Shepard Resurrection Project
In Arcadia, Missouri, the dead return unaged, upending lives and defying orders.
The provided source details 'Resurrection,' an American fantasy drama television series that aired on ABC from March 9, 2014, to January 25, 2015. Based on Jason Mott's 2013 novel The Returned, the show centers on a town where deceased individuals return to life unaged. It was co-produced by ABC Studios and Plan B Entertainment, with key leadership from Brad Pitt, Aaron Zelman, JoAnn Alfano, Jon Liebman, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Michele Fazekas, and Tara Butters. The series follows the residents of Arcadia, Missouri, whose lives are disrupted when their loved ones return. Among them is Jacob Langston, an eight-year-old boy who drowned in 1982 but was found alive in China before being returned to his parents by immigration agent J. Martin 'Marty' Bellamy. Despite high ratings initially, ABC cancelled the series on May 7, 2015, after two seasons due to a significant drop in viewership.
- Aired From
- March 9, 2014
- Aired To
- January 25, 2015
- Network
- ABC
- Number of Seasons
- 2
- Cancellation Date
- May 7, 2015
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The premise of Resurrection involves the town of Arcadia, Missouri, where the dead come back to life exactly as they were when they died. Jacob Langston, an eight-year-old boy who drowned in 1982, is found alive in China and brought back to the United States. Immigration agent J. Martin 'Marty' Bellamy (Omar Epps) defies orders to return Jacob to his parents, Henry (Kurtwood Smith) and Lucille (Frances Fisher). This event inspires Sheriff Fred Langston (Matt Craven), Jacob's uncle, and Fred's daughter Dr. Maggie Langston (Devin Kelley), whose mother drowned while allegedly trying to rescue the boy, to investigate the mystery. Caleb Richards (Sam Hazeldine), father of Maggie's best friend Elaine (Samaire Armstrong), becomes the second resident to return, warning that many more are coming. The series was co-produced by ABC Studios and Plan B Entertainment, with leadership from Brad Pitt and others. It aired on ABC from March 9, 2014, to January 25, 2015, before being cancelled due to low ratings in its second season.
In Their Own Story
The narrative begins when Jacob Langston, an eight-year-old boy who drowned in 1982, is found alive in China and brought back to Arcadia, Missouri. Immigration agent J. Martin 'Marty' Bellamy disobeys orders to return the boy to his parents, Henry and Lucille Langston. This act sets off a chain reaction in the town as other residents begin returning from the dead, including Caleb Richards, who warns of more to come. The show explores the emotional impact on families like the Langstons, where Sheriff Fred Langston and Dr. Maggie Langston seek answers about the mystery. Maggie's mother had drowned while allegedly trying to rescue Jacob, adding personal tragedy to the supernatural event. The series follows these characters as they navigate the chaos of having their dead loved ones return unaged, creating tension with local authorities and immigration officials. Production involved ABC Studios and Plan B Entertainment, with key figures including Brad Pitt leading the effort until the show's cancellation in May 2015.
Reader's Guide
Resurrection aired on ABC from March 9, 2014, to January 25, 2015, running for two seasons before being cancelled on May 7, 2015. The series is based on Jason Mott's 2013 novel The Returned and centers on Arcadia, Missouri, where the dead return unaged. Key characters include Jacob Langston (Landon Gimenez), an eight-year-old who drowned in 1982; his parents Henry (Kurtwood Smith) and Lucille (Frances Fisher); immigration agent Marty Bellamy (Omar Epps); Sheriff Fred Langston (Matt Craven); and Dr. Maggie Langston (Devin Kelley). Caleb Richards (Sam Hazeldine) is the second returned resident. The show was co-produced by ABC Studios and Plan B Entertainment, with leadership from Brad Pitt and others. It premiered in Australia on March 25, 2014, on Seven Network, attracting 1.9 million mainland capital city viewers. In the UK, it aired on Watch starting August 18, 2014. The first season holds a 50% score on Rotten Tomatoes with an average rating of 5.7/10 based on 40 reviews.
Did You Know?
- The series was based on Jason Mott's 2013 novel The Returned.
- Brad Pitt's Plan B Entertainment co-produced the show alongside ABC Studios.
- Jacob Langston, an eight-year-old who drowned in 1982, was found alive in China before returning to his parents.
- The show premiered in Australia on March 25, 2014, becoming the highest-rated series premiere there in two years with 1.9 million viewers.
- Season 2 saw a significant drop in ratings, leading to ABC cancelling the series after only two seasons.