the UM mailing list:

This program will screen in select Alamo Drafthouse Theaters across the country on October 4th. It will then be available on Pluto TV on October 5th, and widely on other platforms at a later date.

https://unsolved.com/behind-the-legacy/

FilmRise Screenings
https://screenings.filmrise.com/unsolved-mysteries-behind-the-legacy

I didn’t see the second page of comments, lol!

I think it's pretty awesome we're still getting Unsolved Mysteries content in 2023, all things considered. Times change.

I for one look forward to watching this special, even if it's geared towards less, uh fanatical admirers of UM. ;)

I’ve always found it quite sad that people would rather rehash the old stuff instead of embracing new content. That’s why we are where we are: the young ones liked the podcast/Netflix and the old ones hated both, so us young ones lose out again. Oh well. Maybe in a hundred years society won’t be like this. By then, old people will be trained to accept change.
"by then old people will be trained to accept change..."

Boy, if that isn't the most Marxist, tyrannical claptrap I've ever heard, I don't know what is. And I'm a youthful 28. It's insulting that by definition I am considered to be a millennial.

What is being said here is this - finished productions by today's standards are far inferior in quality (in all forms) to the stuff from yesteryear. This goes for anything in the entertainment sphere. That isn't a generational perspective, that's just reality.

Again, I am a youthful 28 and have spent my entire life watching the classics and original versions of different series; and trying to make myself watch and try to be accepting the new stuff. I just can't do it. I can't see the comparison, because there isn't one. Once something is done to perfection in all it's glory, it can't be replicated.

What is obviously happening in the last several years it seems is "Hollywood" has run out of fresh ideas. Everything that would be interesting or a hit, has been done in one form or another over the last 80 years of television. So they are being forced to revive old material and old ideas to promote to new audiences (which in principle I think is great). But the way they modernize it, butcher it, exploit it, almost make a mockery out of it in some cases, dilutes the original "cool factor" of the entire thing they are trying to sell. It is disgusting to folks like myself and so many others (boomers, or whatever mocking phrase you want to call them) who were there to watch the originals and came to appreciate and respect them in their original form. We're all here because we love UM and RS. I just hate that the latest trend is to hate on "boomers" and older folks because "we need to be trained to accept change". That is such an entitled, spoiled, arrogant, out of touch statement to make. They are our elders and we would be wise to listen to their advice and years of wisdom in all facets of life, not discredit them, because we have to "accept change".

Sorry for getting off into the weeds to a degree, but I feel my reply is warranted.

Your reply was absolutely warranted. Your eloquence is appreciated.
As for the special, the closest showing is 350~ miles away so YouTube it will be for me.

What is obviously happening in the last several years it seems is "Hollywood" has run out of fresh ideas. Everything that would be interesting or a hit, has been done in one form or another over the last 80 years of television. So they are being forced to revive old material and old ideas to promote to new audiences (which in principle I think is great). But the way they modernize it, butcher it, exploit it, almost make a mockery out of it in some cases, dilutes the original "cool factor" of the entire thing they are trying to sell. It is disgusting to folks like myself and so many others (boomers, or whatever mocking phrase you want to call them) who were there to watch the originals and came to appreciate and respect them in their original form. We're all here because we love UM and RS. I just hate that the latest trend is to hate on "boomers" and older folks because "we need to be trained to accept change". That is such an entitled, spoiled, arrogant, out of touch statement to make. They are our elders and we would be wise to listen to their advice and years of wisdom in all facets of life, not discredit them, because we have to "accept change".

I agree with most of this. I do think there are people out there with original ideas, but studious go with what is safe and will make them the most money.

Your reply was absolutely warranted. Your eloquence is appreciated.
As for the special, the closest showing is 350~ miles away so YouTube it will be for me.

Yeah it's funny the OP is so against people having criticism of the latest iterations of the show, that's simply not allowed in their thread, and then they crap on the opinions of older people (or as you say, 28 year old) for not liking the newer versions. As always, it's the hypocrisy and irony.

This program will screen in select Alamo Drafthouse Theaters across the country on October 4th. It will then be available on Pluto TV on October 5th, and widely on other platforms at a later date.

