Manifest has travelled down an up and down path over the last several months. When the show was cancelled after three seasons by NBC this past summer, fans were devastated, especially considering it ended with a wild finale. The cast and crew sought to keep hope alive, though, and things seemed to be looking good when revival talks began to ramp up with Netflix. While those talks eventually broke down, it was reported that Warner Bros. TV and the streamer were headed back to the negotiating table. Now, it appears those talks were successful, as Netflix is bringing the show back for a fourth and final season. And on top of the actual renewal, there’s even more good news.
Netflix officially announced Manifest’s renewal today August 28th (8/28) at 8:28 PST, which, of course, plays on the show’s doomed 828 flight. While the news of the streamer reviving the show is exciting enough, THR has also confirmed that Season 4 will include a lengthy season of 20 episodes. This marks the longest season the show has ever had, as previous ones included 13 or 16 episodes each. However, the trade does note that there’s a chance the episodes will be split up, which is common for Netflix series.
Over the last few months, Manifest has dominated on Netflix and even recently re-entered the service’s Top 10 trending list. Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s head of global television, mentioned the series’ staying power while commenting on the renewal:
Since its premiere on Netflix in June, Manifest has proven very popular with our members. Jeff Rake and his team have crafted a beguiling mystery that has viewers around the world on the edge of their seats and believing again in second chances, and we’re thrilled that they will bring fans some closure with this final super-sized season.
Manifest centers on the passengers of Montego Air Flight 828, who were travelling from Jamaica to New York City. The riders end up experiencing a bit of turbulence, though make it through the flight in one piece. However, when they land, they’re shocked to learn that five years have mysteriously passed and that they were all declared dead.
Jeff Rake -- the creator, showrunner and executive producer of Manifest -- also shared some thoughts on the renewal. In his statement, the producer expressed deep gratitude, thanking Netflix, Warner Bros. TV and the fans:
What started years ago as a flight of fancy deep in my imagination has evolved into the jet engine journey of a lifetime. Never in my wildest dreams could I have envisioned the worldwide outpouring of love and support for this story, its characters, and the team who work so hard to bring it all to life. That we will be able to reward the fans with the ending they deserve moves me to no end. On behalf of the cast, the crew, the writers, directors, and producers, thank you to Netflix, to Warner Bros., and of course to the fans. You did this.
One really does have to mention the fans when discussing Manifest’s newly awarded fourth season. The movement to save the show was strong and ultimately proved to be successful. From here, it’ll be interesting to see what Jeff Rake and co. have planned for the final stretch of episodes.
