Spike TV acquires Unsolved Mysteries! Launches October 13

[Kane]

I just read a new article at Broadcasting & Cable, announcing that Spike TV has picked up Unsolved Mysteries! According to the article, the show will begin airing on the network in the fall of 2008.

Spike TV will be choosing the new host, but it won't be Clancy Brown. The actor is unavailable. Although the names of potential hosts are not given, the article mentions that there is a "short list of candidates."

It is interesting to note that Spike TV had actually sought the series before; it was in the year 2000, when the network was called TNN. It was renamed Spike TV in 2003.

Here's the link to the new Broadcasting & Cable article:

http://broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6492832.html?q=%Unsolved+Mysteries%22

[crystaldawn]

Thanks for the info. At least its a channel I currently get (even though I never watch it, lol). I'm especially looking forward to seeing the updates on old cases. Funny it went from an all woman channel to an all man channel. :)

[Zero]

SPIKE?????? Television for men. This should be interesting.

Off topic, but I noticed that Dish has (had?) the Mens Channel on their lineup. All it aired was infomercials about exorcise equipment.

Thanks for the info!

[spark19]

And just as I read the other article about HBO - this comes up! Awesome!

Although I'm not sure I get SpikeTV here, at school. Hmm. Oh well, I have a year to find out lol.

[Corky Kneivel]

From Lifetime: television for women, to Spike TV: television for men. I guess now all the "Lost Loves" segments will be replaced with segments like "Lost Remotes".

[wiseguy182]

Unsolved Mysteries: the show that just wouldn't die. :lol:

thank goodness I get the channel. Now I just need one more wish to come true: NO BRYANT GUMBEL! (or his nasal-voiced arrogant self). James Earl Jones, on the other hand, is a perfect match.

[nohwheregirl]

SPIKE?????? Television for men. This should be interesting.

Off topic, but I noticed that Dish has (had?) the Mens Channel on their lineup. All it aired was infomercials about exorcise equipment.

Thanks for the info!

Best unintentionally funny typo of the day!

Yay! I should have known that the network who brought us the awesomely awesome Joe Schmo Show would come through.

[DarkDante]

I have to wonder with a new network picking it up will they just air "new episodes" put together circa 2008 or will the older episodes get syndication too?

[Kane]

Unsolved Mysteries: the show that just wouldn't die. :lol:

thank goodness I get the channel. Now I just need one more wish to come true: NO BRYANT GUMBEL! (or his nasal-voiced arrogant self). James Earl Jones, on the other hand, is a perfect match.

You're not the only one with that wish.

So far, I have found no source that would confirm whether Gumbel is among those considered to host the show, as claimed by Wikipedia. But let's hope that rumor isn't true.

Robert Stack was an esteemed host, and a very likable person. From what I gather, it is very clear his UM colleagues would agree on that. Seeing someone else hosting the show will be hard enough to take. But it would be far worse if that "someone else" happens to be the opposite of Stack. The general idea of replacing a popular host is one thing, but it's something else to replace a popular host with an someone who is unpopular.

Wiseguy, if you or anyone else is worried that the powers-that-be may end up hiring the wrong person to host the show, I want you to know that it is very understandable. When a show continues (or is revived) with a new host, it is natural to have misgivings about such an idea, especially when the former host is considered a tough act to follow.

[nohwheregirl]

Just going to throw out some more hosts that would make my short list:
Liev Schreiber
Victor Garber
Terry O'Quinn

This type of job just screams "character actor!" Unfortunately, Spike doesn't have a whole heckuvalotta money or power to throw around. I'l keep my fingers crossed.

[Opal]

In addition to airing newly produced episodes (which is AMAZING), will they also repeat the old ones?

Yes, PLEASE NO Bryant Gumbel! He sounds like a 13-year-old boy going through puberty........ hardly the right host for this show.

Host Suggestion:
David Canary

[GoldenGirlsFan92]

When it Does come back on Spike in Fall 2008, will it be the NEW UM or Old UM??

[Kane]

When it Does come back on Spike in Fall 2008, will it be the NEW UM or Old UM??

To put it concisely, it will be a "refurbished" edition of Unsolved Mysteries, featuring old episodes with new updates. In addition, it was noted that Cosgrove/Meurer Productions "also might produce new episodes."

I speculate they want to use the "refurbished" edition to test the waters first (which could explain why the article said "might" when it mentioned the idea of new episodes). So when Spike begins airing the show, there may not be new episodes right away. However, new episodes of UM are like the tides: they are inevitable.

[Todd Mueller]

James Earl Jones, on the other hand, is a perfect match.

Oh, man... Darth Vader doing UM? Where can I sign up! That would rule... :D

Spike TV. Hmmm... I'm not complaining because I love UM and I actually get Spike. But it seems like such a weird marriage.

Spike is known for Ultimate Fighting, James Bond movies, MXC, and Girls Gone Wild infomercials. Seems an unlikely choice, but hey... UM will be back on TV.

Kane - if they are just redone episodes, why do they need a new host at all? I'm hoping the search for a host will mean more likelihood for new episodes. What do you guys think?

[BigErn]

Get John Bunnell - he can make anything dramatic.

[kadrmas15]

Ha, John Bunnell, he could have made the "Katie" segment dramatic. I agree with the others that posted, hopefully Bryant Gumble has nothing to do with this project. I dont know what it is about the guy he has just always come off as very arrogant. Too bad William Shatner is doing "Boston Legal" otherwise he could do it. He wasnt bad on Rescue 911.

[wiseguy182]

Ha, John Bunnell, he could have made the "Katie" segment dramatic. I agree with the others that posted, hopefully Bryant Gumble has nothing to do with this project. I dont know what it is about the guy he has just always come off as very arrogant. Too bad William Shatner is doing "Boston Legal" otherwise he could do it. He wasnt bad on Rescue 911.

oh yeah, I forgot about Shatner, he was awesome in rescue 911, which came around a few years after unsolved i believe. he had the seriousness part nailed down: "join us next time on rescue (dramatic pause...911)."

[crystaldawn]

I think Leonard Nimoy would be good too. Granted he is getting up there in age but he did a good job on "In Search Of".

It appears that the new UM will be showing some of the older segments as well as new ones however they are now cramming 5 segments per hour instead of the 4 that were in the old ones. I assume that means that they'll have to edit down these old segments even more than Lifetime did (even more so if there is an update at the end) which is unfortunate. :(

[UMfan77]

I think BOB BEAN should become the new host. He would be perfect! :D

[hostedbyrobertstack]

more importantly, why hasn't the HBO UM pilot been leaked and why have we not yet seen it!

[SP4CE INV4DERZ]

Hmm I reckon someone like Jenna Jameson for host :D

[DarkDante]

I think BOB BEAN should become the new host. He would be perfect! :D

LOL! Yeah and have Danny Wheeler do the control center. The Jenna comment was funny too. I seriously do think that if they bring the show back they should try a female host because any male host is going to be compared to RS.

[Kane]

more importantly, why hasn't the HBO UM pilot been leaked and why have we not yet seen it!

It's not uncommon. Some pilots are never broadcast. However, the June article of Broadcasting & Cable referred to it as a "prototype pilot." So that description leads me to believe it was more of an experimental episode than a legitimate one. I could wrong about that, but that's what I'm guessing.

[Todd Mueller]

It's not uncommon. Some pilots are never broadcast. However, the June article of Broadcasting & Cable referred to it as a "prototype pilot." So that description leads me to believe it was more of an experimental episode than a legitimate one. I could wrong about that, but that's what I'm guessing.

That's right. Many pilots are just there to pitch the show and never see the light of day. Sometimes the actors change, characters change, etc. True "pilot episodes" are rarely used on the air, from what I've been told.

CD - 5 segments per hour is better than 0, but I agree with you that it sucks because they are probably going to have to cut the heck out of them. And what about Son of Sam or other longer segments?

The best part of all is going to be updates of old cases. Can you imagine James Earl Jones??? "Update! Tim McClure has tried to fool this audience for the last time... I found his lack of truth disturbing. He is now doing 25 to life. Let this be a lesson to you all..." ;)

Bob Beane as host??? Awesome! LMAO!!! :D

What about a female host? I, for one, didn't mind Virginia Madsen at all. I thought she and Bob made a good team.

[TeresaB24]

That is good news, I hope that Spike TV actually does something with the show.

Just because the have the rights to it, does not mean that they will actually create a new show, or air old shows.

With that said, they better keep the creepy music. That is one of the best parts of the show. And I would not mind a female host, but hopefully they will not choose one that is trying to be Robert Stack, since no one could live up to him.


T* Man it has been a year or so since I have actually posted here*B

[Kane]

What about a female host? I, for one, didn't mind Virginia Madsen at all. I thought she and Bob made a good team.

Apparently, not enough viewers felt the same way. Virginia Madsen simply didn't click with audiences. Otherwise, the show's declining ratings would have risen.

I actually remember writing to UM, asking why Virginia Madsen was brought on board as a co-host. Their concise answer was: "CBS decision."

When CBS carried UM in the late 1990s, the network was going through a time where they wanted to attract younger audiences, and I think that is why Virginia Madsen (then 37 years old) was hired as the co-host. The network may have believed that a younger host would generate more audiences for UM. But it didn't. In fact, some blame the show's declining viewership on the addition of Madsen (at least in part).

Also, the segments that Virginia Madsen narrated were later re-edited for Lifetime, with Stack replacing Madsen. I surmise that, due to her failure to catch on as an UM co-host, keeping her UM footage intact was considered a moot point. The general fact that she was excluded from the syndication package also suggests that the UM folks felt that it was a mistake to hire her. She's not a bad person any means. I think it just has a lot to do with the fact that her UM gig simply didn't work out.

So even if UM came back with a female host, it is very doubtful that they would rehire Virginia Madsen. Otherwise, they could risk repeating that failure. And as philosopher George Santayana once said, "those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

Male or female, whoever eventually gets the hosting job will be unavoidably compared to the late Robert Stack. If an exceptional female came along, and proves herself compatible with UM, maybe I would accept the idea of a female host for the show. But in the meantime (as politically incorrect as it may sound), I'm partial to a male UM host.

[TeresaB24]

Apparently, not enough viewers felt the same way. Virginia Madsen simply didn't click with audiences. Otherwise, the show's declining ratings would have risen.

I actually remember writing to UM, asking why Virginia Madsen was brought on board as a co-host. Their concise answer was: "CBS decision."

When CBS carried UM in the late 1990s, the network was going through a time where they wanted to attract younger audiences, and I think that is why Virginia Madsen (then 37 years old) was hired as the co-host. The network may have believed that a younger host would generate more audiences for UM. But it didn't. In fact, some blame the show's declining viewership on the addition of Madsen (at least in part).

Also, the segments that Virginia Madsen narrated were later re-edited for Lifetime, with Stack replacing Madsen. I surmise that, due to her failure to catch on as an UM co-host, keeping her UM footage intact was considered a moot point. The general fact that she was excluded from the syndication package also suggests that the UM folks felt that it was a mistake to hire her. She's not a bad person any means. I think it just has a lot to do with the fact that her UM gig simply didn't work out.

So even if UM came back with a female host, it is very doubtful that they would rehire Virginia Madsen. Otherwise, they could risk repeating that failure. And as philosopher George Santayana once said, "those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

Male or female, whoever eventually gets the hosting job will be unavoidably compared to the late Robert Stack. If an exceptional female came along, and proves herself compatible with UM, maybe I would accept the idea of a female host for the show. But in the meantime (as politically incorrect as it may sound), I'm partial to a male UM host.

Also since doing the show, Virginia Madsen has done quite good for herself. I am not sure about the past few years. I know in 2005 she was nominated for an Oscar. So even if they did want her to host, she might not take it as it might be seen as taking a step back in her career.

I'm actually at a loss to who would be a good replacement. I would say Alan Rickman would be great, but they would never get him to do it. Patrick Stewart would make for an interesting host. Other then that I really have nothing.

[Lunarisx718]

so is HBO not goin to be airing the show then?

[Kane]

Also since doing the show, Virginia Madsen has done quite good for herself. I am not sure about the past few years. I know in 2005 she was nominated for an Oscar.

That was for her role in Sideways, but she lost out to Cate Blanchett (for The Aviator). I think Virginia Madsen did well in Sideways.

Virginia Madsen recently co-starred with Jim Carrey in The Number 23. She is currently working on a movie called The Haunting in Connecticut, which is slated for release in 2008. She has also completed filming Diminished Capacity, also scheduled for a 2008 release. Last year, she co-starred with Ray Liotta (of GoodFellas fame) in the short-lived CBS series Smith.

I guess it goes without saying that her career has not been harmed by her short-lived job as an UM co-host.

[Kane]

so is HBO not goin to be airing the show then?

That was never the intention. HBO has a distribution wing that is merely assisting with the show. It has replaced Buena Vista Television as the show's distributor.

[James T]

Certainly a strange choice, I could never understand why they would put it on a women's channel as somehow men would not watch it and now it is going on a male oriented channel- to me it is a show that appeals to both sexes as long as they like mysteries and crime shows and like intelligent programming.

Who will the hosts be? well probably Chuck Liddell & Kurt Angle with some of the Hooter girls as the roving reporters.:lol:

[TeresaB24]

That was for her role in Sideways, but she lost out to Cate Blanchett (for The Aviator). I think Virginia Madsen did well in Sideways.

