No, "Manifest" is not a faith-based or religious show.
The plot of Netflix's "Manifest" has been purposefully designed to interact with religion and science. This was clarified by the series' creator, Jeff Rake, in an interview with USA Today in October 2018. He stated, "That debate is as old as time itself.” “It’s really the ultimate debate in human history: faith vs. science." He added, "I challenge myself in every episode to tell the story of what would really happen if something this extraordinary ever occurred."
The plot of the show is about Flight 828 of Montego Air experiencing a brief period of very bad turbulence as it was flying from Jamaica to New York City. As soon as they land at Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, New York, NSA deputy director Robert Vance explains to them that it's been five and a half years since they left the ground, during which time they were believed to have died; this information was revealed to 191 passengers and crew on board the aircraft.
As they reintegrate into society, the passengers must come to terms with the fact that their lives and those of their loved ones are not the same as they once were. They also start to experience "callings," which are guiding voices and visions of upcoming events.
Why is the “Manifest” considered to be a religious show?
Starting with flight number 828, the supernatural television series has incorporated religious themes. Karen Stone quotes Romans 8:28, her favorite Bible verse, early in the show, just before the Stone family is split up. It states, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
These words from the verse appear several times, including when the Stones talk about their “callings.” This draws our attention to the strange visions and voices that the flight's passengers and crew experience after they return. A crucial component of these “callings” is faith; people can only assist others if they have faith in these purported spiritual encounters.
In 2018, Melissa Roxburgh spoke with USA Today about her portrayal of “Michaela Stone.” She claimed Michaela has "this glimmer of hope in her eye; she’s kind of looking at it like, ‘Maybe we’re being called back for a spiritual reason.’" The character's perspective on the situation differs significantly from her brother Ben's, who has a strong foundation in logic and science. The Stone siblings thus confirm Jake's claim that the program contrasts science against religion.
How did the people react to Manifest's religious references?
There have been a variety of responses from viewers to the blending of religion and science. One Catholic Reddit user expressed surprise that NBC picked up the show. They pointed out that the series frequently alludes to the Bible, which some viewers might find offensive.
A different fan, who claimed to be anti-religious, expressed their love for the series. They considered that even though it frequently offers religion or faith to explain something that defies logic, it also does a good job of providing nonreligious explanations.
Rake clarified in a press conference in January 2020, "So, from the very first episode, we introduce this idea of faith versus science." "There is a definitive answer to that question that I’m not going to provide today because that’s fundamental to the mystery of the show, and I don’t want to give away in terms of the mythology and the mystery." "But I will tell you that whether or not the ultimate answer to why this plane disappeared and came back (and how that) connects to divinity versus science versus an extraterrestrial event will be answered objectively."
Is Netflix’s Manifest inspired by a true story?
No, the plot of "Manifest" is not based on true events, but it is inspired by Malaysia Airlines Flight 370's disappearance in 2014. It's also strikingly similar to ABC's hit series "Lost" and USA Network's "The 4400," both of which are thought to have set the stage for "Manifest."
From 2004 to 2010, the ABC hit series “Lost” was on the air. Many networks tried to capitalize on the success of the six-season show after it ended. "Missing planes aside, Manifest's dealing with complex and centuries-old mythology takes what “Lost” started and builds upon it," CBR wrote.
“The 4400,” an underappreciated USA Network series, "paved the way," according to CBR, for the plane return plot in "Manifest." David McGuire wrote, "The 4400 tells of 4400 people who suddenly return (all from different points in time) having not aged a day." "Their return sparks anger and fear as the public doesn't know how to process the return of these people who seem to possess a superpower."
Jeff Rake said regarding the connection between the series "Manifest" and Malaysia Airlines Flight 370's disappearance, "That flight has a pivotal role in my story, but the truth of the matter is that I thought of that idea almost ten years ago." In reality, Flight 370 was en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. They were never seen again, along with the 227 passengers and 12 crew members, back in 2014.
FAQs
Q. Is the series “Manifest” a religious series?
A. No, Manifest is not a religious series; however, a few of the characters are religious.
Q. What is the theme of the series “Manifest”?
A. According to the series' creator, Jeff Rake, the series theme is based on the contrast of science and religion with the plot of the aircraft's disappearance and return.
Q. How many seasons does the show “Manifest” have?
A. "Manifest" has four seasons in total, with the fourth season divided into two parts, the first of which was released on November 4, 2022, and the second on June 2, 2023, as speculated.
