The Returned (2015)

A haunting supernatural drama about the dead returning to a small town, forcing the living to confront grief, identity, and the impossible.

The Returned - Series Information

  • Original Title: The Returned
  • First Air Year: 2015
  • Last Air Year: 2015
  • Created by: Carlton Cuse
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
  • Content Rating (US): TV-14
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 43 minutes
  • Number of Seasons: 1
  • Number of Episodes: 10
  • Status: Canceled
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • First Air Date: March 9, 2015 (United States - TV-MA), March 9, 2015 (Canada - 14+), March 9, 2015 (Germany - 12), March 9, 2015 (France - 10), March 9, 2015 (Australia - MA 15+), March 9, 2015 (Brazil - 16), March 9, 2015 (Spain - 7), March 9, 2015 (South Korea - 19)
  • Networks: A&E
  • Alternative Titles: Os Retornados (BR), They Came Back (US)
  • Production Companies: A+E Studios, FremantleMedia North America
  • Production Countries: France, United States of America

The Returned - Plot

A small town that is turned upside down when several local people, who have long been presumed dead, suddenly reappear; their presence creates both positive and negative consequences. As families are reunited, the lives of those who were left behind are challenged both physically and emotionally.

The Returned - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see the unsettling mystery of The Returned unfold:

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The Returned - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Carlton Cuse

Main Cast

  • Kevin Alejandro
  • Mary Elizabeth Winstead
  • Agnes Bruckner
  • India Ennenga
  • Sandrine Holt
  • Sophie Lowe
  • Mark Pellegrino
  • Jeremy Sisto
  • Mat Vairo
  • Tandi Wright

Writers

  • Raelle Tucker
  • Graham Roland
  • Bronwyn Garrity
  • Regina Corrado
  • Gianna Sobol

Executive Producers

  • Caroline Benjo
  • Stephanie Berk
  • Jimmy Desmarais
  • Craig Cegielski
  • Robert DeBitetto

The Returned - FAQs

Is The Returned based on a true story?

The Returned is not based on a true story. It's an American remake of the acclaimed French series Les Revenants (2012), which was itself inspired by the 2004 French film They Came Back. The supernatural premise — dead residents mysteriously returning to life — is entirely fictional.

Is The Returned cancelled or renewed?

The Returned was cancelled after its first and only season. A&E pulled the plug following the 10-episode run in 2015, leaving the story unresolved. The cancellation disappointed fans who had hoped for a deeper exploration of the show's supernatural mysteries.

How does the American version differ from the French original?

Carlton Cuse's American remake relocates the story to the Pacific Northwest and introduces a new cast of characters while retaining the core premise of the dead returning to a small town. The tone is somewhat more plot-driven than the slow-burn atmospheric dread of the French original, Les Revenants.

Where can you watch The Returned online?

The Returned is available to purchase or rent digitally through Amazon Video and Fandango At Home. There is currently no free streaming option available. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date availability in your region.

Who are the main actors in The Returned?

The ensemble cast includes Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Mark Pellegrino, Jeremy Sisto, Kevin Alejandro, Agnes Bruckner, India Ennenga, Sandrine Holt, Sophie Lowe, Mat Vairo, and Tandi Wright. Michelle Forbes and Aaron Douglas also appear in notable supporting roles.

Why was The Returned cancelled after one season?

A&E cancelled The Returned due to disappointing ratings. Despite a strong cast and an intriguing supernatural premise, the show struggled to build a large enough audience to justify renewal. Critics were divided, and the series never found the passionate viewership needed to survive beyond its debut season.

What is The Returned about?

The Returned follows a small town thrown into chaos when long-dead residents inexplicably come back to life, unchanged and unaware of their deaths. Their return forces emotional and physical upheaval on the families and community members who had already grieved and moved on with their lives.

What are shows similar to The Returned?

If The Returned hooked you, try Glitch (2015), an Australian series with a nearly identical premise, or the original French Les Revenants. WandaVision (2021) and Locke & Key (2020) offer similarly eerie supernatural atmospheres, while October Faction (2020) blends family drama with the uncanny.

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