Virginia Madsen recently co-starred with Jim Carrey in The Number 23. She is currently working on a movie called The Haunting in Connecticut, which is slated for release in 2008. She has also completed filming Diminished Capacity, also scheduled for a 2008 release. Last year, she co-starred with Ray Liotta (of GoodFellas fame) in the short-lived CBS series Smith.

I guess it goes without saying that her career has not been harmed by her short-lived job as an UM co-host.

No, I did not think so. However my point was, even if they wanted her to do the show. She would probably be inclined not to take it.

[ididn'tdoit]

Well just like CD I'm a firm Leonard Nimoy fan, I think he'd be a great choice :), however the more I come to think about it, wouldn't Peter Falk be a cool host? :)

[boco357]

Maybe they could have a host like Jack Ford or Mark Furhman
and have Peter Thomas(Forensic Files)do the voice over for the segments.

[kamy]

Beggers cannot be choosers, but damn, I hate Spike TV! It's so sexualized! POO!!

[Todd Mueller]

Beggers cannot be choosers, but damn, I hate Spike TV! It's so sexualized! POO!!

And Lifetime wasn't? :rolleyes: Sorry... just a little cheap shot! :p

Yeah, I guess they just play to the lowest common denominator... Kind of funny when you think about it. "Television for Women" to "Television for Men." Uhh... maybe both sexes like UM??? Such an odd twist. I wonder if Spike isn't trying to migrate from the "Frat Boy" typical male to more of a moderate male station. Less sex, more content. At least I hope that's the case.

Kane - thanks for all the info. That's good stuff. I didn't realize the tie-in between VM and the ratings. I did like her, though. (On a side note, I didn't know this until someone told me, but Virginia Madsen appears naked/topless in almost every movie she is in. Now that's weird to think of her on UM and then like that. :eek: )

[Kane]

Maybe they could have a host like Jack Ford or Mark Furhman

Sure, when pigs fly. :rolleyes: :lol:

and have Peter Thomas(Forensic Files)do the voice over for the segments.

From what I have read, he lives in Florida. So he would probably have move to California to do UM.

[Corky Kneivel]

For every one mentioning James Earl Jones, I am telling you: AVERY BROOKS!!

I listened to an audiobook presentation of Alex Haley's ROOTS which he narrated and dammit if I didn't have to keep reminding myself that it wasn't JEJ. Not to mention, he's a very good looking man.

Some other actors I think would be good hosts:

Joe Pantoliano – A fantastic character actor who I think could convey an appropriate range of emotions and inflections. The only thing I think holding him back is a sort of nasally New Yawk/New Joisey accent.

Gabriel Byrne – I know youguys poo-poo the idea of a European doing the show but I think Mr. Byrne would be a fantastic host, lending the perfect intensely mysterious panache.

Sam Elliot – too Westerney? I’d keep expecting the segment to start discussing Brushy Bill Roberts or something.


Does anyone think that the suits at the production company will try to emulate the somewhat surprising success of hiring Robert Stack? Meaning does anyone think they’ll try and hire a semi-retired character actor who portrayed a law enforcement figure in the 60s-70s? I can just imagine some studio exec. producer, totally missing the boat, and assuming Robert Stack was such a great host, that he clicked with so many viewers, solely because he portrayed Eliot Ness like 30 years before UM. If that happens I bet we get someone like David Soul or the guy who played Banachek, or hey…maybe even Hal Linden!! They could totally Barney Miller-ize the UM theme song!

[nohwheregirl]

Sam Elliot – too Westerney? I’d keep expecting the segment to start discussing Brushy Bill Roberts or something.

I have 3 words to say to this suggestion: "The Dude abides."

[iliekcheezomg]

Beggers cannot be choosers, but damn, I hate Spike TV! It's so sexualized! POO!!

Ugh, I agree. At this point, I'm just hoping that "more male-oriented stories" doesn't mean extra gore, explosions, and boobies.

[kadrmas15]

Yes, I always found it kind of awkward myself how they tried putting the female co-host with Robert Stack. First Keely Shaye Smith and then Virginia Madsen. Both attractive women but I just never really understood the point of having them co-host.

Was it too tough for Stack to read all the lines or something? Was it to satisify a political correctness issue? The latter wouldnt surprise me, especially by the mid 90's, political correctness was sadly taking over. So for hosting duties for the new show, they will have to interview potential hosts from both genders, plus every race to satisify the PC clause.

So under this clause, I would say William Shatner, I would say Jorja Fox of CSI fame would be interesting but she has said she wants a break from a weekly television commitment, Jimmy Smits, James Earl Jones would all be good.

If you wanted some more potential candidates, these are just my opinion now of who would be good, David Caruso, Richard Dean Anderson, Don Johnson, Patrick Duffy, Robert Blake and David James Elliot to name a few.

[Todd Mueller]

If you wanted some more potential candidates... Robert Blake.

LMAO! :lol:

Would he host the segment on his own murder trial? "Who killed Bonnie Lee Bakely? Not me, I swear!"

Now that's funny...

[DP1]

This is great news. I'm very much looking forward to the return of UM.

Shame that Clancy Brown can't host. He would have been good. Though I'll certainly miss Robert Stack in thos re-edited old segments. I assume his old footage is being replaced.

I like Virgina Madsen and she was great in Sideways. But her career was going downhill around the time she co-hosted UM. It's definitely back on the upswing now.

[wiseguy182]

I would vote no on David Caruso - too wooden and stiff.

But..

Bob Bean and Danny Wheeler as co-hosts? Oh hell yeah, you know I have to admit I'm biased on this one.

They could do like a point/counterpoint thing on every case, where each takes opposites sides, for the mere sake of ticking each other off. Danny would get all bent out of shape and Bean would just laugh it off. Oh, I'm salivating at the possibilities...

[Zero]

Best unintentionally funny typo of the day!

Yay! I should have known that the network who brought us the awesomely awesome Joe Schmo Show would come through.

I can't believe I did that. I was so tired that I didn't even notice! Thanks for pointing it out.

Now that I think of it, it is funny! :lol:

[hostedbyrobertstack]

after reading that article, $100,000 per episode? wow, I am glad someone picked that up.(which i'm sure is nothing compared to that 2. million for csi). But, as for hosts, I wonder if they are going to try to go for someone less famous, maybe they don't have as high of a budget on cable? Who knows.

[James T]

Wiseguy beat me to it on Caruso- I am a big CSI fan but the guys acting style is irritating in the extreme, my guess with the women was they saw ratings falling and thought adding some eye candy would bring back some middle aged male viewers, if they were trying to attract young males then they would have bought in people like Jenny McCarthy but instead used lesser known older actresses in the usual cynical television way of combatting falling ratings.


Yes, I always found it kind of awkward myself how they tried putting the female co-host with Robert Stack. First Keely Shaye Smith and then Virginia Madsen. Both attractive women but I just never really understood the point of having them co-host.

Was it too tough for Stack to read all the lines or something? Was it to satisify a political correctness issue? The latter wouldnt surprise me, especially by the mid 90's, political correctness was sadly taking over. So for hosting duties for the new show, they will have to interview potential hosts from both genders, plus every race to satisify the PC clause.

So under this clause, I would say William Shatner, I would say Jorja Fox of CSI fame would be interesting but she has said she wants a break from a weekly television commitment, Jimmy Smits, James Earl Jones would all be good.

If you wanted some more potential candidates, these are just my opinion now of who would be good, David Caruso, Richard Dean Anderson, Don Johnson, Patrick Duffy, Robert Blake and David James Elliot to name a few.

[PrettyinPink55]

WOW!!! :D

This is GREAT news!!!!!!!!!

:woohoo:

Does anybody know Spike TV's track record for keeping shows? I don't want to get my hopes up only to have UM cancelled in a few months...

[Big3sCompanyFan]

The article mentions the Clancy Brown pilot. Did they ever air it on HBO??

I have HBO and I never noticed it. How can we see it?

[Kane]

Yes, I always found it kind of awkward myself how they tried putting the female co-host with Robert Stack. First Keely Shaye Smith and then Virginia Madsen. Both attractive women but I just never really understood the point of having them co-host.

It should be noted that Keely Shaye Smith was never a co-host. In he was merely an update correspondent. She had too little involvement in each UM broadcast to have been a co-host.

If you wanted some more potential candidates, these are just my opinion now of who would be good, David Caruso, Richard Dean Anderson, Don Johnson, Patrick Duffy, Robert Blake and David James Elliot to name a few.

Robert Blake?!? For obvious reasons, he would be extremely inappropriate. Bring him (or someone of his ilk) on board and the show would be history!

Who in their right mind would want a murderer/former murder defendant hosting a crime-fighting show? It would do nothing for the show, other than water down its credibility.

[kadrmas15]

Kane, it was a joke, about Robert Blake that is. I was throwing him in there rather casually as a joke, I thought people would get a kick out of it, Todd Mueller caught it.

In all seriousness, no I wouldnt want Robert Blake hosting the show. Although I am convinced the verdict against him was just, so many people, right or wrong, think he is a murderer so obviously that wouldnt be good for him to host a show that is about solving crimes. But like I said, it was merely a joke on my part about him hosting.

[crystaldawn]

Kane, it was a joke, about Robert Blake that is. I was throwing him in there rather casually as a joke, I thought people would get a kick out of it, Todd Mueller caught it.



I thought about out throwing Robert Blake's name out there too as a joke since he did star on a police drama. :lol:

[Kane]

Kane, it was a joke, about Robert Blake that is. I was throwing him in there rather casually as a joke, I thought people would get a kick out of it, Todd Mueller caught it.

In all seriousness, no I wouldnt want Robert Blake hosting the show. Although I am convinced the verdict against him was just, so many people, right or wrong, think he is a murderer so obviously that wouldnt be good for him to host a show that is about solving crimes. But like I said, it was merely a joke on my part about him hosting.

How come you didn't add a symbol to indicate that it was a joke? In any case, I regret that I took it too seriously.

Nevertheless, I am dead serious about what I have been pointing out. I mean, there are a number of ways to ruin a popular show like UM. But the worst way to ruin such a show is by having it hosted by someone who is unfit for the job.

By the way, there's an idea that I want to suggest: some of us members should create threads here in which they make a case for their choice for UM host. One doesn't have to tell that person's entire life story. They could just give some concise details about that person, including some of their TV and/or movie work, as well as other details about his/her background that may impact his/her ability to be an effective host. A list of pros and cons would also be helpful.

It could also include a poll for members to participate in and vote whether or not they think that particular person would be a favorable choice for UM.

[Todd Mueller]

Kane, it was a joke, about Robert Blake that is. I was throwing him in there rather casually as a joke, I thought people would get a kick out of it, Todd Mueller caught it.

Actually, you might have a heck of an idea. Host your own story! A new host each week. We could have: Robert Blake, O.J., Ray Lewis, any of the Kennedys, etc. I like it. ;)

I just hope like hell they do this right. If it comes off like "MXC" or one of those dumb "Caught on TV" shows, I'd rather not see it back.

But I have the feeling we will all be pretty happy. As happy as we can be with a remade show not including Robert Stack.

[Todd Mueller]

I thought about out throwing Robert Blake's name out there too as a joke since he did star on a police drama. :lol:

O.J. played a security guard in "The Towering Inferno" and he was in the "Naked Gun" movies. He might be more qualified than anyone! :lol:

[An 80s Guy]

I am super excited about this

[Kane]

Actually, you might have a heck of an idea. Host your own story! A new host each week.

It would never work for UM, even though it works for Saturday Night Live. What works for one show may not work for another.

Besides, I'm sure the UM folks would be partial (as I am) to a permanent host. The way I see it, they already go through enough trouble looking for actors and actresses to participate in reenactments. So the idea of having to seek a new host week after week would only make things more difficult, not less.

[Kane]

O.J. played a security guard in "The Towering Inferno" and he was in the "Naked Gun" movies. He might be more qualified than anyone! :lol:

Because he butchered two people, I'm afraid the Juice is in the same situation as the Hollywood communisits were in the 1950s: blacklisted! :lol:

[hovaslash]

some weekday in 2008:

8.00 Extreme death match cage fighting
9.00 Truck and tractor pull babes
10.00 Hot-dog eating contest post-game show
11.00 TNA Wrasslin Daily-PM Edition
12.00 THE NEW UNSOLVED MYSTERIES!!!!!!!!

yee-ha!

[ididn'tdoit]

If you wanted some more potential candidates.. Robert Blake...

Yay! With O.J. Simpson as his co-host! :lol:

[crystaldawn]

Yay! With O.J. Simpson as his co-host! :lol:

With Phil Spector in charge of the telecenter....:lol:

[nohwheregirl]

Y'all crack me up. :lol:

[wiseguy182]

Oj will not be the new host. However, I heard a rumour that he is writing a new book called "If I did host UM" :lol:

[GoldenGirlsFan92]

To put it concisely, it will be a "refurbished" edition of Unsolved Mysteries, featuring old episodes with new updates. In addition, it was noted that Cosgrove/Meurer Productions "also might produce new episodes."

