The Forgotten (2009)
A gripping ABC crime drama where amateur investigators race to restore identities to unrecognized victims — and justice to the forgotten dead.
The Forgotten - Series Information
- Original Title: The Forgotten
- First Air Year: 2009
- Last Air Year: 2010
- Created by: Mark Friedman
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (42 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 17
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 22, 2009 (United States - TV-14), September 22, 2009 (Brazil - 14)
- Networks: ABC
- Alternative Titles: The Forgotten (2009) (US)
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Forgotten - Plot
A team of dedicated amateurs work on cases involving unidentified victims. After the police have given up, this group must first solve the puzzle of the victim's identity in order to then help catch the killer. They work to give the deceased back their names, lest they become—The Forgotten.
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The Forgotten - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Mark Friedman
Main Cast
- Christian Slater
- Rochelle Aytes
- Bob Stephenson
- Heather Stephens
- Michelle Borth
- Anthony Carrigan
- Sergia Louise Anderson
- Kimberly Estrada
- Elisha Cuthbert
- Jasper Cole
Writers
- David Slack
- Stephen Gallagher
- Debra J. Fisher
Executive Producers
- Jerry Bruckheimer
- Mark Friedman
- Lukas Reiter
- Jonathan Littman
- Danny Cannon
The Forgotten - FAQs
Is The Forgotten based on a true story?
The Forgotten is inspired by real-world volunteer organizations that work to identify unidentified deceased individuals — sometimes called ‘John Does’ and ‘Jane Does.’ While the characters are fictional, the concept of civilian-led identification efforts reflects genuine grassroots advocacy work that takes place across the United States.
Why was The Forgotten cancelled after one season?
ABC cancelled The Forgotten after its sole 17-episode season in 2010, primarily due to disappointing ratings. Despite a strong lead in Christian Slater and the backing of producer Jerry Bruckheimer, the show struggled to build a consistent audience in a competitive primetime landscape and was not renewed.
Where can you stream The Forgotten online?
Streaming availability for The Forgotten varies by region. Check JustWatch for the most current viewing options in your area, including any subscription, rental, or purchase platforms currently carrying the series.
Who plays the lead character in The Forgotten?
Christian Slater leads the cast as Alex Donovan, a man driven by personal loss to join a volunteer group dedicated to identifying unknown victims. Slater brings a quiet intensity to the role, anchoring the ensemble with emotional depth and a compelling sense of purpose throughout the series.
What is The Forgotten TV series about?
The Forgotten follows a group of passionate volunteers who take on cases involving unidentified victims after law enforcement has moved on. Their mission is to restore names — and dignity — to the forgotten dead, piecing together identities that ultimately help bring killers to justice.
How was The Forgotten received by critics?
Critical reception was mixed to modest. Reviewers acknowledged the show's earnest premise and Christian Slater's committed performance, but felt the procedural format leaned too heavily on formula. Some praised its emotional underpinning — giving names back to the nameless — as a genuinely affecting hook for a network crime drama.
Who produced The Forgotten on ABC?
The Forgotten was produced by the prolific Jerry Bruckheimer, alongside executive producers Mark Friedman, Lukas Reiter, Jonathan Littman, and Danny Cannon. Bruckheimer's fingerprints — slick production values and procedural momentum — are evident throughout the series, which aired on ABC during the 2009–2010 television season.
What shows are similar to The Forgotten?
Fans of The Forgotten tend to enjoy other character-driven crime procedurals such as Midsomer Murders, Vera, Marcella, and CSI: NY. For a similar focus on justice and moral stakes, Whitstable Pearl and A Confession also offer compelling investigative drama with strong ensemble casts.
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