Ethan Carter
Classic series like Scrubs and Futurama have seen revivals, and now Netflix is joining the trend with its exciting new project, Manifest.
This series, which originally premiered on NBC before moving to Netflix, is set to expand with a spinoff titled Arrivals. This new installment introduces a fresh cast of characters and original narratives while remaining within the same universe. The original creator of Manifest, Jeff Rake, along with producers Margaret Easley and Laura Putney, are collaborating once again as creators, executive producers, and showrunners. They are currently searching for directors to bring this vision to life.
Get ready for ARRIVALS: A NEW MANIFEST MYSTERY, an upcoming series set in the Manifest universe that reunites the original creative team: Jeff Rake, Laura Putney, and Margaret Easley. Coming soon to Netflix. pic.twitter.com/1FqxpT5RL5
— Netflix (@netflix) August 28, 2026
The plot of Arrivals kicks off with a plane crash in Denver, where the survivors are left with no recollection of their identities or how they arrived there. Assisting them in unraveling this mystery are a youthful social worker and an inexperienced Homeland Security agent. Together, they uncover a looming “humanity-ending catastrophe” that they must work to prevent. The original Manifest series followed the journey of 191 passengers and crew members who discovered they had been missing for over five years, struggling to understand their circumstances and the reasons behind their disappearance. As of now, it remains unclear how the two series will intersect, such as whether any legacy characters will make appearances.
For those who feel this announcement came out of the blue, Deadline has reported that Arrivals has been in development for some time. Although it has only been a few years since the conclusion of Manifest’s final two-part season, speculation about a spinoff circulated even earlier, and the reveal on Friday, August 28, was a nod to the original show’s Flight 828. In a statement, Rake expressed enthusiasm about creating “something bold, surprising, deeply human, and filled with the kind of expansive ideas that provoke discussions long after the credits roll. We are eager for both new viewers and dedicated Manifest fans to experience Arrivals.”
Interested in more io9 updates? Discover when to anticipate the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s on the horizon for the DC Universe in film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Daniel Mercer
