Finding Carter (2014)
An MTV teen drama following a girl who discovers her entire childhood was built on a kidnapping — and must now find herself all over again.
Finding Carter - Series Information
- Original Title: Finding Carter
- First Air Year: 2014
- Last Air Year: 2015
- Created by: Emily Silver
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (42 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 36
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: July 8, 2014 (United States - TV-14)
- Networks: MTV
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: 找寻自我 (CN)
Finding Carter - Plot
A teenager finds out she was abducted as a toddler and returns to her biological family.
Finding Carter - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at Carter's world turned upside down.
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Finding Carter - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Emily Silver
Main Cast
- Kathryn Prescott
- Cynthia Watros
- Alexis Denisof
- Anna Jacoby-Heron
- Zac Pullam
- Alex Saxon
- Jesse Henderson
- Vanessa Morgan
- Milena Govich
- Caleb Ruminer
Writers
- Maria Maggenti
- Heather Thomason
- Emily Whitesell
- Sam Wolfson
- Emily Silver
Finding Carter - FAQs
Is Finding Carter based on a true story?
Finding Carter is not based on a single true story, but the premise draws on real-world cases of child abduction and the complex emotional aftermath of reuniting with biological families. Creator Emily Silver crafted the narrative to explore identity, belonging, and the meaning of family through a fictional teenage lens.
What happens to Carter when she finds her real family?
Carter is thrust into a household of strangers who are technically her family — a detective mother, a novelist father, and two siblings she never knew. She struggles to reconcile her love for Lori, the woman who raised her, with the expectations and rules of the Wilsons, creating constant emotional tension throughout both seasons.
Where can you watch Finding Carter?
Finding Carter is available to buy or rent digitally. You can purchase episodes or seasons on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. There is currently no subscription streaming option, so purchasing is the primary way to watch the series.
Who plays Carter Stevens in Finding Carter?
British actress Kathryn Prescott plays Carter Stevens, the central character. Prescott brings a raw, emotionally grounded performance to the role, capturing Carter's defiance, vulnerability, and search for identity. She is joined by Cynthia Watros and Alexis Denisof as her biological parents, Elizabeth and David Wilson.
Why was Finding Carter cancelled after two seasons?
MTV cancelled Finding Carter in 2015 after two seasons without a formal renewal announcement. While the show built a dedicated fanbase, it did not achieve the ratings needed to continue on the network. The cancellation left several storylines unresolved, which frustrated loyal viewers hoping for a proper conclusion.
How many episodes does Finding Carter have in total?
Finding Carter ran for 36 episodes across two seasons — Season 1 contained 12 episodes and Season 2 expanded to 24 episodes. The series aired on MTV from July 2014 through 2015, with each episode averaging around 42 minutes in runtime.
Is Finding Carter worth watching for fans of teen drama?
For fans of emotionally driven teen dramas, Finding Carter offers a compelling hook rarely explored on MTV. Kathryn Prescott's performance anchors a story about identity and fractured family bonds that goes deeper than typical genre fare. It is uneven at times, but its central premise and character dynamics make it genuinely engaging.
What shows are similar to Finding Carter?
If Finding Carter resonated with you, try Life Unexpected, The Fosters, or One Tree Hill for similarly heartfelt family drama with teen protagonists. United States of Tara and Animal Kingdom offer darker, more complex takes on dysfunctional family dynamics, while Save Me explores themes of identity and belonging from a fresh angle.
More About Finding Carter
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