I speculate they want to use the "refurbished" edition to test the waters first (which could explain why the article said "might" when it mentioned the idea of new episodes). So when Spike begins airing the show, there may not be new episodes right away. However, new episodes of UM are like the tides: they are inevitable.
This is Great News! I Can't wait to see UM Again, But that a good bit away from now.

[Kane]

Oj will not be the new host. However, I heard a rumour that he is writing a new book called "If I did host UM" :lol:

It's not a rumor, it's true. But the family of Ronald Goldman was given the rights to release it. Here's a link to an article on the topic.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/celebrity/la-et-ojbook17oct17,1,4733910.story?coll=la-celebrity-news

By the way, I have something to say to all of you who suggest (jokingly or not) that O.J. Simpson host a show like UM: It may be a joke, but I can guarantee you that there are some people who would not find it even remotely funny. Such people would include victims' rights advocates, the family of Nicole Brown Simpson, and the family of Ronald Goldman. If any of those people (especially Ronald's father, Fred Goldman) were reading any of these threads, they would be very upset. How would you all feel if, God forbid, someone you love was murdered, and someone jokingly suggested that the murderer star in a TV show, especially a show like Unsolved Mysteries? Somehow, I don't think you would be amused.

Whether you know it or not, OJ Simpson got away with butchering two young beautiful people. For that reason, he is now destined to go to a very hot place after he croaks! And when he gets there, he will joining his fellow murderers, such as Kenneth McDuff, Adolf Hitler, Ted Bundy, and Tookie Williams.

[TeresaB24]

By the way, there's an idea that I want to suggest: some of us members should create threads here in which they make a case for their choice for UM host. One doesn't have to tell that person's entire life story. They could just give some concise details about that person, including some of their TV and/or movie work, as well as other details about his/her background that may impact his/her ability to be an effective host. A list of pros and cons would also be helpful.

It could also include a poll for members to participate in and vote whether or not they think that particular person would be a favorable choice for UM.

That is a really good idea, personally I vote for Alan Rickman, he is good looking, can give off a freaky evil vibe, and plus his voice would be soooo perfect PLUS he is british adding even more value to that voice. Um im going to stop now.

[Todd Mueller]

It's not a rumor, it's true. But the family of Ronald Goldman was given the rights to release it. Here's a link to an article on the topic.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/celebrity/la-et-ojbook17oct17,1,4733910.story?coll=la-celebrity-news

By the way, I have something to say to all of you who suggest (jokingly or not) that O.J. Simpson host a show like UM: It may be a joke, but I can guarantee you that there are some people who would not find it even remotely funny.

Kane, buddy... You are missing the whole point to most of these posts.

They are ALL jokes since the Robert Blake post. No one in their right mind, me included, thinks O.J. should host. Everything has been a joke. Read the posts again since the Robert Blake one.

Your posts are always great! I'm not sure why, but your reading into these way too much. We are all just clowning around and somehow you missed it. No big deal, just didn't want you to think we are all crazy. ;)

We all know O.J. is a murderer. Just having some fun at HIS expense! :D

[Kane]

Your posts are always great! I'm not sure why, but your reading into these way too much. We are all just clowning around and somehow you missed it. No big deal, just didn't want you to think we are all crazy. ;)

Okay, I get that you're clowning around. But it's wise to always acknowledge it in every message about it, because certain people might interpret it differently.

We all know O.J. is a murderer. Just having some fun at HIS expense! :D

I've always liked the Saturday Night Live skits that poke fun at him. Tim Meadows was hilarious as OJ Simpson. Not to mention Norm MacDonald's jabs at him on the Weekend Update segment. ("According to retailers, the most popular Halloween mask is OJ Simpson. And the most popular Halloween greeting is, "I'll kill you and that guy who's bringing over your glasses or treat.")

[spark19]

That is a really good idea, personally I vote for Alan Rickman, he is good looking, can give off a freaky evil vibe, and plus his voice would be soooo perfect PLUS he is british adding even more value to that voice. Um im going to stop now.

Yea I see a few of you suggesting alan rickman - while I think he'd be great...I know he wouldn't do it. It's not his thing and just way inconvenient for him because he does most of his work in England.

I'd love the sexy Gabriel Byrne though ;)

[Todd Mueller]

I've always liked the Saturday Night Live skits that poke fun at him. Tim Meadows was hilarious as OJ Simpson. Not to mention Norm MacDonald's jabs at him on the Weekend Update segment. ("According to retailers, the most popular Halloween mask is OJ Simpson. And the most popular Halloween greeting is, "I'll kill you and that guy who's bringing over your glasses or treat.")

LOL! :lol: Yeah, I remember that one, too. That was good stuff.

I know what you mean about reverance for the dead, and I don't think the majority of us would ever truly make fun of victims or glorify the criminals. To me, making fun of the idiot criminals (like O.J.) helps put them in their proper perspective.

I'm glad we're all back on the same page! :D

We should start a new thread for "New UM host -- Serious replies only." It's fun to joke, but I would be curious who folks think would be best for real.

[kadrmas15]

Kane, I see what you are saying, but all these posts were jokes as Todd Mueller said. I am not going to start off every post with "I hope no one takes offense to this" it should stand to reason that a person that would suggest Robert Blake or Phil Spector or OJ Simpson as host of UM would be obviously joking, whether they put a smily face by what they say or not.

I am not a politically correct person, never have been. Personally, while I am sorry for the Goldman and Brown families losses, I think they have gone through more than enough crap to where they arent going to care that some college kid from Minnesota was joking about a guy that most people believe is a murderer should be host of UM.

Heck, I am one that has never been convinced that OJ was a murderer, although I do feel the only reason he was acquitted was the majority black jury giving some pay back because of the acquittal of the officers that beat Rodney King and nearly killed him.

Like I said Kane, I understand what you are saying, but I simply am not going to be politically correct. That isnt my style. If someone misunderstands something I say or has a problem with something I say they can ask me to clarify and I would be happy to do that.

Here is a joke: You have Robert Blake hosting UM, you have Phil Spector from the telecenter as Crystaldawn suggested and you have Donnie Hansen doing live updates?

I am not trying to take away from what these guys, did, I think there is more evidence against Donnie Hansen than there was against any of these other guys. If they are all indeed guilty, what they did was horrible, I am not trying to take away from the victims, I guess it is a way of getting a rather cheap laugh from a sad and tragic situation.

I am not saying the situations are funny, but these guys in varying degrees are part of culture and are notorious in their own ways. There, that is me being politically correct, anyone that takes offense, I do apologize, that was not my intent.

[James T]

I think the OJ thing needs to be looked at as a joke, just like people have made fun of Hitler, Bin Laden, Wacko Jacko etc- it does not mean we are laughing at their actions but more their stupidity and the comic elements in their characters and in OJ'S case his desperation, besides he was found not guilty in a court of law despite what we all think of him.

[Kane]

LOL! :lol: Yeah, I remember that one, too. That was good stuff.

I know what you mean about reverance for the dead, and I don't think the majority of us would ever truly make fun of victims or glorify the criminals.

That makes us a contrast to, for example, the goons who have a very soft heart for murderous thugs, such as the late Tookie Williams. And among those Tookie supporters was the aforementioned Gabriel Byrne. So on principle, I have to disagree with those of you who think Byrne would be a good choice to host UM. On the contrary, I think he would be inappropriate for the show.

To me, making fun of the idiot criminals (like O.J.) helps put them in their proper perspective.

True. When shows like SNL poke fun at OJ, the general focus is on him. So out of respect for Nicole Brown Simpson, Ron Goldman, and their suviving loved ones, the less these shows focus on them the better.

[GoldenGirlsFan92]

I'm also curious to see what time will it be on & what days. I hope it's like Lifetime during the week.

[kadrmas15]

Kane, what does a person's support of Tookie Williams or any other person in prison matter? Tookie was a guy who helped others the last few years he was in prison, publishing books and stuff. Tookie wasnt trying to get out of prison, he knew he wasnt going anywhere, he just didnt want to die.

Well, Tookie Williams was executed, he is dead, so I am not really sure why you are holding it against Gabriel Byrne for having been a supporter of the late Tookie Williams. I dont think everyone that supported Tookie Williams is a "goon."

Now the people that support Charlie Manson, those are goons, he has done nothing to improve himself in prison. Tookie Williams did stuff to improve not only himself but the lives of others, I believe he also saved the life of a guard on death row who was being assaulted by other inmates. But I guess the world is better off because Williams was executed right?

[Kane]

Kane, what does a person's support of Tookie Williams or any other person in prison matter? Tookie was a guy who helped others the last few years he was in prison, publishing books and stuff. Tookie wasnt trying to get out of prison, he knew he wasnt going anywhere, he just didnt want to die.

Well, Tookie Williams was executed, he is dead, so I am not really sure why you are holding it against Gabriel Byrne for having been a supporter of the late Tookie Williams. I dont think everyone that supported Tookie Williams is a "goon."

Now the people that support Charlie Manson, those are goons, he has done nothing to improve himself in prison. Tookie Williams did stuff to improve not only himself but the lives of others, I believe he also saved the life of a guard on death row who was being assaulted by other inmates. But I guess the world is better off because Williams was executed right?

Well, it maybe it matters more than you think. Tookie was a thug who killed four people with a shotgun (one of those victims had part of her face blown off). He may have reached out to children through anti-violence book, but even when incarcerated, he didn't always practice what he preached. He had been involved in numerous violent incidents, even while on death row. Plus, however commendable or well-intentioned his helping others were, it didn't change the fact that he was a mass murderer, and a sick animal who had to be put to sleep. So yes, to put it bluntly, the world is better off without people like him.

But in case you get any ideas, it isn't about hate and anger. It's about justice and punishment.

Besides, the families of Tookie's victims (and, undoubtedly, victims' rights advocates) were outraged over the way Tookie was being honored, and they had every right to feel that way. Chances are, many of Tookie's supporters didn't know who his victims were, nor did they seem to care.

Those who lost loved ones to the murder rampage of Tookie Williams would probably find it insulting to see a Tookie supporter (such as Gabriel Byrne) hosting a crime-fighting show. Such an idea would be too controverisal to be accepted. There's just too much of a conflict between admiring a murderous thug and hosting a crime-fighting show. Maybe you don't see it that way, but I do. Undoubtedly, so do many other people, especially those who lost loved ones to homicide.

And by the way, Why can't Tookie's victims be entitled to write a children's book, be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, be portrayed as a hero in a TV-movie, etc? Oh wait, what am I saying? They can't! Because they are all dead! :rolleyes:

[Fletch]

I am so excited by this news....thanks for the link, Kane!

I would love if they could get Bill Kurtis to host....he's the perfect fit, IMO.

http://www.aeispeakers.com/speakerbio.php?SpeakerID=1355

[kadrmas15]

Hey Kane, well, I certainly dont disagree that Tookie Williams victims families have a right to be glad he was dead and that he was executed. Even those pesky victims rights groups (who by the way have done so much damage in California the state's prison system is in shambles) have a right to be happy about Williams execution.

However, I guess what I was trying to get at, is that, Tookie Williams being executed doesnt bring the victims back, sure it was punishment to execute Tookie but justice? I dont think so. Real justice would have been keeping Williams in prison without parole for the rest of his life, which by the way would have been cheaper than it cost to house him on death row and execute him.

Fact of the matter is, no one gets brought back by Tookie getting executed, he did horrible things that put him in prison and on the row, no doubt about it, but he also did some good while in prison and I guess he should have been spared because of that, but it is too late now.

By the way, for these victims rights groups especially, it is about hate and anger, nothing more. It shows in how they have passed well intentioned but not practical laws like three strikes and other laws that have over loaded California's prison system so severely that there are nearly 700 people on "the row" there and that their prison system is in such shambles they will probably be forced to do a mass parole just to get their prison system population under control, therefore people that wouldnt be getting out otherwise will now get out in the mass parole and it is ironic that the victims rights groups through their lobbying actually aggravated and in some cases caused the problems they were trying to get rid of.

I respect your opinion Kane, it is obvious we both have strong opinions on the subject, I just happen not to totally agree with yours. If the victims families lives are all the sudden so much better because of Tookie Williams execution, more power to them, but I am pretty sure they still have that hole in their lives that they had before Williams was executed.

By the way, if someone I knew and loved was murdered the way these people were, I would probably want the murderer executed too, that is only natural to feel that way and I dont hold it against the victims families for feeling that way I just happen not to agree with their opinion.

However the victims rights lobbying groups are another story, because of them, state prison systems across the country are in shambles, there are high levels of corruption and many other problems that have been caused. More often than not these groups are well intending but are full of anger and hatred and do more harm than good. They are kind of like MADD, another group I am not a fan of despite the fact I believe they are well intentioned but not practical.

[wiseguy182]

As if it wasn't bad enough that Tookie was a violent criminal outside of prison, he was also one inside of prison, including I believe, the assault of a prison guard. So with that being said, he deserved to be executed. He did do some good towards the end of his life, which shouldn't be ignored, but I have to wonder if there wasn't some kind of ulterior motive. Interestingly, it should be noted that alot of criminals profiled on UM have gotten time off for good behavior, only to resort back to their criminal ways. I doubt Tookie would have ever gotten out of prison, but I would imagine he was probably hoping the good he was doing would spare him the death penalty.

[Kane]

Even those pesky victims rights groups (who by the way have done so much damage in California the state's prison system is in shambles) have a right to be happy about Williams execution.

