Manifest: Creator Jeff Rake wants to give fans closure despite cancellation

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Fans of Manifest are still reeling from NBC's decision to cancel the missing plan drama after three seasons and their feelings were toyed with once again when Netflix appeared likely to revive the series only to have those hopes dashed last week. Netflix opting to not pick up the series meant that fans of the show were left with numerous unanswered questions about Flight 928 but creator Jeff Rake is determined to provide some closure for his "Manifesters" despite the cancellation.

Rake took to Twitter over the weekend and said, "Manifesters! Your support is awe-inspiring. we're trying to find a way to conclude the series. Could take a week, a month, a year. But we're not giving up. You deserve an en end to the story. Keep the conversation alive. If it works out, it's because of YOU." You can check out Rake's Twitter post below!

NBC's decision to cancel Manifest is still baffling. The series had a strong showing on Netflix, where it had been in the No.1 slot before its cancellation. This made Netflix seem like the likely new home for the show, much like what happened with Lucifer once Fox canceled that fan-favorite series, giving it three more seasons in the process. Salt was added to the wound when Netflix passed on saving Manifest and, to be perfectly honest with you, fans are still waiting to hear an explanation as to why Netflix turned their back on the show. All we know is that there were long talks but the decision was made to not bring the series to the platform. Manifest had a six-season plan and seemed perfect for streaming. This has to make all of this all the more frustrating for the fans and creator Jeff Rake.

Manifest was one of four shows that were on the bubble at NBC. Debris, Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, and Good Girls were also in this group and they were also canceled. The latter two of the bunch, Playlist and Good Girls, also had a strong digital presence despite soft linear ratings and seemed likely to head to streaming but, once again, this did not come to fruition. All of the cancellations have sparked various campaigns to save them, but it's looking like the end of the road for all of them, despite the fans' best efforts. 

Manifest focuses on Montego Air Flight 828, which landed safely after a turbulent but routine flight. The crew and passengers are relieved to be safe but in the span of those few hours, the world had aged five years and their friends, families, and colleagues, after mourning their loss, had given up hope and moved on. Now, faced with the impossible, they're all given a second chance. But as their new realities become clear, a deeper mystery unfolds, and some of the returned passengers soon realize they might be meant for something greater than they ever thought possible. The series stars Josh Dallas, Jack Messina, Athena Karkanis, Melissa Roxburgh, JR Ramirez, Luna Blaise, Parveen Kaur, and Matt Long.

How do YOU think creator Jeff Rake will provide closure for fans of Manifest?