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Manifest

Manifest

Make the final connection.

2018–2023Ended4 seasons62 episodes~43 min/epTV-14Midcredits score: 57th percentile of all shows

After landing from a turbulent but routine flight, the crew and passengers of Montego Air Flight 828 discover five years have passed in what seemed like a few hours. As their new realities become clear, a deeper mystery unfolds and some of the returned passengers soon realize they may be meant for something greater than they ever thought possible.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Manifest?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Manifest streaming on Netflix and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about Manifest?

Manifest earns 3 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Bittersweet.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Manifest worth watching?

Manifest's Midcredits score is the 57th percentile of all shows, from 109K ratings across 2 sources. 73% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

57th percentile

Better received than 57% of shows

54th percentile among Drama55th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)59th
Approval (how many liked it)55th

Acclaim

Crowd Pleaser: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

72 /100

59th percentile of all shows

58th percentile among Drama57th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.4 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

73% liked it

55th percentile of all shows

50th percentile among Drama54th percentile among 2010s
73% rated it 7–1027% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

98th percentile

108K ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Drama98th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 3% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the show starts with a strong, intriguing premise and memorable Lost-like mystery, but loses its way over time.

Fans praised

  • compelling high-concept premise of a missing plane returning after 5 years
  • satisfying finale that wraps up the larger mythology
  • emotional core of passengers adjusting to a world that moved on

Detractors panned

  • wooden, over-the-top acting from leads
  • plot becomes formulaic, illogical, and loses coherence
  • writers had no clear endgame, leading to meandering storytelling

What stands out

EndingDivisive65

finale satisfyingly ties up mythology, though some find it anticlimactic

Emotional impactDivisive60

emotional core of characters adjusting to lost time resonates with fans

OriginalityDivisive55

premise feels derivative of Lost but with unique mythology

CharactersDivisive45

some compelling passenger arcs, but many feel one-dimensional

TensionDivisive45

some gripping cliffhangers but often undermined by plot holes

Plot and storyDivisive40

high-concept premise devolves into illogical, meandering storytelling

Acting35

wooden and over-the-top performances, especially from Josh Dallas

Pacing30

slow burn becomes boring and repetitive by season 3

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 11 points higher than men.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 9 points apart
  • Critics vs users 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Episodes

4 seasons

Season 4 · 2022 · 20 episodes · 6.8 average across 20 rated episodes

  • S4E1

    Touch-and-Go

    Nov 4, 202249 minTMDB rating 7.2
  • S4E2

    All-Call

    Nov 4, 202250 minTMDB rating 6.9
  • S4E3

    High Flight

    Nov 4, 202243 minTMDB rating 6.8
  • S4E4

    Go-Around

    Nov 4, 202246 minTMDB rating 6.7
  • S4E5

    Squawk

    Nov 4, 202247 minTMDB rating 7.3
  • S4E6

    Relative Bearing

    Nov 4, 202248 minTMDB rating 7.0

Watch experience

What is Manifest like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, serious and intense — a relentless watch that leaves you bittersweet.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
TenseMelancholicHopeful
Heaviest: middle
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Melodramatic · 9% of shows: Heightened emotion, played large.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Case of the week plus an arcOne continuous story
ToneThe show plays its supernatural mystery and emotional consequences straight, with earnest character drama.
The rideThe series oscillates between suspenseful mysteries and emotionally heavy family drama, with the middle seasons intensifying the supernatural threats and personal struggles.
StructureMost episodes follow a conventional beginning-middle-end arc as the characters respond to callings and advance the central mystery.
Episode formatEach episode features a distinct 'calling' or mystery-of-the-week element while advancing the overarching serialized plot of Flight 828 and the passengers' fates.
Season formatEach season continues the same central story arc, building on previous mysteries and character developments without resetting.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
BittersweetWistful · 6% of shows
Why it leaves you this wayThe series ends with emotional closure and a lingering sense of what might have been, leaving a complex, reflective feeling.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MysteryEnigma
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8% (this title): Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1% (this title)
  • No archetype 40%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Enigma: The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).

8% of shows fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeTypical episodes follow the passengers investigating a 'calling', a new puzzle each week as they seek to understand the supernatural mystery of Flight 828.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31% (this title): Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% (this title) · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27%: Identity 20% (this title) · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsPurposeIdentity
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe show explores how the passengers' return fractures and redefines family ties, while their search for meaning in the callings drives a quest for purpose and self-understanding.
StanceThe series interrogates the themes of fate versus free will and the consequences of second chances, questioning the nature of the callings and the passengers' ultimate purpose.

The world

Contemporary
Orchestral modernAmbientSupportive music · hybrid
SettingPresent-day New York and its suburbs, with flashbacks and time-displaced scenes.

Content guide

Is Manifest okay for kids?

TV-14

Manifest is rated TV-14. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (44/100), sexual content at mild (34/100), language at mild (33/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (27/100) and frightening material at moderate (47/100). Overall it is heavier than 26% of TV-14 shows.

Ratings in 15 other countries
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany16
  • Ireland12
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil12
  • Austria16
  • Czechia15+
  • Hungary16
  • MexicoB
  • Poland16
  • RO12
  • SingaporeNC16
  • Spain12
  • Switzerland16
  • THน 13+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 24% of all showsHeavier than 26% of TV-14 shows
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 39%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 41%
Profanity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 29%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
light for a TV-14 show
heavier than 23%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 49%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 49% of TV-14 shows.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does Manifest have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Manifest?

Cast

Melissa Roxburgh
as Michaela Stone
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Josh Dallas
as Ben Stone
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
J.R. Ramirez
as Jared Vasquez
Luna Blaise
as Olive Stone
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Parveen Kaur
as Saanvi Bahl
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Matt Long
as Zeke Landon
Daryl Edwards
as Robert Vance
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.
Athena Karkanis
as Grace Stone
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jack Messina
as Cal Stone
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Holly Taylor
as Angelina Meyer
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

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What are shows like Manifest?

TMDB's suggestions for shows like Manifest include Travelers (2016), The OA (2016) and Torchwood (2006).

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What other shows share a tag with Manifest?

237 other shows share the rarest tag below, kind of show: conspiracy thriller. Each tag opens Browse with the shows that share it.