]

...What is obviously happening in the last several years it seems is "Hollywood" has run out of fresh ideas. Everything that would be interesting or a hit, has been done in one form or another over the last 80 years of television. So they are being forced to revive old material and old ideas to promote to new audiences (which in principle I think is great). But the way they modernize it, butcher it, exploit it, almost make a mockery out of it in some cases, dilutes the original "cool factor" of the entire thing they are trying to sell. It is disgusting to folks like myself and so many others (boomers, or whatever mocking phrase you want to call them) who were there to watch the originals and came to appreciate and respect them in their original form. We're all here because we love UM and RS. I just hate that the latest trend is to hate on "boomers" and older folks because "we need to be trained to accept change". That is such an entitled, spoiled, arrogant, out of touch statement to make. They are our elders and we would be wise to listen to their advice and years of wisdom in all facets of life, not discredit them, because we have to "accept change"...

Well said!👏
May I add that unfortunately nowadays one reason why Hollywood seems to be suffering a dearth of fresh and original ideas in my opinion is the fear of offense. So many with otherwise great ideas are probably forced to ask themselves if it's worth to take the risk unlike yesteryear when there was more creative freedom to think and do as one pleased without having to pander to every cult and creed in society and the threat of being cast out into the abyss with the forever canceled. Then again like you so aptly put it: "Once something is done to perfection in all its glory, it can't be replicated."

Having said that I'm definitely looking forward to the doco!🍿

Only a few more days!

I am happy with any new UM content. It could have ended up the way Sightings did. Or, “The Extraordinary.” Or… some other old paranormal/true crime show that ended and disappeared into history.

"Unsolved Mysteries" Special Looks Back on Matthew McConaughey as Shirtless Murder Victim
by Lauren Huff
October 2, 2023


Matthew McConaughey was not so alright, alright, alright in one of his earliest acting roles.

The new documentary Unsolved Mysteries: Behind the Legacy, will give viewers a fascinating glimpse into the making of the true crime series in honor of its 35th anniversary. The creatives behind the show will take a look back at some of the famous faces who had early career starts on the series — in particular McConaughey as a shirtless murder victim.




In his first onscreen credit, the Texas native played a man named Larry Dickens in the "Texas Most Wanted" episode in season 5 of "Unsolved Mysteries". The docu. notes that because it was summer in Texas and the weather was hot, the director of the episode told McConaughey he could take his shirt off, even if the scene didn't necessarily call for it.

Scenes from the episode then show a shirtless McConaughey sweatily mowing the lawn before meeting his unfortunate demise in his garage, with his acting getting, well, savagely reviewed. "Matthew McConaughey had to do a fairly robust death scene," a producer says. "He was working in his garage and he was shot by a man who pulled up with a shotgun. Let's just say... his acting has come a long way since then."

https://ew.com/tv/unsolved-mysteries-anniversary-special-matthew-mcconaughey-as-shirtless-murder-victim/

A few thoughts after watching, I guess you should skip for now if you don't want "spoilers" so to speak.

I love UM so this was very interesting, but on the whole it I want to say it was rather thin. After reading the press release announcing it's production, I wasn't sure why this would be worth screening in a theater. That said, it is UM content and I think everyone here will enjoy it.

Seeing John Cosgrove and TD Meurer on camera for I think the first time was enjoyable. Nice to put a face to their names.

They mentioned the Missing Have You Seen specials and I was hoping for some footage of that, because it's like the white whale of UM fans -- but they didn't' get too deep.

The outtakes and behind the scenes bits were probably my favorite parts. The troublesome dog and the call center and church explosion stood out. I also loved the story about the actor playing Dave Davis not being able to handle the horse and the shots of him clearly holding on for dear life. That's something I'll never forget when watching the segment.

I had always wondered about the titles they used for the segments on the Pluto/Amazon/etc episodes they are currently running and after seeing some of their company memos in the doc -- it definitely looks like titles like Thumbs and Doggie Bowser were their names for the segments when producing them. That's kind of funny.

What does everyone else think?

A few thoughts after watching, I guess you should skip for now if you don't want "spoilers" so to speak.

I love UM so this was very interesting, but on the whole it I want to say it was rather thin. After reading the press release announcing it's production, I wasn't sure why this would be worth screening in a theater. That said, it is UM content and I think everyone here will enjoy it.

Seeing John Cosgrove and TD Meurer on camera for I think the first time was enjoyable. Nice to put a face to their names.

They mentioned the Missing Have You Seen specials and I was hoping for some footage of that, because it's like the white whale of UM fans -- but they didn't' get too deep.

The outtakes and behind the scenes bits were probably my favorite parts. The troublesome dog and the call center and church explosion stood out. I also loved the story about the actor playing Dave Davis not being able to handle the horse and the shots of him clearly holding on for dear life. That's something I'll never forget when watching the segment.