Oh, so victims' rights groups are "pesky", huh?? Tookie would be proud of you. :rolleyes:

However, I guess what I was trying to get at, is that, Tookie Williams being executed doesnt bring the victims back, sure it was punishment to execute Tookie but justice? I dont think so. Real justice would have been keeping Williams in prison without parole for the rest of his life, which by the way would have been cheaper than it cost to house him on death row and execute him.

Fact of the matter is, no one gets brought back by Tookie getting executed, he did horrible things that put him in prison and on the row, no doubt about it, but he also did some good while in prison and I guess he should have been spared because of that, but it is too late now.

I'm well aware that executing murderers don't bring back the victims. In fact, NOTHING brings back the victims. But I believe in what the bible says: "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot." (Exodus 21:24) I just happen to believe that some crimes are so brutal and so outrageous (especially ones that result in the death of a child or a police officer) that they warrant the death penalty.


By the way, for these victims rights groups especially, it is about hate and anger, nothing more.

Victims' rights aren't about "hate and anger." It's about providing rights for victims. Some think that victims' right laws would water down the rights of the accused, but that's never the intention. If the accused could have rights, then the victims should be entitled to at least some rights. What's fair is fair.

[crystaldawn]

Just a friendly reminder to both sides of this debate that lets just stick to the topic of UM. The case of Tookie Williams is a very controversial one and its not one that needs to be debated on a UM forum.

[Corky Kneivel]

Anyone of the mind that Clancy Brown's stated "I am unavailable for a weekly commitment" pose is just a bargaining tool? I've known actors to plead unavailability, prior commitments, scheduling conflcts, family issues, etc. when they're the obvious front runner's for a position, just to test and see how lucrative the position will get. I've also known two actors to turn down roles they were offered/felt they were about to be offered with the sole intention of being pursued more vigorously. I know this is a generalization but absolutely nothing in the world screams "VALIDATE ME!!" quite like an actor.

Some more host suggestions:
Charles S. Dutton - You know...ROC. He's definitely got the acting chops and the serious demeanor working for him. But he is quite bald and bald men are only allowed to play sidekicks, bad guys, and spaceship captains on TV.

Edward Hermann - He did a fantastic job narrating an audiobook I read recently, "John Adams" by David McCullough, and he's a serviceably talented actor. On the minus side, he's kinda too WASPy and effite to host a true crime/mysterious happenings type of show. I don't think his voice, while pleasant and clear, has the type of mysterious intensity Bob Stack's was able to convey.

Ed O'Neill - The more i think about it, the more this is my favorite choice to host the show. Mr. O'Neill is a tremendously talented actor and he's varied enough in the stuff he's done to imagine him being able to deftly convey a wide breadth of emotions during voice over work. He has a solid presence, commanding and authoritarian if not really mysterious. He also played Joe Friday recently, so he's got the "crime fighting" credentials, LOL. If EVER there was someone who had no love lost for a criminal, it was Sgt./Det./Lt. Joe Friday.


Presence:
Charles S. Dutton
Ed O'Neill
Edward Hermann
Joe Mantegna
Peter Graves
Dan Hedaya
Fredd Dryer


Great voice:
Charles S. Dutton
Ed O'Neill
Joe Mantegna
Peter Graves
Bob Hoskins
Jeremy Irons
Kelsey Grammer


What do you think?

hey nohwheregirl : Who are Victor Garber & Terry O'Quinn? I know who Liev Schreiber is, but what made you think of him?

[kamy]

What could Clancy Brown possibly have lined up? I don't even see him that much, or is that just me? I'm guessing it's a negotiating tool. I like your nominees, Corky, except, Kelsey Grammer, he'll always be Frasier to me, and I couldn't take him seriously for that very reason. He's so typecasted, not to mention him and Patricia Heaton have a new show, if it indeed makes it.

[crystaldawn]

Well Corky I must say I think Kelsey Grammar would be a good choice. He has a great voice and is very well known and pretty well liked. Probably too busy with his new sitcom to do it though unfortunately.

[nohwheregirl]

Presence:
Charles S. Dutton
Ed O'Neill
Edward Hermann
Joe Mantegna
Peter Graves
Dan Hedaya
Fredd Dryer
Only if Joe Mantegna does it in the voice of Fat Tony from the Simpsons.:lol:

hey nohwheregirl : Who are Victor Garber & Terry O'Quinn? I know who Liev Schreiber is, but what made you think of him?
Victor Garber is a veteran stage/screen actor. I guess his most recent popular role was as Jack Bristow, CIA double agent, in Alias. He also played the smarmy law professor in Legally Blonde. Can play hard-edged yet authoritative like nobody's business.

Terry O'Quinn has an even better voice than VG. Also an Alias vet, but most recently popularized the role of Locke on Lost. Slightly more raspy.

[wiseguy182]

What could Clancy Brown possibly have lined up? I don't even see him that much, or is that just me? I'm guessing it's a negotiating tool. I like your nominees, Corky, except, Kelsey Grammer, he'll always be Frasier to me, and I couldn't take him seriously for that very reason. He's so typecasted, not to mention him and Patricia Heaton have a new show, if it indeed makes it.

good point. I never really liked Kelsey Grammer's acting. I don't hate him, as he's endured alot of hardships in his life, but I guess it stems from him seeming out of place to me in Cheers, his elitist character just didn't fit in with all of the barflys. On a similar note, Ed O'Neill will always be Al Bundy to me. :lol: I mean, if I ever watched him host UM, I'd always expect him to stop any second and say "Ahh, Peg."

I know I've mentioned it a couple times before, but I would consider John Goodman. Big enough to command a presence, but can also do heartfelt sympathy.

Wow look at this thread go. Only up a few days and already 6 pages.

[Kane]

Well Corky I must say I think Kelsey Grammar would be a good choice. He has a great voice and is very well known and pretty well liked. Probably too busy with his new sitcom to do it though unfortunately.

I doubt that the powers-that-be would be patient in waiting to see whether Kelsey Grammer's new sitcom succeeds or fails. That would be like a man suspending his search for a date so that he could wait and see how things work out between the woman he is interested in dating and the woman's new boyfriend. A method like that often becomes a waste of time.

I myself once suggested Joe Mantegna. Unfortunately, however, he's joining the cast of Criminal Minds. So he too is out of the question.

There is a rumor on the internet that Richard Jenkins (who played the ghost of the deceased patriarch in the now-defunct HBO series Six Feet Under) was among those considered to host the show. I could see him doing that. But that rumor came from Wikipedia, and so far there's no source confiriming or disproving that rumor.

[kamy]

good point. I never really liked Kelsey Grammer's acting. I don't hate him, as he's endured alot of hardships in his life, but I guess it stems from him seeming out of place to me in Cheers, his elitist character just didn't fit in with all of the barflys. On a similar note, Ed O'Neill will always be Al Bundy to me. :lol: I mean, if I ever watched him host UM, I'd always expect him to stop any second and say "Ahh, Peg."

I know I've mentioned it a couple times before, but I would consider John Goodman. Big enough to command a presence, but can also do heartfelt sympathy.

Wow look at this thread go. Only up a few days and already 6 pages.

I LOVE John Goodman. I think he would be great too. A lot of the people mentioned, I will have to look up as I don't know the names, but more than likely will know the faces. Honestly, I have nothing against Bryant Gumble, so if he's picked, I guess he's picked. Maybe he'll surprise us all. Besides, where did this rumor start about him?

[Kane]

Honestly, I have nothing against Bryant Gumble, so if he's picked, I guess he's picked. Maybe he'll surprise us all. Besides, where did this rumor start about him?

That information came from the less-than-reliable web site known as Wikipedia. How that rumor started, I don't know. But I haven't found any source that could either confirm or disprove it.

However, I have written to both UM and Spike, expressing my concern about this rumor. I argued that, if the rumor is true, he should be ruled out. I made my argument as constructively as possible, so as not to sound hostile.

The issue concerning Bryant Gumbel is his ego. From what I gather, he's had a reputation for being difficult (an obviously stark contrast to Robert Stack), and a number of his colleagues openly complained about him.

Plus, in 2000, CBS gave him a free pass after he was caught on camera blurting out an obscenity in reference to a man he had just interviewed. Following a live interview with Family Research Council spokesman Robert Knight, the camera was still on Gumbel as he muttered, "What a f---ing idiot."

I don't have anything personal against Bryant Gumbel. I just think that hiring him or someone of his ilk would alienate much of the show's fanbase, and reduce the prospect of attracting new fans. In other words, it would be an invitation to disaster.

We are already divided enough about the idea of UM continuing without Robert Stack. But replacing him with someone who creates scandal would be worse. Therefore, Gumbel's past controversies, which many people will not overlook, would make him an unpopular choice for UM. As far as I'm concerned, someone like Keith David, Richard Jenkins, or Robert Davi would be a better fit.

[Kane]

Anyone of the mind that Clancy Brown's stated "I am unavailable for a weekly commitment" pose is just a bargaining tool? I've known actors to plead unavailability, prior commitments, scheduling conflcts, family issues, etc. when they're the obvious front runner's for a position, just to test and see how lucrative the position will get. I've also known two actors to turn down roles they were offered/felt they were about to be offered with the sole intention of being pursued more vigorously. I know this is a generalization but absolutely nothing in the world screams "VALIDATE ME!!" quite like an actor.

According to Clancy Brown's profile at the Internet Movie Data Base web site, Brown has a few projects in the works for 2008 (including a role in The Express). So it could be that he has scheduling issues; in fact, scheduling conflicts is a very common reason for turning down movie or television offers.

Could Clancy Brown's work schedule for his upcoming projects be making him unavailable to the point where he assumes that the UM folks are unprepared to wait for him? Maybe. However, it is also possible that he is uninterested in the job; or that, after having done the now-defunct HBO series Carnivale, he is simply not ready to commit to another long TV run.

Regardless, there is currently too little information to determine what the case may be. But until we learn more, I will withhold my judgment.

[An 80s Guy]

It would be nice if they air reruns of the stack episodes.

[Corky Kneivel]

Hey An 80's Guy, is that your website in your sig?


wiseguy182...man, I couldn't disagree more about ed O'Neill. I was even going to make a comment in my original post along the lines of "anyone who could do so much varied work as to make me forget that they ever portrayed Al Bundy could definitely do a good job hosting the show". I really think he's done some good work, most recently as the only likable thing about "John From Cincinnati", to distance himself from the great job he did on that moronic dreck "Married With Children".

I also gotta disagree with about Frasier. Frasier was my FAVORITE character on "Cheers". They wrote for him so well. Its funny that you dislike him, or his acting, because he seemed so out of place in the bar. I kinda think that was the whole point. This egghead elite, despite all his hoity-toity prententiousness and advanced thinking, at the end of the day is still no better than an annoying mailman, a dimwitted farmboy, and an alcoholic out of work insurance salesman with a wife he sees less than we do. Maybe you're just not a fan of tossed salad and scrambled eggs.

[crystaldawn]

I don't think any of us agree on who would be the best to host UM....:lol: Its out of our hands anyway. For what its worth I did email Spike TV today giving them kudos for picking up the new UM. I also inquired who was on their list of possible candidates and when they would be selecting one but frankly I'll be suprised if they tell me the list. I'll post the info if they write me back.

[Kane]

I don't think any of us agree on who would be the best to host UM....:lol: Its out of our hands anyway.

Very true on both counts. Of all the ideal hosts that have been expressed here, most of them are just wishful thinking. However, the least one could ask for is that the prospective host is someone who proves to be fit for the job.

It will be risky enough for Unsolved Mysteries to come back with a new host. But the risk would be even higher if the new host is someone who turns out to be an unwise choice for the show. It could result in a backlash, and not only alienate much of the show's fanbase, but also ruin any chances of attracting new viewers.

For what its worth I did email Spike TV today giving them kudos for picking up the new UM. I also inquired who was on their list of possible candidates and when they would be selecting one but frankly I'll be suprised if they tell me the list. I'll post the info if they write me back.

Not only did I email them, but I also sent snail mail to two of the network executives. I expressed my appreciation for their decision to acquire the show, and recommended that they choose their host wisely.

[MissBlodge]

I'm a little dissapointed...it says they'll be adding new music? What was wrong with the old music!

But oh well, at least it's coming back! Too bad it's almost a full year away! :( :(

[unsolvedmysteriesfan]

Yeah it's forever. and I like the original opening. They really do need to go back to basics like the Stack episodes. and not Gumbel. someone much more authentic like Stack.

[Kane]

Yeah it's forever. and I like the original opening. They really do need to go back to basics like the Stack episodes. and not Gumbel. someone much more authentic like Stack.

I'm with you on that, unsolvedmysteriesfan.

By the way, I recently emailed Unsolved Mysteries about the Bryant Gumbel rumor, warning them that a lot of UM fans could switch off if the hosting job goes to Gumbel (or anyone of his ilk). About a week later, I received a reply from them. All they said in response was: LOL The host will not be Gumbel.

It looks to me that we can breath a sigh of relief (besides, Gumbel doesn't have an authoritative-sounding voice like Stack did). I don't believe they would seriously consider Gumbel for the show. Besides, when the recent Broadcasting & Cable article said that there was a "short list of candidates," it was an indication to me that their search for a new host is significantly limited to those they believe most closely match what they are seeking in a host. (Obviously, to put it bluntly, this means that most of the ideal hosts expressed here have little or no chance of coming into fruition.)

