Unsolved Mysteries was the true crime television series that documented cold cases and unexplainable paranormal activities. In its prime, the show, hosted by Robert Stack from 1987 to 1992, focused on criminal cases, UFOs, accounts of miracles, missing persons, and other inexplicable phenomena.

Now it is headed for a reboot from Netflix and Stranger Things producer Shawn Levy. Reports say that the reboot will focus on those themes and elements of what made the original famous. However, it will be interesting to see how well the show it will hold up with a new generation without Stack, who passed away in 2003. More on the report below.

Deadline says 12-part show will use re-enactments in a documentary format to profile real-life mysteries and unsolved crimes, lost love, cases involving missing persons and unexplained paranormal events. Each episode will focus on one mystery. Based on my recollection, the original was compiled of a number of unsolved mysteries. Additionally, the original series had actors who played the victims, criminals, and witnesses, but family members and police were regularly interviewed. The original did feature up-and-coming actors in a variety of roles. Those actors included Matthew McConaughey, Daniel Dae Kim, and Taran Killam.

Again, a reboot could work. There is a market for those who are fascinated by paranormal activities and other cold cases. Some cold cases of which became the inspiration for other Netflix shows. And it seems to make sense that Netflix would be bringing Levy in, considering his connection to Stranger Things, a show that has sci-fi roots.

But those who are overly familiar with Unsolved Mysteries are probably attached to Stack being the host of the show. Stack had a smooth yet eerie voice. He also had a strong presence and stoic look that brought a serious tone to the show that was known to have some absurd material. So it should be interesting to see if anyone can replicate that again in the reboot.

This isn’t the first time the show has been rebooted. It has been attempted twice before this. The first was with Virginia Madsen, and the second was with Dennis Farina. However, those revivals were short-lived, and many criticized them for not introducing new cases and recycling episodes from Stack’s time as host.

So it isn’t a matter of finding the cases. Because there are plenty. It’s a matter of finding the host.

[Source: Deadline]