I had always wondered about the titles they used for the segments on the Pluto/Amazon/etc episodes they are currently running and after seeing some of their company memos in the doc -- it definitely looks like titles like Thumbs and Doggie Bowser were their names for the segments when producing them. That's kind of funny.

What does everyone else think?


I agree on this seeming a bit thin/watered down. The music was a key piece of the whole UM experience, but it definitely got short shrift compared to everyone's favorite segments they directed (which honestly could've been pared down a bit). They could've done a bit more there, esp. about some of the incidental pieces (which amped up the emotional resonance of some segments a good deal).

I liked the Behind the Scenes stuff too with Stack - nice to see him breaking character & cracking smiles on set while in his spooky trenchcoat and such.

They could've rounded this out a bit more - maybe snagged a random reenactor for a retrospective, people whose cases got solved (Lost Loves maybe), LEOs whose cases got a boost from UM.

Overall though, it's still nice for what it is and definitely worth a watch.

There were definitely a few highlights. Some new stories I'd never heard before about how they produced and cast the segments (some of them were quite funny), and the few moments of seeing Stack's humor between takes.

Getting to watch 3 full segments on a movie theater screen will almost undoubtably be a once in a lifetime experience.

This is the Instagram account that was mentioned in the special :D https://www.instagram.com/wigsofunsolved/

This is the Instagram account that was mentioned in the special :D https://www.instagram.com/wigsofunsolved/

omg I forgot about that -- another great moment.

Anyone else having trouble playing it? I have a (free) pre-existing Pluto account and am trying to watch it on my PC. I can log in fine but it will not play. Maybe we're all crashing it unintentionally.

Anyone else having trouble playing it? I have a (free) pre-existing Pluto account and am trying to watch it on my PC. I can log in fine but it will not play. Maybe we're all crashing it unintentionally.

I don't have an account but I had to wait a good minute for it to start loading on Pluto. It finally did after a minute of lagging. If you have an adblocker, I'd recommend turning it off and refreshing.

I’m looking forward to see it. I’m stoked because I just saw they wrapped filming on series 4 for Netflix coming next year. Love it or hate it, it looks as if it isn’t going anywhere on Netflix.

This is kind of meh.

If anybody has a download suggestion too, I won't ignore it.

It is spending far too much time on explaining special effects IMO and that's probably the least interesting thing about the show and its legacy.

Yeah, that was fun. ��

So with it now finished I too agree with the "thin" comments. The favorite segments to direct, how we did the effects stuff took up way too much.

Music didn't get enough time, only focusing on the theme. An interview with the composers about finding that vibe and that of the BG music would have been nice.

I'd have loved to have gone deeper into things like running a call center, bringing in Keely Shay Smith and Virginia Madsen and the impact on Bob, being cancelled and changing networks, the impact of the Satanic Panic on the theories of the time, stories that eventually turned out to be hoaxes, what went into making the Final Appeals and what would make them touch a story and avoid a story, what producers theories on key cases were, etc.

Doing the legacy segment at the end and just showing Big Bang clips, when they could have mentioned Jeepers Creepers being inspired from the Depue case that they mentioned earlier in the special. Many missed opportunities IMO.

So with it now finished I too agree with the "thin" comments. The favorite segments to direct, how we did the effects stuff took up way too much.




Totally agreed. There were a few cool tidbits and it was nice to see some behind the scenes with Robert Stack but a lot of time was wasted by showing clips of segments any UM fan has seen a million times, going through any additional information way too fast rather than letting us hear more about it, and not bringing that much to the table.

For example, I loved hearing the details about the Anastasia segment. Russia had just opened up for travel post-Cold War, most people didn't speak English and they needed translators, they got to actual go into the room with the remains of the royal family that had already been found, etc. I could have enjoyed a whole ten minutes listening to the intricacies of that particular production. But nope, gotta jump ahead to how the Cindy James/Angela Hammond cases were creepy without telling us anything new about those segments.

But I have always heard the story about the actor getting arrested and wanted to know which segment it was, so I had fun learning it was apparently the Wallace Thrasher one and that they had to make cards for their actors as proof that they were not the fugitives they portrayed.

But I have always heard the story about the actor getting arrested and wanted to know which segment it was, so I had fun learning it was apparently the Wallace Thrasher one and that they had to make cards for their actors as proof that they were not the fugitives they portrayed.

