Is Manifest based on a True Story? Ending Explained and More

Manifest TV Series

Jeff Rake’s supernatural drama TV series, Manifest, debuted its premiere episode on NBC on September 24, 2018. The show revolves around the passengers and crew of a commercial airliner who mysteriously resurface after being missing for five and a half years, previously presumed dead. Notable actors in the series include Josh Dallas, Athena Karkanis, J. R. Ramirez, Luna Blaise, Jack Messina, Parveen Kaur, Matt Long, Holly Taylor, Daryl Edwards, and Ty Doran.

Following the initial season, NBC ordered additional episodes in October 2018, leading to the renewal of the show for a second season in 2020 and a third season in 2021. However, NBC eventually canceled Manifest in June 2021 due to declining viewership. Despite this, Netflix surprisingly announced the renewal of the show for a fourth and final season, consisting of twenty episodes. Part one of the fourth season was released on November 4, 2022, and part two is scheduled to be released on June 2, 2024, shortly after the cancellation of the show by NBC.

Is Manifest Based on a True Story? 

Although “Manifest” is not based on a genuine story, it did find inspiration in the 2014 loss of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. Jeff Rake is the author of the fictional television program, which debuted in 2018 on NBC. The show does not use any real-life events or situations while having elements of mystery, drama, and otherworldly happenings. The plot of “Manifest” centers on the passengers of Montego Air Flight 828, which vanishes for 5.5 years before miraculously reappearing.

The passengers, who have not aged a day, must deal with the difficulties of going back to their life and the mysterious circumstances of their departure. The show explores themes of family, fate, and the inexplicable, crafting an engrossing plot that holds viewers’ attention. Despite not being based on real occurrences, “Manifest” has been influenced by well-known theories and notions like the Bermuda Triangle and time travel.

The show’s makers have created a unique and fascinating story that has won over a devoted fan base, but it is not based on any true events or stories from real life.

How Manifest Inspired by a Real Event?

When viewed in a certain light, the fact that Manifest is based on the tragic real-life event of the missing Flight 370 appears exploitative. There are, however, many other motion pictures and television programs that are based on tragic true events. For instance, the popular Yellowjackets SHOWTIME series is based on the 1972 Andes Flight tragedy. The terrible yet intriguing occurrence that serves as the centerpiece of Manifest’s story makes viewers consider what they might do if they were passengers.

Since a catastrophe like Flight 370 or the Andes Flight in 1972 might theoretically happen to anyone, the series’ stakes are raised and the story becomes more realistic and sympathetic for viewers. Ultimately, for art to be more than the sum of its parts, it must mirror and refract aspects of real life. The fact that Manifest was inspired by a real-life airplane crash in the Yellowjackets aesthetic enhances the program.

Manifest Plot

The characters of “Manifest” are the passengers of Montego Air Flight 828, an airplane that vanished for five and a half years before making a surprising reappearance. The passengers, who haven’t aged, return to a world that’s changed without them and have to deal with the difficulties and repercussions of their mysterious absence. The passengers learn that they have been endowed with odd skills and experiences as they attempt to restart their lives.

Some of them hear voices, see visions, or have heightened senses, which makes them think that something supernatural happened to them during their disappearance. In their quest to learn the truth about the mystery surrounding Flight 828 and its effects, they encounter not only their problems and conflicts but also governmental inquiries, religious fanatics, and their own inner demons. The main characters set out on a quest to solve the mystery and find hidden connections, including the Stone siblings Michaela and Ben and their companion Saanvi.

They reflect on the purpose of their gifts while juggling their own problems, those of others, and moral concerns. The show addresses themes of fate, destiny, and faith along the way, keeping viewers interested with its turns and turns as they impatiently await the show’s secrets to be solved.

Manifest Ending Explained

The Stone family is attempting to locate the final Omega Sapphire in the S4 part 1 finale, but they are unaware that Angelina (who is still alive) has already stolen it. Then, after seeing Grace urge him to bring Eden to her, Ben brings Eden to her grave. Angelina, who now has the ability to make phony callings thanks to the sapphire, is waiting for him there. After two years of Eden believing Angelina was her mother, Ben and Angelina beg Eden to choose between them.

Ben is chosen by Eden, and Angelina flees, albeit briefly. At the same time, Olive, TJ, and Zeke devise a strategy to preserve Cal so that he might aid in averting the end of the world. Zeke takes Cal’s cancer and gives it to himself using his empathic abilities, tragically passing away in Cal’s place. After that, Cal and Angelina can face off in a “vision” that is based on the original Flight 828. He appears to take the Omega Sapphire away from her, but in reality, Angelina holds the genuine stone in her palm and it breaks.

But in the episode’s final scene, Angelina can be seen strolling while holding a bright piece of sapphire.

Manifest Review

Themes like fate, destiny, and faith were examined in “Manifest,” which provoked viewers’ thoughts and led to conversations and arguments. As the protagonists struggle with their newly acquired talents and the repercussions of their decisions, the show has explored the moral and ethical challenges they encounter. The program has drawn criticism for its confusing plotlines and unresolved issues, which may make viewers irritated and perplexed.

Some have also pointed out that the show extensively relies on cliched tropes and repetitious plot techniques, which may diminish its impact and originality. The engaging TV show “Manifest” has captivated audiences with its unique idea, endearing characters, and otherworldly mystery. It has had mixed reviews; while it has been praised for its original concept and performances, some have expressed reservations about the narrative and pacing. The show’s final reception and evaluation can change as the plot develops as it proceeds.