When it comes to the topic of Unsolved Mysteries continuing with a new host, I compare it to the process of choosing a new actor to play James Bond. In fact, before Pierce Brosnan left the role of 007, a source, who noted that the studio was not in a gambling mood, was quoted as saying: They could lose more with an unknown actor, or with an experienced but unpopular actor. They're well aware that you just can't place any actor in this role.

I believe the same rule of thumb applies to the hosting job of UM. Bringing back the show with a new host will be a gamble in any case. But hiring just anyone for the job would be an even bigger risk.

[FromTheBalcony]

UM definitely needs to be a Gumbel-free zone...those guys are already everywhere as is. When I first heard that the show was coming back, for whatever reason Tony Todd popped into my head as a possibility for host.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0865302/

He definitely has the presence part covered!

[Kane]

UM definitely needs to be a Gumbel-free zone...those guys are already everywhere as is.

In any event, let's hope the choice for a new host is a choice between the greater of two (or more) goods, instead of the lesser of two (or more) evils.

[steelrain]

how bout leslie nelson it work with robert s why not another airplane character

[nohwheregirl]

how bout leslie nelson it work with robert s why not another airplane character
I like the way you think!

[Thiussat]

I still say Bill Curtis. He has the voice, he has the experience with A&E, and he already wears the trench-coat. Also, "you El Sicko's will pay" would sound just as humorous and unnatural coming from him as it did from Robert Stack. ;)

I just don't want a woman. Even though Kellie Shay Smith was great eye candy, whenever her voice appeared on the show just ruined it for me. It takes the intrigue and suspense out of the whole thing. The voice in that show is extremely important.

UM is a legend and the first of it's kind. I hope Spike TV treats the series with the reverence it deserves.

One suggestion to Spike: keep the ORIGINAL music.

[DALLASTEXAN!!]

I still say Bill Curtis. He has the voice, he has the experience with A&E, and he already wears the trench-coat. Also, "you El Sicko's will pay" would sound just as humorous and unnatural coming from him as it did from Robert Stack. ;)

I just don't want a woman. Even though Kellie Shay Smith was great eye candy, whenever her voice appeared on the show just ruined it for me. It takes the intrigue and suspense out of the whole thing. The voice in that show is extremely important.

UM is a legend and the first of it's kind. I hope Spike TV treats the series with the reverence it deserves.

One suggestion to Spike: keep the ORIGINAL music.
I totally agree. I love his voice.....stack's voice made the show obviously.
Another guy I like from rumors mentioned was james earl jones. He also has a sense of humor with an incredible voice.
gumble....please. He is terrible. he needs to stick with an hourly AM radio show.

[Kane]

gumble....please. He is terrible. he needs to stick with an hourly AM radio show.


Agreed. But I recently got an email from UM, and they said the new host will not be Bryant Gumbel. They added "LOL" prior to that one-sentence reply.

Besides, having someone as egotistical, obnoxious, and/or narcissisitc as (or more so than) Gumbel as the host of UM would be suicide for the show. Plus, if I wanted be tortured, I'd go looking for Jack Bauer.

[GaryJ06]

wouldn't mind jonathan frakes either...if i recall properly, he did a good job with that beyond belief urban ledgend show.

[GaryJ06]

sorry, missed something above my post...Gumbel would be a travesty. He's so bad, especially at covering football games. A couple of weeks ago some guy missed a field goal, and he called it good, if he comes to UM he'll be telling us that they found DB Cooper or something when they havent lol

[DALLASTEXAN!!]

sorry, missed something above my post...Gumbel would be a travesty. He's so bad, especially at covering football games. A couple of weeks ago some guy missed a field goal, and he called it good, if he comes to UM he'll be telling us that they found DB Cooper or something when they havent lol
yeah in the cowboys packers game he kept calling(thruout the game)the cowboys packers and vice versa. what a moron. UM would have to work overtime for that guy to get his lines right.

[Kane]

yeah in the cowboys packers game he kept calling(thruout the game)the cowboys packers and vice versa. what a moron. UM would have to work overtime for that guy to get his lines right.

Not to mention that he muttered the f-word during a live television broadcast in 2000. It happened after he interviewed Family Research Center spokesman Robert Knight. One of the cameras was on Gumbel when he muttered "What a f---ing idiot."

Besides, if Gumbel or anyone of his ilk is hired as the new host of UM, the studio would probably suffer a big staff turnover. Chances are, it wouldn't be long before many of the UM employees begin applying for new jobs, telling the powers-that-be, "either Gumbel goes or we go."

Obviously, the rumor of Gumbel being a candidate for UM is just a rumor. He is unfit for the show anyway. (Maybe someone could create an attack "ad" on this for Youtube. :lol: )

Someone like Robert Davi or Richard Jenkins would be a much better fit. In fact, Jenkins has also been rumored on the internet as a potential candidate for UM. He played the ghost of the patriarch in Six Feet Under, and recently co-starred with Jamie Foxx in The Kingdom.

In any case, I'll bet that Robert Stack would be embarassed to have someone like Gumbel as his successor. My belief is that if he felt that a new host was inevitable, he would have wanted that new host to be someone who is both likable and compatible. Those are two qualities that he undoubtedly had, both of which made him a great UM host.

There are times when I wonder, "who would Robert Stack want as the new host?" Chances are, I'm not the only who thinks that.

[DALLASTEXAN!!]

Not to mention that he muttered the f-word during a live television broadcast in 2000. It happened after he interviewed Family Research Center spokesman Robert Knight. One of the cameras was on Gumbel when he muttered "What a f---ing idiot."

Besides, if Gumbel or anyone of his ilk is hired as the new host of UM, the studio would probably suffer a big staff turnover. Chances are, it wouldn't be long before many of the UM employees begin applying for new jobs, telling the powers-that-be, "either Gumbel goes or we go."

Obviously, the rumor of Gumbel being a candidate for UM is just a rumor. He is unfit for the show anyway. (Maybe someone could create an attack "ad" on this for Youtube. :lol: )

Someone like Robert Davi or Richard Jenkins would be a much better fit. In fact, Jenkins has also been rumored on the internet as a potential candidate for UM. He played the ghost of the patriarch in Six Feet Under, and recently co-starred with Jamie Foxx in The Kingdom.

In any case, I'll bet that Robert Stack would be embarassed to have someone like Gumbel as his successor. My belief is that if he felt that a new host was inevitable, he would have wanted that new host to be someone who is both likable and compatible. Those are two qualities that he undoubtedly had, both of which made him a great UM host.

There are times when I wonder, "who would Robert Stack want as the new host?" Chances are, I'm not the only who thinks that.
yeah I agree with that also. who stack would want is puzzling. because stack is so beloved by UM fans they definitely have to get someone worthy. some one who can be a great host, not necessarily be just like stack.
I again like the james earl jones rumor. He's an older guy who hasn't done anything in a while. If he is truly a candidate, I would love to see that. He has a great voice.

[Stack]

That information came from the less-than-reliable web site known as Wikipedia. How that rumor started, I don't know. But I haven't found any source that could either confirm or disprove it.

However, I have written to both UM and Spike, expressing my concern about this rumor. I argued that, if the rumor is true, he should be ruled out. I made my argument as constructively as possible, so as not to sound hostile.

The issue concerning Bryant Gumbel is his ego. From what I gather, he's had a reputation for being difficult (an obviously stark contrast to Robert Stack), and a number of his colleagues openly complained about him.

Plus, in 2000, CBS gave him a free pass after he was caught on camera blurting out an obscenity in reference to a man he had just interviewed. Following a live interview with Family Research Council spokesman Robert Knight, the camera was still on Gumbel as he muttered, "What a f---ing idiot."

I don't have anything personal against Bryant Gumbel. I just think that hiring him or someone of his ilk would alienate much of the show's fanbase, and reduce the prospect of attracting new fans. In other words, it would be an invitation to disaster.

We are already divided enough about the idea of UM continuing without Robert Stack. But replacing him with someone who creates scandal would be worse. Therefore, Gumbel's past controversies, which many people will not overlook, would make him an unpopular choice for UM. As far as I'm concerned, someone like Keith David, Richard Jenkins, or Robert Davi would be a better fit.

I haven't been on this forum in quite a while so this is the first I've seen of the Spike picking up UM news. Awesome!

I totally agree that Keith David would be a great choice for host. Fantastic, recognizable voice and of course, he was the one who took over for the great Paul Winfield on City Confidential after PW's death. Another name I'd throw out there (don't think anyone has mentioned him yet...sorry if so!) is Dennis Haysbert. Another great character actor with a recognizable voice. I also agree with those who mentioned Charles S. Dutton...he fits the mold as well.

Though Bill Kurtis would certainly do a great job, he already has his own established (and self-produced I believe) franchise of crime shows on A&E. I could be wrong, but it seems like he'd want a lot more control over the show if he was involved. But maybe not? Who knows...

Gabriel Byrne would be an interesting choice...The man looked dapper in his fedora and trenchcoat in Miller's Crossing so hey, I could see it happening!

Gumbel would just be a terrible choice all-around....He is best left on Real Sports.

[wiseguy182]

NO Dennis Haysbert. don't like his voice. He also does commercials for Allstate, which ripped me off after I was a loyal customer for years.

[Kane]

Though Bill Kurtis would certainly do a great job, he already has his own established (and self-produced I believe) franchise of crime shows on A&E. I could be wrong, but it seems like he'd want a lot more control over the show if he was involved.

He probably would. He tends to have a lot of control over his shows. After all, he has his own production company, Kurtis Productions. Therefore, I don't believe he has a realistic chance of hosting UM.

Plus, the recent article at Broadcasting & Cable said there is a "short list" of candidates. To me, that is very telling. I mean, it doesn't hint at anyone in particular, but it does indicate that the search for a new host is limited to those who are the most solid matches for the show. And I doubt that Bill Kurtis is among them.

To DALLASTEXAN!!: I am glad to know that there's someone on this forum who feels the same as me, wondering who Robert Stack would might have wanted as his successor (it reminds me of famous questions like "what would Jesus do" and "what would Reagan do"). Although we will never know for sure, I do believe that Mr. Stack would have wanted someone who is truly fit for the job.

I also believe that he would never have wanted the new host to be someone who has a habit of turning people off. That would be sure way to ruin a great show, wouldn't it?

[DALLASTEXAN!!]

To DALLASTEXAN!!: I am glad to know that there's someone on this forum who feels the same as me, wondering who Robert Stack would might have wanted as his successor (it reminds me of famous questions like "what would Jesus do" and "what would Reagan do"). Although we will never know for sure, I do believe that Mr. Stack would have wanted someone who is truly fit for the job.

I also believe that he would never have wanted the new host to be someone who has a habit of turning people off. That would be sure way to ruin a great show, wouldn't it?
true very true kane. I appreciate your info that you give out on here. we seem to have the same views on stack and the new host as well. stack was perfect for UM. obviously it was a great show, well put together. but stack made the show. he was awesome. he was serious, but had a great sense of humor. He was also very kind hearted to all. it is unlikely the show will ever be what it once was without him. hopefully the next host will do a good job of being himself and not try to copy bob. BTW, I used to live in arlington too......arlington TX that is.

[Kane]

true very true kane. I appreciate your info that you give out on here. we seem to have the same views on stack and the new host as well. stack was perfect for UM. obviously it was a great show, well put together. but stack made the show. he was awesome. he was serious, but had a great sense of humor. He was also very kind hearted to all. it is unlikely the show will ever be what it once was without him. hopefully the next host will do a good job of being himself and not try to copy bob. BTW, I used to live in arlington too......arlington TX that is.


Robert Stack is a tough act to follow as the host of UM, just as much as (if not more so than) Sean Connery was considered a tough act to follow in the role of James Bond. However, a Robert Stack clone would be too much to ask. And if the potential successor tries to be too much like Stack, it won't be long before people notice it.

That's a sensible rule of thumb in succeeding someone in a certain position, such as an acting role or a hosting job. Besides, when Ray Combs was chosen to be the new host of Family Feud in 1988, he knew well enough not to become a Richard Dawson clone, but to instead be his own person while remaining true to the spirit of the show. In fact, he was quoted as saying: "People say those are big shoes to fill. I don't have to wear his shoes. I've got my own."

Having said that, whoever becomes the new host of UM will certainly have big shoes to fill. But they must wear their own shoes. :lol:

[mastamatt]

This is a good thing. Spike > Lifetime any day of the week. While Robert Stack may be gone, the show's quality, in terms of stories and presentation will be upped a lot. See Spike is supposed to be for men so they will likely have more murder cases and more 'scary' cases that will interest men and less lost loves and miracles stories that honestly wear out their welcome pretty fast.

[PajamaYoga]

I don't want to pour any cold water on this revival, but I can't help but be a bit disappointed that the show will actually be modernized. I may end up liking the new format, but UM probably will never be the same for me.

[Tish-The-Scorpion]

keith david should host,or bill curtis......

[Kane]

keith david should host,or bill curtis......

According to Shek (aka Sheila Kimmell, Lisa's mother), Dennis Farina has been chosen to be the new host. It has yet to be officially announced, though.