We had a similar problem over here with the BBC show Crimewatch, which UM appeared to be heavily influenced by in it's creepy/athmospheric style-one of the actors who did a murder reconstruction in 1994 playing the killer ended up being accused of it 21 years later, when the show made a re-appeal using the original footage-the police even took a DNA swab to test him. He also got harassed in 1994 when it first went out.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/confused-viewers-accuse-crimewatch-actor-of-murder-he-helped-to-reconstruct-21-years-ago-10496322.html

Have any Canadian viewers been able to find it? It’s not on our PlutoTV nor is it on any of Filmrise’s YouTube channels.

It would have been neat if they really dove into this and made it longer-- adding interviews with people from the show. Jenny Pratt, Don Devereux, Johnny Lee Wilson, police officials, reunited lost loves, etc etc etc...

Watched last night and enjoyed it. Thought it was well done. I agree it would’ve been even better to have interviewed some of the people from the past cases.

I enjoyed the special, especially in the way that they went into detail in how they would cast the actors. they could have elaborated more on RS and the show's music, but they kind of hit a little bit of everything. UM did a good job of traveling and bringing the set into our living room. I thought they did a good job of reviewing that aspect, which is why I always loved the show in the first place. over time that did not age well considering how expensive it must of been to produce the show vs. not getting the ratings that it needed to survive.

Watched it last night and thought a lot of the same that's been mentioned here. Felt like it could have been longer and more in depth in certain places. Like, explanation of how the music was created if the composer is still alive.

At first I thought they spent too much time on "Rain Boy," but really, they were talking about how difficult and laborious the filming of it was.

They could have gone more into why they chose Raymond Burr and then Karl and then Robert Stack. Those are things we know, but... it's like everything that you THINK they would have tried to go into depth and flesh out, they didn't. I'll probably watch it again anyway, but right now it's making me want to go find more obscure segments of UM to watch.

After watching that, if I asked myself, "What is UM's legacy?" I'm not sure I could use that special to answer that. :(

Some of the behind the scenes footage is good, stories about that. And seeing Robert Stack getting ready for a scene.

Mostly uninteresting rehash of things we know/have seen as others have said. Works great for a casual watcher but otherwise...meh.

Yes would love to know why they passed over Karl.

Yes would love to know why they passed over Karl.

The story of finding the host and Raymond and Karl not working out and why was absolutely something I'd have loved to have seen.

When talking about the legacy I thought it was interesting how they glossed over the Dennis Farina era. I know it must have some fans, it's still on streaming services after all.

The story of finding the host and Raymond and Karl not working out and why was absolutely something I'd have loved to have seen.

When talking about the legacy I thought it was interesting how they glossed over the Dennis Farina era. I know it must have some fans, it's still on streaming services after all.

Wasn't it mostly about money? Stack came considerably cheaper than them.

Wasn't it mostly about money? Stack came considerably cheaper than them.

Insofar as I've read, yes.

I really liked Burr and Malden in their roles as host. There's no topping RS by any means, but I continue to be amazed at how much I don't mind the other two in this capacity. Maybe it's because they predate RS that it doesn't bother me, but some of it has to do with the fact that they're both so good at the job in their own right. Malden's genuine friendliness somehow works, and both other hosts had pleasant narration voices.

Pretty underwhelming I would say.

I thought it was much better than the special they did on Forensic Files. That one was boring.

I thought it was much better than the special they did on Forensic Files. That one was boring.

So is Forensic Files.

So is Forensic Files.

Jeez, I like Forensic Files and I thought the doc they did for it was 10x better than the UM one.

Jeez, I like Forensic Files and I thought the doc they did for it was 10x better than the UM one.

Agreed

While I was watching the documentary it reminded me so much of a Vince McMahon, WWF produced video. It was designed to put John & Terry over, in the best possible light. They just straight up neglected things about the series that fans don't like (the Farina years, the later RS seasons, etc.). It's like that stuff never existed.

I did appreciate hearing some of the stories, and didn't expect it to be geared to us uber-fans anyway. But overall it came across mostly as self-promotion. The real documentary, the one all of us want, would probably never be made. John & Terry wouldn't do it and they would try to stop anyone from using any material from the show to do so.

edited to add: by focusing exclusively on the early seasons of the show, John & Terry indirectly admitted that everything afterwards was not up to those high standards.

While I was watching the documentary it reminded me so much of a Vince McMahon, WWF produced video. It was designed to put John & Terry over, in the best possible light. They just straight up neglected things about the series that fans don't like (the Farina years, the later RS seasons, etc.). It's like that stuff never existed.

