LOST was one of the most popular and impactful shows of the 2000s, and it’s not talked about nearly as much as it should be. At one point, LOST was so popular that President Barack Obama postponed the state of the union address for the premier of the show’s 6th season (NPR). It was very popular in the US and internationally. The diverse cast of LOST helped propel its global audience, along with fantastic writing (VOA). In fact, people had widespread viewing parties for the 104 minute finale of the show.

I personally love LOST. The action never stops, there are mysteries galore, and the characters are just amazing. The casting on LOST is among the best I’ve ever seen. Every single actor fulfills their role perfectly, and the characters themselves are developed exceptionally well. I definitely cried during the finale. From the first season, LOST puts the show in full drive mode, as everything is called into question, delivering a truly brilliant show. No one knows what’s going on, but it encompasses everything so well into the end, and then everything makes sense, and all the suspense pays off. 

The writing is just dazzling; every moment is a mystery, and no one has a clue what’s going on (in a good way). In fact, while the show was airing, there were extensive message boards dedicated to just analyzing the show. Every episode is breathtaking on its own, and every single season is good on its own, but when they are all combined, they form the one greatest mystery/drama shows of all time, from start all the way to the finale.

Oh, and the finale: no, they were not dead the whole time. Now, I don’t want to spoil anything, but the final episode is a thriller and an absolute 10/10. Whatever you’ve heard about the ending, it’s probably not true. Everything that happened to the cast happened, it was all real. LOST does a great job at wrapping up each character’s story, in a very emotional way. 

So why has this great show been forgotten? LOST aired in a time before social media and mainstream internet, making it harder for people, specifically Gen Zers and younger millennials, to even know about the show. Additionally, pop culture LOST references are more nuanced, meaning people less likely to try to learn more about the show. I also think recency bias has detached LOST from the fast-changing spoke of what TV shows are watched. It is simply harder for older shows to be relevant. Still, to the older generations, LOST is a TV staple.

I highly recommend LOST to everyone, whether you are a fan of mystery, dramas, comedy, and heartbreaking episodes that take your breath away, this show is a must!