Lost is undoubtedly one of the most revered TV shows this century, and now, thanks to Netflix, the series is finding not only new life, but a new audience, something that star Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje is extremely grateful for. Premiering back in 2004, Lost took everyone by surprise when it debuted on ABC, compelling audiences with its tale of the passengers of Oceanic Flight 815 trapped on a mysterious island following a plane crash. Cerebral in nature, its existential themes are still discussed to this day in books, essays, and classrooms across the nation.
Speaking with ComicBook during the red carpet premiere for his latest film The Union, Akinnuoye-Agbaje – who portrayed Mr. Eko on Lost – thanked Netflix for breathing new life into the series, admitting that he sometimes forgets the show even exists.
“It’s been introduced to a new audience, a new generation, which is great, because [often I have] totally forgot all about it. It’s like, ‘Oh my God, that scene with Mr. Eko…,’ I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m forgetting a new audience are now re-watching it.’ It also happens when you go to other countries, because they’re getting introduced to it. It’s wonderful. That’s why you do the work — you want people to see it. And Netflix, you know, thank you for putting it back out there.”
Lost
4/5
Lost is a mystery drama series created for TV that follows a group of survivors of a plane crash and tells its story between the past, present, and future via flashbacks. When Oceanic Airlines Flight 815 crashes and lands on a mysterious island in the pacific ocean, the castaways discover their new temporary home may have a mind of its own, as strange supernatural events keep them locked to the island. From an unknown black smoke creature to dangerous islanders, the passengers must work together to survive the island’s seemingly deadly intentions.
- Release Date
- September 22, 2004
- Seasons
- 6
Despite Lost being shown on Hulu for years now, Netflix has introduced the series to a new generation thanks to its larger subscription base. Hulu has an estimated 48 million subscribers, a far cry from Netflix’s 247 million, which means not only is Lost being watched by those who have a soft spot for its story, but by a new crop of younger fans that didn’t even know it existed. As such, it’s enjoying a resurgence of sorts, with many on social media discussing its themes, their favorite scenes, and its controversial ending.
The Lasting Impact of Lost
With its premiere episode being watched by more than 18 million people, Lost was an immediate hit for ABC. During the course of its six-season run, the series was nominated for an astounding 54 Primetime Emmy Awards, winning 11 trophies and solidifying itself as a pop culture phenomenon thanks to its intricate mythology that was discussed all over the internet.
In the years that followed, a number of other TV shows have come along that have been heavily influenced by Lost, including Heroes, The 100, FlashForward, and Fringe. In more recent times, it’s easy to see Lost’s effect on shows such as Manifest and La Brea, both of which deal with ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations. While the science fiction and mystery genres certainly existed long before the series ever hit the airwaves, few shows managed to combine the two as successfully as Lost did.
Related
Lost’s Controversial “Filler” Episode Is Still One of Its Best
Arguably one of Lost’s absolute best, the episode packs an emotional punch most viewers were not expecting.
With Lost enjoying a new-found life on streaming thanks to Netflix (with a tip of the cap to Hulu), it’s fun to see the reactions on social media from those who are discovering it for the first time. Could all this hype lead to a revival of the series? It’s doubtful, but it would at least be fun to see the cast members gather for a retrospective reunion similar to the way the cast of Friends did for HBO back in 2021.
All six seasons of
Lost
are available to stream on Netflix and Hulu.