I did appreciate hearing some of the stories, and didn't expect it to be geared to us uber-fans anyway. But overall it came across mostly as self-promotion. The real documentary, the one all of us want, would probably never be made. John & Terry wouldn't do it and they would try to stop anyone from using any material from the show to do so.

edited to add: by focusing exclusively on the early seasons of the show, John & Terry indirectly admitted that everything afterwards was not up to those high standards.
except WWE is more fake than a dan tondevold check. I did notice that some of the directors/producers oversold some of the off camera paranormal experiences. I thought that was a little sus...

I enjoyed watching the special. I didn't feel like I was watching anything new. It felt like everything that I watched was kind of stuff that we already knew. there were a few things that I did not know about some of the actors and how they shot some scenes, but nothing remarkable.

I still haven’t been able to see the special. Does FilmRise plan to upload it to their YouTube channels?

I still haven’t been able to see the special. Does FilmRise plan to upload it to their YouTube channels?

https://pluto.tv/en/on-demand/series/6512075391ee7c001a02986b/details/season/1

Just watch it here

https://pluto.tv/en/on-demand/series/6512075391ee7c001a02986b/details/season/1

Just watch it here

Doesn't work for Canadians.

So is Forensic Files.

I find Forensic Files works well as a radio show. If you have SiriusXM, the Headline News tv channel has an audio feed on XM (HLN) and most of the weekday afternoon programming is FF reruns.

Doesn't work for Canadians.

https://cms.kerrang.com/images/KERRANG_MURICA_2400x1350.jpg

Unsolved Mysteries: Behind the Legacy is now streaming widely! You can watch the 35th anniversary special on platforms such as:

Roku
LG
Freevee
Tubi
YouTube

Check their website for a full list of providers.

https://unsolved.com/behind-the-legacy/

pmIMUOPuGuQ

If it hasn't already been said for anyone curious to know the difference between the theatrical and streaming versions I've been told on good authority that the former included three full segments appended to the end of the 60 minute documentary, that is, the Angela Hammond; Stockton Arsonist; and Don Decker cases. This is the reason why the runtime for the theatrical version was 30 minutes longer than the streaming version.

Just watched it on YouTube here in Japan.

I enjoyed it. “Behind the Legacy” is an apt subtitle as it really is a behind the scenes look at the people who made the show.

Could have it been more fleshed out, perhaps into a multiple-part mini-series? Yes, I think so, but it’s FilmRise, and I don’t expect they have the financial resources of many other companies.

Also, it was this was the sort of show you’d get in the 1980s - maybe even now - a surface level overview that could be packed into a 90-minute slot on TV, including ad breaks.

BTW, I’m not a regular poster here, but I have been visiting for ages. I tend to read the site late at night to see all the old familiar posters make their appearances. It’s like getting together with old friends, with me being the friend who sits in the corner and doesn’t say much.

And now that I’ve typed that, it sounds creepy! ;)

Big regret that I watched this. Completely pointless. 55 minutes of my life I'll never get back.

Unsolved Mysteries: Behind the Legacy is now streaming widely! You can watch the 35th anniversary special on platforms such as:

Roku
LG
Freevee
Tubi
YouTube

Check their website for a full list of providers.

https://unsolved.com/behind-the-legacy/

pmIMUOPuGuQ

Thank you for the update! I will watch later.

So I actually stumbled upon this special I was channel surfing on Prime/Freevee and it came on the Unsolved Mysteries channel. I was able to watch the entire thing.

I'm not sure what you all were expecting from Unsolved Mysteries executive producers I know I kept my expectations low and was pleasantly surprised I enjoyed it.

I enjoyed the special a lot and I was thinking finally an Unsolved Mysteries homage that works. This should be a mini-series giving us behind the scenes information on different segments and episodes. Throw in a few people who were interviewed and what they are up to now and it would be a decent show.

I would love to see more outtakes of Bob Stack. That was very endearing to watch him with the puppy--loved it.

I do agree they should have explained more how Bob got the job over the others and more about the early specials. I wanted them to discuss how UM changed over the years and how at their peak they were must see TV.

I grew up with this show I remember watching re-runs with my grandparents when I was a kid being terrified but still wanting to watch. Such great memories.

So I actually stumbled upon this special I was channel surfing on Prime/Freevee and it came on the Unsolved Mysteries channel. I was able to watch the entire thing.

I'm not sure what you all were expecting from Unsolved Mysteries executive producers I know I kept my expectations low and was pleasantly surprised I enjoyed it.