[Stack]

Meh...not a Farina fan but I guess I'll have to see it before I totally dismiss it.

[Kane]

Meh...not a Farina fan but I guess I'll have to see it before I totally dismiss it.

He has law enforcement credentials, both fiction and non-fiction. He's played cops on television and in movies, but he's also played mobsters. So he is a character actor who has been typecast as a tough guy.

Also, before he became an actor, he was a real-life cop! He served in the Chicago police department.

Although it won't be easy for him fill the shoes of the late Robert Stack, I predict that Dennis Farina will be generally welcome on the show. Hopefully, law enforcement officers across the nation (especially Farina's former law enforcement colleagues) will give their blessing to him. :)

[Tish-The-Scorpion]

ugh i still wish it was curtis or david (man what a awesome voice, likewise with james earl jones,and dennis hasbert)

[Kane]

ugh i still wish it was curtis or david (man what a awesome voice, likewise with james earl jones,and dennis hasbert)

"Ugh"? You're not disgusted by the thought of Dennis Farina being the new host of UM, are you? I only ask because that's what "ugh" typically means.

Admittedly, not everyone is going to like the fact that UM will be brought back with a new host, since it is agreed that no one can truly replace the late Robert Stack. But the more that is known about Dennis Farina, the more evident it is to me that he is a good choice become the new host.

[PrettyinPink55]

Does anyone know when UM will start up on Spike TV again? I've been checking my listings, but can't find anything...

[Kane]

Does anyone know when UM will start up on Spike TV again? I've been checking my listings, but can't find anything...

Be patient. The show won't be on Spike TV until September (eight months from now).

[PrettyinPink55]

Be patient. The show won't be on Spike TV until September (eight months from now).

Thanks Kane, I just saw the other thread with all the information!! I guess I just can't wait to see UM again!!! :D

[marvelfan89]

What's up with the Farina hate? Didn't the guy used to be a cop? He's a good actor too, he knows how to play these tough guys and good guys. I think it's a great fit.

[Kane]

What's up with the Farina hate? Didn't the guy used to be a cop? He's a good actor too, he knows how to play these tough guys and good guys. I think it's a great fit.

Yup. Prior to becoming an actor, Dennis Farina was a cop in Chicago. With that background, I don't think he really needed acting experience to play fictional cops. :)

I have made no secret about my belief that he is a great choice to be the new host. He shares a lot (if not all) of the same qualities as the late Robert Stack. Apart from his law enforcement credentials, Dennis Farina is also generally likable. He has never struck me as arrogant, smug, narcissistic, or obnoxious. People like him are a rarity in today's Hollywood.

Having said that, I can't understand why there appears to be some contempt for Dennis Farina on this forum. But so far, I have found more posts in favor of Mr. Farina than against him. Except for the general consensus that no can replace Robert Stack, I can't think of any reasonable argument against having Dennis Farina on board.

[Todd Mueller]

Except for the general consensus that no can replace Robert Stack, I can't think of any reasonable argument against having Dennis Farina on board.

I couldn't have said it better myself! :)

NO ONE can ever replace Stack. But Dennis Farina will, IMO, do a very good job. I'm getting excited to see the new product. Only 7 months away!

[Bluejay]

Still and always, Richard Belzer. However, I'll wait and see, I've never seen Dennis Farina so he might be just fine.

[Kane]

I've never seen Dennis Farina so he might be just fine.

In that case, I strongly suggest checking out his acting work (see his profile at imdb.com). He's played both cops and mobsters, so as an actor he has been typecast as a tough guy.

Although he has done a good number of movies, I recommend seeing Manhunter and Midnight Run. He played an FBI agent in the former, and a mobster in the latter. Manhunter and Midnight Run were released in 1986 and 1988, respectively.

Inevitably, as the new host of UM, Dennis Farina will get his share of criticism. Some criticisms will be understandable, especially the argument that he can't replace Robert Stack (and I agree that no one can truly replace Mr. Stack). But unfortunately, he will also be unfairly slammed, especially by critics who never liked UM anyway.

Critics will also likely argue that Dennis Farina would never amount to anything as the host of UM. But I believe that such criticism will come back to haunt them.

[mastamatt]

Farina is a decent choice imo. But like some people said several pages back, I would prefer to see someone like Keith David doing it.

[peachysquirt21]

It's nice to see UM coming back to tv but I have a feeling I am not gonna like this revamped version.

[crochetbuff]

It's nice to see UM coming back to tv but I have a feeling I am not gonna like this revamped version.


"Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses." ~Alphonse Karr

Hmmm, seems appropriate....;)

[yankeesfan82]

My nomination for host of The All New Unsolved Mysteries is "RJ - Ron Joseph" host of Disco USA on WVLT-FM in Vineland, New Jersey. Chech him out Fridays 7PM-9PM http://wvlt.com/home/mutimedia/listen-live/

[wiseguy182]

My nomination for host of The All New Unsolved Mysteries is "RJ - Ron Joseph" host of Disco USA on WVLT-FM in Vineland, New Jersey. Chech him out Fridays 7PM-9PM http://wvlt.com/home/mutimedia/listen-live/

the new host is already chosen.

[Kane]

A. the new host is already chosen.
B. you're kidding me, right?

You forgot another one:

C. Are you on crack?


:lol:

[Bluejay]

It's nice to see UM coming back to tv but I have a feeling I am not gonna like this revamped version.

From the original article: "There are more stories per hour, more male-oriented stories, new graphics and a new host.”

My concern is the "male-oriented" part. Since they're putting it on SPIKE, I think there will be more of a tendency to fixate on the true-crime, mad-killer segments and less of the supernatural, Lost Loves and Unexplained types of stories that gave this show its distinctive ambience.

"Male-oriented" makes me think the guy who said the new show might focus on "lost remotes" might not be too far off. like what's next, "The Case of the Poisoned Pork Rinds" and "The Vanishing Football"?

Oh hell. I'll wait and see, it may be fine. After all, the show used to be put on by CBS, and was hosted by Raymond Burr!

[MissBlodge]

According to the wikipedia article, UM is going air on both HBO and Spike TV? How can that be possible?

Personally, I'd rather see it go to HBO, though I'm worried HBO will make the reenactments more violent...

[Kane]

According to the wikipedia article, UM is going air on both HBO and Spike TV? How can that be possible?

Personally, I'd rather see it go to HBO, though I'm worried HBO will make the reenactments more violent...

You mean the Wikipedia profile of Unsolved Mysteries? If so, it didn't explicitly say that it was going be shown on HBO. It is only being distributed by HBO's distribution wing.

Should the series inevitably produce new episodes, they are far more likely to air on Spike than on HBO. Otherwise, Spike wouldn't have bothered to buy the show. Besides, Spike was given the duty to choose the new host.

It makes plenty of sense for the show to air new episodes on Spike, since the network has far more subscribers than HBO. As of May 2007, Spike has been available to 92.7 million cable subscribers; that is 83 percent of America. As of that same date, HBO has had 31.8 million subscribers; that's only 29 percent of America! (In case anyone is curious, I got this info from the book The Complete Directory to Primetime Network and Cable TV Shows.)

The obvious reason why HBO is not a very widely distributed cable network is because of its premium price. That alone can discourage people from subscribing to the channel.

[Kane]

I have already mentioned this on another thread, but it makes sense to mention it on this thread as well: Spike TV president Kevin Kay has acknowledged that Dennis Farina is the new host of Unsolved Mysteries.

I discovered a web site call World Screen. It has a profile of Spike TV. In that profile, there is a paragraph that mentions the network's acquisition of UM. In that same paragraph, Kevin Kay admits that Dennis Farina is going to be the new host. He also describes Farina as "a great choice as a Spike guy."

Check it out.

http://www.worldscreen.com/channelcurrent.php?filename=spike030608.htm

[kamy]

They really pride themselves in being a manly man network, so I really hope they aren't biased on what stories they pick; you know only showing the ones that feature buxom beautiful missing woman or something like that!
I'd hate to see UM become a t&a show!

[mgm711]

Does anyone know who the new host will be at all????

[Kane]

Does anyone know who the new host will be at all????

Dennis Farina.

[Mr. Fuji]

Forgive me if this has been discussed already (10 pages of info is a lot to sift through), but does anyone have a date when the show is expected to debut on Spike? I'm really looking forward to this. My only hope is that Spike TV will soon start broadcasting in HD so we will be able to watch Unsolved Mysteries in High Def!

[Kane]

Forgive me if this has been discussed already (10 pages of info is a lot to sift through), but does anyone have a date when the show is expected to debut on Spike? I'm really looking forward to this.

Fall 2008. However, since preparations for the show's comeback are still pending, it is too soon to be more specific than that. My guess is that it will be a few months before an exact date is finalized.

[Pavan]

It launches in October. Spike TV is paying 26 million for the 175 re-edited episodes with new host Dennis Farina, so it comes out to like 150,000 per episode. It is a five-year exclusive deal and also the episodes will be available on Spike.com

The show will air weekday afternoons...more info will be available soon.

[Kane]

It launches in October. Spike TV is paying 26 million for the 175 re-edited episodes with new host Dennis Farina, so it comes out to like 150,000 per episode. It is a five-year exclusive deal and also the episodes will be available on Spike.com

The show will air weekday afternoons...more info will be available soon.

I take it that you read about this at Variety.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117983581.html?categoryid=14&cs=1

[Pavan]

From SpikeTV:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



'Unsolved Mysteries' Gets a New Look on Spike TV



Dennis Farina To Host Episodes Created Exclusively For Spike TV

Re-purposed Episodes Available on Spike Digital and Mobile

NEW YORK, April 7, 2008 -- Spike TV is updating the long-running "Unsolved Mysteries" franchise by creating a new collection 175 re-edited episodes hosted by acclaimed television and film actor Dennis Farina. The new episodes, focusing on more of the dangerous and action-oriented cases, will also be available on Spike's web site, http://www.spike.com , and mobile outlets.

Spike's TV's "Unsolved Mysteries," featuring real-life cases of unsolved crimes, missing persons and unexplained paranormal phenomena begins its five year run on Spike TV in October, 2008. Each one-hour episode will feature five stories re-enacted by professional actors, plus brand new show wraps and updates on past stories. The series will be stripped weekday afternoons.

Emmy(R)-nominated producers, John Cosgrove and Terry Dunn Meurer, serve as executive producers for Spike's "Unsolved Mysteries."

Shot in documentary style, "Unsolved Mysteries" has been an incredibly successful television franchise, running on a variety of different networks since launching in 1987. With the host serving as narrator and actors portraying victims, witnesses and perpetrators, each episode re-enacts true-to-life crimes, missing person reports and unexplained phenomena as reported to police. The series urges its viewers to contact the show if they have any information that could help solve a crime that was featured in one of the episodes.

[crystaldawn]

Thanks for the info! :)

[Pavan]

Word has spread on our news blog:
http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2008/04/married-with-children-coming-to-spike.html

[robbieasbury]

Will it air in primetime?

[Kane]

Will it air in primetime?

At this point, they have only explicitly said that the re-edited episodes will be shown in the afternoons. Whether or not this will lead to Spike airing them in the evening remains to be seen. But if all-new episodes are eventually made, chances are good that they will be shown on the channel's evening lineup. But again, that remains to be seen.

[80sTrivia]

This is great news. I think Dennis Farina will make a great host for a new re-launch of UM. :)

[synthisislab]

I wonder why this wasn't brought back to network TV where it will be seen by more people. I'd guarantee that if brought back in a primetime slot on NBC, it would win it's time slot. That's what network TV needs is a show in a primetime slot that is useful in catching killers and recovering missing people. The only one left is AMW and that is only on Saturdays when NASCAR isn't on instead and it's not as good a show as it was when it began.
As far as host goes, one of my friends from another board said that Donald Sutherland would have been great and I agree, but I guess he's working on Dirty Sexy Money and films instead. I don't know though, I like Dennis Farina in films such as Snatch., Get Shorty, Out of Sight, Manhunter, and the TV show Miami Vice and think that he could be a decent fit for UM, we'll see. I don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth, but does Spike TV even have any track record for shows like this? Isn't the only true crime show they have is that circus-like series where they have car chases and other wild stuff caught on tape? I wonder if they can create the atmosphere and other great features that UM had and if they will bring back the directors and producers from the show to work on it instead of only outsiders. It's at least good to know that they are going back and updating the cases that have been updated since the show ended. I also wonder what could be some good candidates for new cases.

[Kane]

I wonder why this wasn't brought back to network TV where it will be seen by more people. I'd guarantee that if brought back in a primetime slot on NBC, it would win it's time slot. That's what network TV needs is a show in a primetime slot that is useful in catching killers and recovering missing people. The only one left is AMW and that is only on Saturdays when NASCAR isn't on instead and it's not as good a show as it was when it began.

I realize there are a number of people who would like to see UM on primetime again. But unfortunately, that's easier said than done. The primetime networks are hopelessly out of touch with us when it comes to a show like UM.

Besides, the primetime networks are losing audiences to cable, and have been for many years now. So I think the day will come when a first-run cable show attains more audiences than a non-cable show.