I enjoyed the special a lot and I was thinking finally an Unsolved Mysteries homage that works. This should be a mini-series giving us behind the scenes information on different segments and episodes. Throw in a few people who were interviewed and what they are up to now and it would be a decent show.

I would love to see more outtakes of Bob Stack. That was very endearing to watch him with the puppy--loved it.

I do agree they should have explained more how Bob got the job over the others and more about the early specials. I wanted them to discuss how UM changed over the years and how at their peak they were must see TV.

I grew up with this show I remember watching re-runs with my grandparents when I was a kid being terrified but still wanting to watch. Such great memories.

An observation on the Coral Polge section:

One of the producers (the blond woman) said that after they filmed the segment, she asked Coral to do a portrait for her. She didn't recognize the person and Coral got frustrated and offered to do another one for her, which was not recognized either.

Then the producer took them home and showed her mother who said that they were portraits of her grandparents. The producer said those 2 portraits were included in the segment.

Both of the portraits were in the segment, I believe. But one of them appeared to be the portrait of Minnie Rose, the woman with the "country complexion" who got her water from a rain barrel. She was the grandmother of Peter, the British journalist.

So, was Coral just a cold reader, who often drew photos of women who looked exactly like Minnie rose? Or was it a flub in the editing on this special?

Very curious to know if anyone else noticed/what your thoughts are.

I wish they'd dug deeper into the times when Unsolved Mysteries found themselves involved in the cases they were profiling, and what that was like. Getting mail from the Circleville Letter Writer for example, or possibly being the reason Doug Johnston died, etc.

The Lost Loves changed a lot of lives, it would have been nice to hear from some of the people affected. Like Delia Fazzani who had apparently been writing them christmas cards every year. Or people whose true crime cases were profiled on the show that had their victimizers caught directly because of the broadcasts.

That's more their "legacy" than "here's 20 minutes on how we filmed the rain man segment"

Fun, breezy watch-but getting serious bs vibes from the crew talking about how supernatural stuff was happening to them, like with the Rainboy segment where every room they hired had water in the room.

The generic sketches from a proven phony UK psychic that didn't especially resemble the producers grandparents, yet she was pretending they did. Also not really buying the exploding church segment blasted out people's windows for six blocks.

I am sure I have seen the blond one, with the unfortunate level of Botox in her face on some crime/supernatural documentaries in recent years.

Mostly uninteresting rehash of things we know/have seen as others have said. Works great for a casual watcher but otherwise...meh.

Only thing I was surprised by was that they used random people as a clippings service-always assumed cases were just found by their researchers looking at newspapers archives & watching local news shows.

Unsolved Mysteries: Behind The Legacy Executive Producer On The Show's 35th Anniversary (https://screenrant.com/unsolved-mysteries-behind-the-legacy-executive-producer-terry-dunn-meurer-interview/)

Screen Rant interviews executive producer Terry Dunn Meurer about Unsolved Mysteries (https://screenrant.com/tag/unsolved-mysteries/)' longevity and how fans have helped law enforcement close cases.

Did anyone watch this? And if so, what did you think of it?

I quite enjoyed it and wished it was a few hours longer. I could listen to the stories from the crew all day.

I like that they touched on the Wacker case and Angela Hammond, but I wish they would have mentioned receiving the “El Sickos” note from the Circleville Letter Writer.

The anecdote where the unknowing citizen jumped out of his car and tried to fight the actor Sasquatch was pretty hilarious. 😂

There's already a thread on this.

Here you go, enjoy!

https://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=434599

Did anyone watch this? And if so, what did you think of it?

I quite enjoyed it and wished it was a few hours longer. I could listen to the stories from the crew all day.

I like that they touched on the Wacker case and Angela Hammond, but I wish they would have mentioned receiving the “El Sickos” note from the Circleville Letter Writer.

The anecdote where the unknowing citizen jumped out of his car and tried to fight the actor Sasquatch was pretty hilarious. 😂


I watched and.....it was ok. It was enjoyable, but like you I wish more had been touched on. I think they could have extended it and added more segments and info. And the segment about Robert Stack himself could have been so much better. He deserved more than just 60 seconds of him trying to hold a puppy.

At the end of the day, it was just another job to get done.

I enjoyed hearing those involved sharing their experiences. I'm glad that there is some sort of documentation of producing a fantastic show, UM.

However, about half way through, I got the impression that UM, like any other TV show, was just a job that needed to be done by a certain deadline. Like others, I was hoping for more tidbits rather that restating the obvious. I think many details of making the show were either too mundane or they really aren't remembered.

I give the legacy show a B.

You're generous. D- for me.