Here's another thing: let's suppose that UM did come back to primetime. I think the likely scenerio is that the networks executives would be quick on the trigger to cancel the show once they are not completely satisfied with its performance in the Nielsen ratings, even if the ratings were respectable. I mean, there used to be a time when networks would give a struggling show a chance to gain an audience (examples: Seinfeld, Cheers, and The X-Files). Sadly, however, that doesn't happen very often these days, if at all.

Plus, if NBC were to bring back UM, they would probably have to admit that it was a mistake to cancel the show in the first place. And I doubt they would ever make such an admission of error, probably because it would make them look bad. :rolleyes:


As far as host goes, one of my friends from another board said that Donald Sutherland would have been great and I agree, but I guess he's working on Dirty Sexy Money and films instead. I don't know though, I like Dennis Farina in films such as Snatch., Get Shorty, Out of Sight, Manhunter, and the TV show Miami Vice and think that he could be a decent fit for UM, we'll see.

We could always argue about who would have been a good host for UM. But the way I see it, the folks at UM wanted someone who would be a genuine fit. I got that impression from one of the Broadcasting & Cable articles which stated that there was a "short list" of possible hosts.

As far as I'm concerned, Dennis Farina is a genuine fit for UM. I don't believe he would have been hired if Spike TV or the UM folks felt otherwise.

[GoldenGirlsFan92]

So is it coming back on TV October 2008?

[synthisislab]

I realize there are a number of people who would like to see UM on primetime again. But unfortunately, that's easier said than done. The primetime networks are hopelessly out of touch with us when it comes to a show like UM.

Besides, the primetime networks are losing audiences to cable, and have been for many years now. So I think the day will come when a first-run cable show attains more audiences than a non-cable show.

Here's another thing: let's suppose that UM did come back to primetime. I think the likely scenerio is that the networks executives would be quick on the trigger to cancel the show once they are not completely satisfied with its performance in the Nielsen ratings, even if the ratings were respectable. I mean, there used to be a time when networks would give a struggling show a chance to gain an audience (examples: Seinfeld, Cheers, and The X-Files). Sadly, however, that doesn't happen very often these days, if at all.

Plus, if NBC were to bring back UM, they would probably have to admit that it was a mistake to cancel the show in the first place. And I doubt they would ever make such an admission of error, probably because it would make them look bad. :rolleyes:

NBC could have taken a useless show like Deal or No Deal and replaced UM in that time slot. What were the ratings for UM when it was on NBC? Wasn't it almost always the number 1 show in it's time slot throughout it's NBC run? I think ratings should and should always trump the ego of some has beens at a network TV station. Deal or No Deal is a sign of the apocalypse, in my mind. The dumbing down of society so people become sheep that are easy to control. Is anyone else jaded by the evening network TV line-up lately? It all feels unbelievably shallow and stale to me, especially compared to other TV eras. And cable isn't much better. The post-Sopranos/post-Cold Case Files TV years sure look dismal, don't they? I hope they can make this UM show work on Spike TV though and I also hope that this isn't going to be a short-lived thing. From them saying that they are going to go through 175 cases to begin with is a great sign.

And GoldenGirlsFan, yes it is supposed to be coming back around then on Spike TV. I'd be on the lookout around September to hear more about it. It's supposed to come on in the weekday afternoons every weekday, from what I've heard. So it won't be back on prime time TV, unfortunately. I will have to end up getting one of those DVRs so I can tape it everyday and watch it late at night like it was intended.

[Kane]

NBC could have taken a useless show like Deal or No Deal and replaced UM in that time slot. What were the ratings for UM when it was on NBC? Wasn't it almost always the number 1 show in it's time slot throughout it's NBC run?

I'd say that it often finished first in its time slot (if not always). For much of its NBC run, UM was a Top 30 show. For its last season on NBC (1996-97), the show was ranked at #58 out of more than 100 shows, with an average of more than 12 million viewers a week. Although the ratings were still respectable, NBC canceled it anyway.

I think ratings should and should always trump the ego of some has beens at a network TV station. Deal or No Deal is a sign of the apocalypse, in my mind. The dumbing down of society so people become sheep that are easy to control.

That's why I say the networks are out of touch with us. They have lost their way. They want to dictate us when it comes to programming choices, because they want to believe that we are too stupid to think for ourselves. Overall, they have a "screw you" attitude toward us TV viewers.

I hope they can make this UM show work on Spike TV though and I also hope that this isn't going to be a short-lived thing. From them saying that they are going to go through 175 cases to begin with is a great sign.

Spike has a five-year deal with the show, so when it comes to the longevity of television shows, five years is historically viewed as a good run for any TV series. If the show is still thriving at the end of its five-year contract, hopefully Spike will renew the deal. But of course, we'll worry about that when the time comes.

[Kane]

So is it coming back on TV October 2008?

Yes, that's what they've been announcing. It will be on Spike TV.

[mphs95]

Cool beans...I miss UM. Dennis Farina I think will be a great host. RS is the man, but I think DF will work, too.

[GoldenGirlsFan92]

Yes, that's what they've been announcing. It will be on Spike TV.
THanks very much. I can't wait to see it again.

[An 80s Guy]

I'll try and watch it.It's going to be weird watching it without Robert Stack.I wish they would also air reruns of segments from NBC and CBS not the newer lifetime ones.

[atomicfizz]

I found this forum while I was looking around for updates to old UM cases. I am so excited about this news!! I can't wait for the new show. I hope it is as close to as awesome as the old show as possible! Did I use the word "as" enough in that sentence? LOL. Anyway, I've wasted too much time tonight and I'll have to tear myself away until tomorrow. Lots of great stuff on this forum!

[Cori aka ChrisSCrush]

When will the new episodes begin to air? I don't know if we get this network now, but when our cable company finishes switching from analog to all-digital, I will request that they pick it up. When this happens, the cable companies will be able to keep up with the satellite companies and those selling direct services will have to come up with a new gimmick. :happyface

[Kane]

When will the new episodes begin to air?

Spike TV will begin airing UM in October, but it will be re-edited episodes, with new updates wherever applicable. This doesn't necessarily mean that there won't be any brand new episodes at some point. It's just that they might not materialize right away. So it's only fair to give you a heads-up on that.

I suspect that the re-edited episodes are being used, at least in part, to test the waters. Maybe Spike and Cosgrove/Meurer Productions want to wait and see how the refurbished segments with Dennis Farina fare in viewership before finalizing a decision to produce new episodes.

[Cori aka ChrisSCrush]

That's great, let's all give them lots of support and welcome and praise the updates! It will be great to be able to actually watch a TV program that's not 30 or 40 years old for once!

[Cori aka ChrisSCrush]

Can we contact them with suggestions?

[Kane]

Can we contact them with suggestions?

If you have any story ideas, then yes, you can contact them. In fact, I have occasionally written to the show to offer suggestions for stories.

Here's the address:

Unsolved Mysteries
P.O. Box 11449
Burbank, CA 91510-1449

[Cori aka ChrisSCrush]

Oh, thanks. If no email, I will send a postcard to that address.

[Pavan]

Details are now available on the timeslots for UM on Spike TV. It starts October 13:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2008/06/married-with-children-comes-to-tbs-this.html

[idol]

Surprised to see its on from 5:00-7:00, thats what DVR is for! 10 hours a week!

[TJ]

Thought there would be a little more excitement and buzz over this news, lol. Let the countdown to October 13 begin!

[PrettyinPink55]

Two Hour Block??? This is great!!!!! :D :woohoo:

[colt45allstar]

Awesome!

Nice time slot and two hours a night.

I'm starting to really get pumped!

[crystaldawn]

I'm certainly looking forward to watching 10 hours of UM a week..:happyface

[Kemistry]

Question: Are they gonna be showing re-runs of old cases along side the new ones or will they be showing re-runs of entire older episodes with the old themes? I'm also curious if they repackage old cases within the newer shows if they are gonna attempt to dub Farina's voice over Stack's which wouldn't sit well with me at all.

[crystaldawn]

Question: Are they gonna be showing re-runs of old cases along side the new ones or will they be showing re-runs of entire older episodes with the old themes? I'm also curious if they repackage old cases within the newer shows if they are gonna attempt to dub Farina's voice over Stack's which wouldn't sit well with me at all.

To my understanding they are redoing the old ones with Farina's narration. I don't think they'll show the entire episode intact, probably rework that. They're putting in 5 segments an hour instead of 4 so that means more editing (:rolleyes: ). I don't think they're going to have any new segments (meaning ones that have never been on UM before) right now but will possibly later. The best part about the new UM, in my opinion, is they're going to update some of the older cases. They are keeping the original theme music so thats good news also.

[Kemistry]

Okay, so if they aren't gonna have any new segments at first and seemingly for awhile after then what was the point of announcing Farina as the host? Granted they eventually could've done this to announce new mysteries but in the meantime they should've just kept with the status quo instead of hacking this show up into something hardcore fans will just shrug off, I know I will. I just don't understand the logic in changing older episodes, what's done is done so why waste money trying to update a product that is already perfect because honestly Stack WAS the show and I am still not convinced Farina can fill his shoes. So basically what we have to look forward to in October is U.M. with old cases even more butchered down due to time constraints, a new host and his voice dubbed over Stack's, wow suddenly I'm not as excited as I was..

[idol]

I wonder how much editing? For a typical 60 minute show you get at least 20-22 minutes of commercials. Say if a typical segment ran for an average of 9-11 minutes plus they should be full of revamped or new updates, makes you think they should cut it to 4 segements. Oh well at least its coming back!

[crystaldawn]

Okay, so if they aren't gonna have any new segments at first and seemingly for awhile after then what was the point of announcing Farina as the host? Granted they eventually could've done this to announce new mysteries but in the meantime they should've just kept with the status quo instead of hacking this show up into something hardcore fans will just shrug off, I know I will. I just don't understand the logic in changing older episodes, what's done is done so why waste money trying to update a product that is already perfect because honestly Stack WAS the show and I am still not convinced Farina can fill his shoes. So basically what we have to look forward to in October is U.M. with old cases even more butchered down due to time constraints, a new host and his voice dubbed over Stack's, wow suddenly I'm not as excited as I was..

I understand your aggravation. It seems it would have been much cheaper to just show the old ones and maybe down the line made some new segments with Farina hosting them. I suppose SpikeTV wanted to alter it to "make it their own". There is some excitement in that at least it will be on tv again and I'm anxious to see these updates and hopefully new footage with them. I think most of us agree it won't compare to the original but maybe it will still be a decent show.

Idol - Not sure how much editing but the original had 4 segments per show. The new will have 5 segments per show they say as well as some updates so they'll definitely have to do some editing to fit all of that in. It will be interesting to see how that turns out.

[Thor2000]

Great, my cable provider dropped Spike from the line-up. I guess only fifteen percent of the country will see it.

[crystaldawn]

Great, my cable provider dropped Spike from the line-up. I guess only fifteen percent of the country will see it.

I think I read where you can also watch the new UM on their website at www.spiketv.com.

[Kennedy]

Im just hoping that they dont screw with it too much .. I like the " old " style of unsolved mysteries .. Typicall 80 's .. All these new shows are just garbage ..

[Kemistry]

Off-topic: Nice avatar Kennedy.

[Kennedy]

Thank u .. Huge friday the 13th fan ..

[Kemistry]

Thank u .. Huge friday the 13th fan ..

Same here.. http://www.shiversofhorror.com/forum/Smileys/SOH/jason07.gif

[PrettyinPink55]

It will never be the same without Robert Stack, but I'm just glad it's back on TV. I am with you guys. I hope it doesn't mess with the originality and integrity of the show that set it apart from all the others...

So no new cases? I thought there would be new cases and that was the purpose of getting a new host..?
At least we are getting updates though!! Excited for that!!

[Kennedy]

yah , i thought there would be new cases too , hense the new host .. Y wouldnt of they just left robert in .. ?? hmmm ..

[Kemistry]

It's all disappointing, my excitment level is so low now. I mean it doesn't make sense at all. I think Spike just wants to modernize the show but that is the last thing a show such as this needs. If anything, it is a sure fire way to ruin it.

[Kennedy]

Yup , thats exactly how i feel.. The shows a classic , leave it as a classic..

[mphs95]

Off-topic: Nice avatar Kennedy.

I concur Kennedy. Classic film.

[Kane]

It will never be the same without Robert Stack, but I'm just glad it's back on TV. I am with you guys. I hope it doesn't mess with the originality and integrity of the show that set it apart from all the others...

So no new cases? I thought there would be new cases and that was the purpose of getting a new host..?
At least we are getting updates though!! Excited for that!!

The possibility of new episodes was mentioned in earlier articles, but they might not necessarily be produced right away. If anything, the refurbished episodes could very well be part of a strategy to test the waters (which I have noted in other posts on this forum).

In any event, I am sure there will be all-new episodes at some point. It's just a question of time. As the old saying goes, good things come to those who wait. :)

You also made a good point, PrettyinPink55. The way I see it, even if UM is successful in its new run, the show will never completely recover from losing Robert Stack.

[unsolvedmysteriesfan]

It will be hard no matter what and change is always hard. I'd like if they kept a 1988 look to the show,but it's 2008.

[PrettyinPink55]

Yeah, I would like to see pictures and videos instead of the generic text updates too.

[mphs95]

NBC could have taken a useless show like Deal or No Deal and replaced UM in that time slot. .

You know, UM could solve a mystery for Deal or No Deal. I would like to solve the mystery of why the hell does Howie Mandel have the skinhead look! Not cool, dude!

[Wicked_Mistress]

Wait a minute...when it comes to Spike it's going to be a new show with new episodes?

I thought they were just gonna do reruns!:eek:

[crystaldawn]

Wait a minute...when it comes to Spike it's going to be a new show with new episodes?

I thought they were just gonna do reruns!:eek:

To our knowledge Dennis Farina will be narrating the old segments (no new segments being made as of yet anyway). They will be updating some of the old segments but they are going to put 5 segments per show instead of the old UM's 4 which means they'll have to edit the old ones some.

[crochetbuff]

To our knowledge Dennis Farina will be narrating the old segments (no new segments being made as of yet anyway). They will be updating some of the old segments but they are going to put 5 segments per show instead of the old UM's 4 which means they'll have to edit the old ones some.

They'll have to edit them quite a bit with commercial being longer. That's o.k. though with today's shorter attention spans!;)

[Wicked_Mistress]

In my opinion any editing of UM is bad editing.:rolleyes:

Love you avatar crochetbuff!:happyface

[crochetbuff]

In my opinion any editing of UM is bad editing.:rolleyes:

Love you avatar crochetbuff!:happyface


Aww, thanks! :wave:

[benoitbabe]

From Lifetime: television for women, to Spike TV: television for men. I guess now all the "Lost Loves" segments will be replaced with segments like "Lost Remotes". actually it was not lifetime. Lifetime is still around. It was The Nashville Network. a country music station. liked the lost remotes comment.
I am so psyched!

[colt45allstar]

I think they mean that the last channel that showed Unsolved Mysteries was lifetime... which marketed themselves as television for women.

Spike TV (which indeed was The Nashville Network... and then for a short period The National Network) markets themselves as a guy friendly station.

Anyway I digress... I'm psyched as well!

[boco357]

FWIW

A casting company in Rhode Island, LDI Casting, has a Casting Credit up for "The New Unsolved Mysteries".
http://www.ldicasting.net/credits.htm

[freshwater]

Farina should go on the run from that airport/gun charge of a few months back and then profile himself on the show. That would be so post-modern. (I think)

[drgorman]

Does thsi mean they will take the new episodes and edit out Robert Stack??!?!? If that's true, the show isn't even worth watching. Robert Stack was the face of the show. It would be the same thing if they took the old twilight zone eps, recast them with any actor doesnt matter who. It would loose it's essence without Rod Serling. Same with UM.

[Pavan]

Spike TV Fall 2008 schedule:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2008/08/spike-tv-fall-2008-schedule-tv-land.html

[crystaldawn]

Spike TV Fall 2008 schedule:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2008/08/spike-tv-fall-2008-schedule-tv-land.html

Thanks for the info. Wow they're airing it for 5 hours on Sunday! :)

[Bluejay]

Does this mean they will take the new episodes and edit out Robert Stack?

Worse, they're planning on editing out Bob from the old segments and dubbing in Farina's voice.

:soapbox: I plan to give it a chance but if it's really going to change the focus to so-called "male-oriented", "dangerous and action-oriented" cases, they'll lose the original spirit of the show. For a lot of us, the appeal was The Unexplained -- :ufo: or at the very least, getting scared ****!less in the middle of the night. Without that "gave me the creeps" element, they're going to lose viewers, men and women.

It's reverse sexism. They figure we'll all tune in if it's got tits and car crashes, but that'll just make it like every other "male" show out there. Bor-ing. A lot of us want something that appeals to other parts of the anatomy.

[idol]

I assume on Sunday they'll repeat some of the previous weeks episodes.

[Mr. Fuji]

I assume on Sunday they'll repeat some of the previous weeks episodes.
Man, I hope so. I just worry about overkill. 15 hours a week of Unsolved Mysteries may not be too much for us, but it certainly will be for the average viewer. I guess I'll just be like everyone else here and keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best.

[Dr Will Hatch]

Does thsi mean they will take the new episodes and edit out Robert Stack??!?!? If that's true, the show isn't even worth watching. Robert Stack was the face of the show. It would be the same thing if they took the old twilight zone eps, recast them with any actor doesnt matter who. It would loose it's essence without Rod Serling. Same with UM.
X

I'm not getting good vibes from the editing. They just should do new episodes and do updates of old segments.

[unsolvedmysteriesfan]

I'll give it a chance. I loved the show, and I hope they'll keep some elements of it that made it so special. If not, oh well, everything changes. I don't feel bad about giving it a chance, if Robert ever appears as a ghost and asks me if I still love his work, I think he was fabulous :-) .

[terry67401]

New to the board, but not to the show!! I, too, will give it a chance. Granted it will not be nor will it ever be the same without Robert Stack, but I'm just glad someone had enough to sense to not let it die. I had read somewhere that they were indeed producing new segments as well as updates to the old ones. I am wondering, though, if they will use Robert's narration for the older segments they are updating. Should be interesting. Guess I am going to have to pay the cable bill to find out. I was so angry at Lifetime for pulling the plug on the show, I dropped my cable service. Here's to five more good years of Unsolved!!

[Kane]

New to the board, but not to the show!! I, too, will give it a chance. Granted it will not be nor will it ever be the same without Robert Stack, but I'm just glad someone had enough to sense to not let it die. I had read somewhere that they were indeed producing new segments as well as updates to the old ones. I am wondering, though, if they will use Robert's narration for the older segments they are updating. Should be interesting. Guess I am going to have to pay the cable bill to find out. I was so angry at Lifetime for pulling the plug on the show, I dropped my cable service. Here's to five more good years of Unsolved!!

Welcome aboard. :)

As a fan of UM since 1989, I am giving the show a chance.

When Robert Stack died in 2003, I reluctantly accepted the fact that the show was unlikely to continue in the immediate future. However, I never ruled out the possibility that it would one day make a comeback. I didn't know if it would be in five years, ten years, or more. But I knew that sooner or later, there would be plans to restart the show. It was just a question of time.

[hottstuff25]

I think they will have Farina explain an overview of the segment and probably still have Stack narrate it.

[mikele]

i bet that Robert Stack will be totally wiped out not to interfere with the new host. The worst thing we are not given any choice - I would like to pay for the old episodes on dvd - there's no such thing apart from those themed dvds which dont really satisfy my needs. To me UM without Robert Stack is nothing but cheap imitation.

not so thrilled about the whole spike tv take over, the best option would be airing old episodes intact and having Farina present new cases and updates to the old ones.

[mphs95]

i bet that Robert Stack will be totally wiped out not to interfere with the new host. The worst thing we are not given any choice - I would like to pay for the old episodes on dvd - there's no such thing apart from those themed dvds which dont really satisfy my needs. To me UM without Robert Stack is nothing but cheap imitation.

not so thrilled about the whole spike tv take over, the best option would be airing old episodes intact and having Farina present new cases and updates to the old ones.

CD can hook you up with old segments if you're interested. Her UM Favorites kicks arse!

[veggie-tari-jenn]

that will rock....thanx for the info!!

[sdb4884]

Does anyone know when Unsolved Mysteries will be returning to Australian audiences?

[crystaldawn]

Does anyone know when Unsolved Mysteries will be returning to Australian audiences?

I'm not sure about that but if you're interested in watching the new UM I believe I read that you will be able to watch it on spike's website which is www.spiketv.com.

[Jediknight1823]

In my opinion any editing of UM is bad editing.:rolleyes:

Not necessarily. If they wind up editing out that church/school bomb miracle segment I won't complain.

[Mimmy]

I have mixed feelings about this. I'm excited that UM is coming back, but I read that they have changed a lot of the format ... including the scary, pee-in-your-pants theme music! So I'm not sure about it yet. Oh well, I'll still watch it, but only in broad daylight, with the blankets pulled up to my eyeballs, just the way I did 20 years ago. :)

[colt45allstar]

Just a month away.

I remember when news first came out about the show returning late last year.

Seemed like the wait was going to be forever and in many ways it has been.. but the countdown has really kicked into overdrive.

I can't wait!

[FranchiseLegend]

Has anyone seen a trailer for the new show yet?

[mikem7715]

Please update me...I have been away from the boards for a while.Will this be reruns,just with editing,and a new host,or will this be an all new show with all new cases? Please let me know,thanks guys!

[crystaldawn]

Please update me...I have been away from the boards for a while.Will this be reruns,just with editing,and a new host,or will this be an all new show with all new cases? Please let me know,thanks guys!

As far as we know they are redoing old UM cases and updating some of them. Dennis Farina is the new host. They are going to put 5 segments per hour so I'm assuming quite a bit of editing will be done. They may do new cases down the road but for now they're redoing the old ones. They are working on updating the site at www.unsolved.com but aren't done yet.

[mikem7715]

As far as we know they are redoing old UM cases and updating some of them. Dennis Farina is the new host. They are going to put 5 segments per hour so I'm assuming quite a bit of editing will be done. They may do new cases down the road but for now they're redoing the old ones. They are working on updating the site at www.unsolved.com but aren't done yet.

Thanks so much

[Kemistry]

Sure makes one wonder, I mean they sure are going through alot of trouble revamping the show. I see it as a total waste to try and modernize without any intention of starting production on any new cases. I just don't see the logic in that if it is all done for the purpose of repeating the same 'ol cases we all know. In any case 5 segments per episode means a hell of alot of editing so if you thought Lifetime was bad, Spike is gonna be 10 times as worse.

[peachysquirt21]

Sure makes one wonder, I mean they sure are going through alot of trouble revamping the show. I see it as a total waste to try and modernize without any intention of starting production on any new cases. I just don't see the logic in that if it is all done for the purpose of repeating the same 'ol cases we all know. In any case 5 segments per episode means a hell of alot of editing so if you thought Lifetime was bad, Spike is gonna be 10 times as worse.

This is the main reason why I don't think I am gonna like the new UM. Plus changing the music. The music should not have been changed. These 2 things they should not have messed with.

[DALLASTEXAN!!]

no one wants to accept change obviously. I wish we could bring robert stack back and go right back to the way the show was in 88-89. but unfortunately that won't ever happen. the fact is it's going to be a new show with a new host...targeting a whole new audience. UM/Spike already knows that we are going to watch. I'm sure they know that we will complain and will want new episodes. but they are looking to get new viewers who may not even know much about the show at all. If they can have success....like many on here have said.....then we might see new episodes. the fact is there are so many great ones out there that are still unsolved. I would like to continue to see those as well because they still serve a purpose to me. either way it's better than what I have now....which is nothing.

[DP1]

This is the main reason why I don't think I am gonna like the new UM. Plus changing the music. The music should not have been changed. These 2 things they should not have messed with.

Why in God's name are they changing the music? When you revamp a new show (while utilizing footage from its earlier shows), you don't change the theme music.

[Robbo42]

Hi to all.

I am a big fan of Unsolved Mysteries and really looking forward to watching it if i get the chance over here in England.

Is there anyway i can watch it online? :confused:

I cant believe they are planning to change the music!! :mad:

Robbo

[mphs95]

I for one, am going to keep an open mind. I am just so excited that UM is coming back. I just hope the update doesn't make the UM a macho man/techo show. It needs to keep the creepy feel that made it so great.

[crystaldawn]

Hi to all.

I am a big fan of Unsolved Mysteries and really looking forward to watching it if i get the chance over here in England.

Is there anyway i can watch it online? :confused:



Welcome! :) I did read in an article that you should be able to watch the new UM on Spike's website which is www.spike.com.

[Kane]

UM/Spike already knows that we are going to watch. I'm sure they know that we will complain and will want new episodes. but they are looking to get new viewers who may not even know much about the show at all. If they can have success....like many on here have said.....then we might see new episodes.

I agree. There's no doubt in my mind that there is a move toward producing first-run segment. I suspect the re-edited episodes will be used as a stepping stone to that goal. To me, resuming production on UM is like death and the tides: it is inevitable.

My advice: Tune in to UM. Do it as if your whole world depended on it! :)

[DALLASTEXAN!!]

My advice: Tune in to UM. Do it as if your whole world depended on it! :)
I can't speak for all inclusive. but I know i sure will. I will watch even if it is night and day.:crazy:

[videohunter]

I'm sure this has been mentioned before, but other then our beloved late Robert Stack, the only other person IMO who could possibly pull off a quality host/narration that would fit ,would be Bill Kurtis ...

anyway sooo looking foward to the new series ... :)

[scotterguy911]

This is the main reason why I don't think I am gonna like the new UM. Plus changing the music. The music should not have been changed. These 2 things they should not have messed with.

I disagree totally. Yes, we all loved the previous theme, but nostalgia doesn't go on forever.. the show is moving on .. it is modernized .. and I frankly love the new opening sequence... it's fresh.

[floyd2006]

Monday cant come fast enough. There are so many changes and I understand why they are doing it, but i'm still in favor of the show. I have high hopes so lets see how it turns out.

[mphs95]

Man....Monday 5 pm can not come fast enough!

[ididn'tdoit]

Does anyone know when the episodes will be available on Spike.com?

[crystaldawn]

Does anyone know when the episodes will be available on Spike.com?

No but I did email them today and asked them that. If I hear back I'll be sure and let you know.

[ididn'tdoit]

Aww, great! Thanks! :wave: