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{{otheruses4|the currently produced television series|the short-lived reality series|Lost (2001 TV series)|}}
{{featured article}}
{{Infobox Television
| show_name = LOST
| image = ]
| caption = ''Lost'' title screen
| genre = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]
| creator = ]<br />]<br />]
| director = ]<br />]<br />]
| creative_director =
| developer =
| starring =
| composer = ]
| country = {{USA}}
| language = ]
| num_seasons = 4
| num_episodes = 77 <!--(as of March 20, 2008)-->
| list_episodes = List of Lost episodes
| executive_producer = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]
| location = {{flagicon|USA}} ]
| camera =
| runtime = approx. 43 min.
| network = ]
| picture_format = ] (]), ] (]) ABC HD, ] (]) Sky HD, Premiere HD
| audio_format =
| first_run =
| first_aired = ] ]
| last_aired = present
| website = http://abc.go.com/primetime/lost/
| production_website = http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/showpage/showpage.aspx?program_id=001648&type=lead
| imdb_id = 0411008
| tv_com_id = 24313
| bgcolour = #99CCFF
}}
'''''Lost''''' is an ] ] ] that follows the lives of ] survivors on a mysterious ] ], after a commercial ] flying between ], ] and ], ] crashes somewhere in the ]. Each episode typically features a primary storyline on the island as well as a secondary storyline from ] in a character's life. The show was created by ], ] and ], and is filmed primarily on location in ].<ref name="ABC About ''Lost''"></ref> ] was first broadcast on ] ].<ref name = "Pilot: Part 1">{{cite episode | title = Pilot: Part 1 | episodelink = Pilot (Lost) | series = Lost | serieslink = Lost (TV series) | credits = ] | writers = J. J. Abrams, ] & ] (story) and J. J. Abrams & Damon Lindelof, (teleplay) | network = ABC | airdate = 2004-09-22 | season = 1 | number = 1}}</ref> Since then, three seasons have been aired, with a fourth season currently being aired. The show is produced by ], ] and Grass Skirt Productions and airs on the ] in the United States. Its ] is composed by ]. The current executive producers are Abrams, Lindelof, ], ] and ].<ref>," '']''. Retrieved on ] ].</ref> Because of its large ] and the cost of filming in Hawaii, the series is one of the most expensive on television.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://starbulletin.com/2005/01/26/news/story2.html | title=High filming costs force ABC network executives to consider relocating |last=Ryan | first=Tim |date=2005-01-26 | publisher='']''}}</ref>

A critically-acclaimed and popular success, ''Lost'' garnered an average of 16 million viewers per episode on ABC during its first year, and won numerous industry awards including the ] for ] in 2005,<ref name=Emmys.tv> </ref> Best American Import at the ] in 2005, the ] for ] in 2006 and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama Series.

Reflecting its devoted ], the show has become a part of American ] with references to the story and its elements appearing in other television shows,<ref>{{cite news| title=Your Veronica Mars Questions Answered!|last=Thomas|first=Rob|url =http://www.tvguide.com/News/veronica-mars-questions/060201-01 |publisher=TVGuide.com Insider|date=2006-02-01}}</ref> commercials, ],<ref>Hughes, Adam (cover artist). . ] ].</ref><ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.ffplaza.com/library/?issue=tg6v2| publisher=FFPlaza.com|title=Thing, vol 2 #6 }}</ref> ]s, ]s, a ]<ref>{{cite news | last= | first= | title=''Lost'' Found In Half-Life 2 |date=2007-10-14 | publisher=Kotaku | url =http://kotaku.com/gaming/easter-egg/lost-found-in-half+life-2-310606.php}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last= | first= | title=The ''Lost'' Numbers in HL2 |date=2007-10-14 | publisher=Kotaku | url =http://kotaku.com/gaming/easter-egg/the-lost-numbers-in-hl2-310631.php}}</ref> and song ]. The show's ] has also been explored through ] ]s, ] and ]s, and ]s, '']'' and '']''.<ref name="d-abc_press">{{cite news | last= | first= | title=Global interactive phenomenon, ''Lost Experience'', to reveal meaning behind mysterious numbers on international Hit TV show ''Lost''|date=2006-07-25 | publisher=Disney-ABC Television Group | url=http://www.disneyabctv.com/datvg_press/dispDNR.html?id=072506_12}}</ref>

In May 2007, it was announced that ''Lost'' would continue for its fourth, fifth, and sixth seasons, concluding with the 117th produced episode in May 2010. These three final seasons were planned to consist of 16 episodes each, running weekly in the spring uninterrupted by repeats, though the ] has called this exact episode count into question.<ref>, Variety.com, ] ]</ref><ref>, '']''</ref> It has been announced that there will most likely be 13 episodes in Season 4, but the three missing episodes should be made up for in the two following seasons.<ref>], (] ]) "", '']''.</ref> The fourth season premiered in the United States on ] ].<ref name=s4>Hartman, Hope & Rous, Alison (], ]) "," '']''. Retrieved on ] ].</ref>

==Production==
===Conception===
The series began ] in January 2004, when ], head of ABC at the time, ordered an initial script from ] based on his concept of a cross between the novel '']'', the movie '']'', ], and the popular reality show '']''. Gadi Pollack notes that some of "the influences of ''Lost'' came from...the game '']''."<ref>"''Lost'': Getting Your Fix," ''Game Informer'' 177 (January 2008): 79.</ref> ] was hired and wrote ''Nowhere'', based on his pitch to write the ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Cast Away| last=Bernstein|first=David|url=http://chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/August-2007/Cast-Away/index.php?cp=2&si=1#artanc| publisher=]|date=August 2007}}</ref> Unhappy with the result and a subsequent rewrite, Braun contacted ], who had a deal with Touchstone (now ]), and was also the creator of the TV series '']'', to write a new pilot script. Although initially hesitant, Abrams warmed up to it on the condition that the show have a supernatural angle to it, and collaborated with ] to create the series' style and characters.<ref name="DT081405"> {{cite news| last=Craig| first=Olga| title=The man who discovered ''Lost'' &mdash; and found himself out of a job| url=http://news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/08/14/wlost14.xml| publisher='']''|date=2005-08-14}}</ref> Together, Abrams and Lindelof also created a series "bible", and conceived and detailed the major mythological ideas and plot points for an ideal five to six season run for the show.<ref> {{cite web| last=Jensen| first=Jeff| title=When Stephen King met the ''Lost'' boys...| url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1562722,00.html| publisher=EW.com|accessdate=2007-11-24}}</ref><ref>Burk, Bryan, ''Lost Season 1 DVD'' (extras), ], ] ].</ref> The development of the show was constrained by tight deadlines, as it had been commissioned late in the 2004 season's development cycle. Despite the short schedule, the creative team remained flexible enough to modify or create characters to fit actors they wished to cast.<ref name=season1dvd>Abrams, J. J and Lloyd Braun, ''Lost Season 1 DVD'' (extras), ], ] ].</ref>

''Lost'''s two-part pilot episode was the most expensive in the network's history, reportedly costing between ]10 and US $14 million,<ref>{{cite news|title=New series gives Hawaii 3 TV shows in production| last=Ryan|first=Tim|url =http://starbulletin.com/2004/05/17/news/story7.html| publisher='']''|date=2004-05-17}}</ref> compared to the average cost of an hour-long pilot in 2005 of US $4 million.<ref name="EIDC050405">{{cite press release
|url =http://www.eidc.com/EIDC_Press_Release_050405.pdf#search=%22production%20cost%20of%20a%20television%20TV%20pilot%22
|publisher= Entertainment Industry Development Corporation |title=EIDC Issues First Overview of Pilot Production Activity and Economic Impact
|date=2005-05-04
|accessdate=2006-09-18}}</ref> The show, which debuted on ] ], became one of the biggest critical and commercial successes of the ]. Along with fellow new series '']'' and '']'', ''Lost'' helped to reverse the flagging fortunes of ABC.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bianco|first=Robert|title=A good season, with reason|url =http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2005-04-26-tv-lookback_x.htm| publisher='']''|date=2005-04-26}}</ref> Yet, before it had even been aired, ] was ] by executives at ABC's parent company, ], because he had ]ed such an expensive and risky project.<ref name="DT081405" />

The world premiere of the pilot episode was on ] ] at ] in San Diego.<ref></ref>
<br clear="left">

===Episode format===
Episodes have a distinct structure: following a recap of events relevant to the upcoming narrative, each show begins with a ]. In the first season, often a close up of a character's eye will follow. At a dramatic juncture, the screen cuts to black and the title ], slightly out-of-focus, glides towards the viewer accompanied by an ominous, discordant sound. The ] generally appear alphabetically by last name over the scenes that immediately follow. While there is a continuous ], each episode relates events concurrently with off-island ]s and later, ]s, centered on a particular character. The majority of episodes end with a suspenseful ] or ], revealed just seconds before a ] to black and the title graphic. Others, following a plot resolution, will finish with a reflective closing scene that precedes a simple ], and in particularly tragic or heart-felt closing scenes, the booming noise that accompanies the title graphic will be silenced, amplifying the impact of the event. Each episode has its own unique opening.

===Music===
{{main|List of music featured on Lost}}

''Lost'' features ] performed by the ] and composed by ], whose score is primarily orchestral, incorporating several recurring themes for events and characters. Giacchino achieved some of the sounds for the score using unusual instruments, such as striking suspended pieces of the plane's ].<ref> ] ].</ref>

On ] ], the record label ] released the original television ] for ''Lost'''s first season.<ref name="Soundtrack 1"></ref> The soundtrack included select full-length versions of the most popular themes of the season and the main title, which was composed by series creator J.J. Abrams.<ref name="Soundtrack 1"/> Varèse Sarabande released a soundtrack featuring music from the second season of ''Lost'' on ] ].<ref name="Soundtrack 2"></ref>

Pop culture songs have been used sparingly in the series, given the mainly orchestral score. When such songs are featured, they usually originate from a ] source, meaning that they are usually generated by an action of one of the characters. Examples are the various songs played on Hurley's portable CD player throughout the first season (until its batteries died in the episode "]"), which featured ] "Wash Away", or the use of the record player in the second season, which included ]'s "]" and ]'s "]" in the second and third season premieres respectively. In two episodes, Charlie is shown on a street corner playing guitar and singing the ] song "]". In the third season's finale, Jack is driving down the street listening to ]'s "Scentless Apprentice," right before he arrives to the Hoffs/Drawlar Funeral Parlor. The third season also utilized ]'s ] on two occasions in the van. The only pop song that has ever been used without a source is ]'s "Slowly," in the episode "]".

In some international broadcasts, alternate music is utilized. For instance, in the ]ese broadcast of ''Lost'', the ] for season one is "Here I Am" by ], the ] for season two is "]" by ], and the ] for season three is "Fire Walk With Me" by ].

===Filming locations===
''Lost'' is filmed on ] ] cameras almost entirely on the Hawaiian island of ]. The original island scenes for the pilot were filmed at ] Beach, near the northwest tip of the island. Later beach scenes take place in secluded spots of the famous ]. Cave scenes in the first season were filmed on a ] built at a ] parts warehouse, which had been empty since an ] took place there in 1999.<ref>{{cite news| last=Veitch| first=Kristin| title=''Lost'' Secrets Found! |url=http://web.archive.org/web/20041208152612/http://www.eonline.com/Gossip/Kristin/Archive2004/041016.html| publisher=]|date=2004-10-16}} Retrieved from ] on ] ].</ref> The sound-stage and ] offices have since moved to the Hawaii Film Office-operated Hawaii Film Studio,<ref>{{cite news|last=Nichols|first=Katherine| title=''Lost'' Home|publisher='']''|url =http://starbulletin.com/2006/05/21/features/story01.html| date=2006-05-21}}</ref> where the sets depicting Season 2's "Swan Station" and Season 3's "Hydra Station" interiors were built.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ryan|first=Tim|title=Reel News|url =http://starbulletin.com/2005/08/24/features/ryan.html| publisher='']''|date=2005-08-24}}</ref>
Various urban areas in and around ] are used as stand-ins for locations around the world, including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. For example, scenes set in a ] were filmed at the ], while a ]-era bunker was used as an ] installation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Godvin|first=Tara|title=Oahu plays the world|publisher='']''|url =http://starbulletin.com/2005/05/25/features/story4.html|date=2005-05-25}}</ref> Extensive archives of filming locations are tracked at a repository at the .

===Online distribution===
In addition to traditional terrestrial and ], ''Lost'' has been at the forefront of new television distribution methods. It was one of the first series issued through ] ] service for playback on an ] or within the ] software. Since October 2005, new episodes, without commercials, have been available for download the day after they air on ABC, to American audiences only.

In April 2006, ] announced that ''Lost'' would be available for free online in streaming format, with advertising, on ABC's website, as part of a two-month experiment of future distribution strategies. The trial, which ran from May to June 2006, caused a stir among network affiliates who were afraid of being cut out of advertising revenue. The streaming of ''Lost'' episodes direct from ABC's website was only available to viewers in the United States due to international licensing agreements.<ref>{{cite news| first=Joshua| last=Chaffin| coauthor= Aline van Duyn|url= http://www.ft.com/cms/s/341d65ba-c894-11da-b642-0000779e2340,dwp_uuid=f5f96136-709f-11da-89d3-0000779e2340,print=yes.html | title=Disney's ABC to offer TV shows free on web | publisher=''Financial Times''| date=2006-04-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|publisher=DisneyABC TV|date=2006-04-10|url =http://www.disneyabctv.com/datvg_press/dispDNR.html?id=041006_06|title=Disney-ABC Television Group takes ABC Primetime Online}}</ref>

The UK's ] has also allowed access to the series online.<ref></ref> Both parts of "Pilot" were available to watch for free, and other episodes cost ]0.99 each. Season two installments are made available two weeks after their Channel 4 debut, and the episodes expire after several months. Due to licensing agreements, the service is only accessible in the UK. Channel 4 have now teamed up with ]'s On Demand function, allowing viewers to watch Season One, Season Two and Season Three at any time in ]. A 24-hour rental costs £0.99 per episode. They are also available in ] as part of a subscription to the TV Choice on Demand Service.

As of third quarter, 2006, France's ] has allowed online access to the French version of Season Two; episodes cost ]1.99.<ref>{{cite web|title=TF1 ''Lost'' Episodes Online (French)|url =http://www.tf1vision.com/liste.php?rub=CAT8&fltCode=182&p=53/?trk=1&e=7}}</ref> Each episode is issued online just after being broadcast.

Since ] ], Virgin Media have all of Season 1 available for viewing on its On Demand service, available to all Virgin TV subscribers.<ref name="Observer 2007-02">{{cite news| first=James| last=Robinson|url= http://observer.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,,2020565,00.html | title=
Virgin fuels Sky row with ''Lost'' coup | publisher='']''| date=2007-02-25}}</ref>

On the ] ], ''Lost'' became available for download from the iTunes Stores in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite press release|publisher=Apple|date=2007-08-29|url =http://www.apple.com/uk/pr/2007/08/290808_itunes_tvshows.html|title=Apple Announces Hit Television Programming Now Available on the iTunes Store in the UK}}</ref> Unlike the Channel 4 episode downloads, these downloads do not expire.<ref>{{cite web|title=iTunes Store UK Terms of Service|url =http://www.apple.com/legal/itunes/uk/service.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Channel 4 Video terms and conditions|url =http://test.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/L/lost/vod/tcs.html}}</ref>

On ] ], ABC announced that ''Lost'' would be available for download on AOL Video along with several other ABC shows.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.dailytech.com/ABC+to+Offer+Free+Shows+Online+Via+AOL/article9002c.htm| title = ABC to Offer Free Shows Online Via AOL| author = Mick, Jason| date = 2007-09-21| publisher = ''DailyTech''}}</ref>

Since December 2007, Virgin Media have all of Season 2 available for viewing on its On Demand service, available to all Virgin TV subscribers.<ref name="Observer 2007-02"/>

], full episodes from Seasons 1–3 are available as a HD Streaming Video on the ABC website for US viewers only. Full episodes of Season 4 are available the day after original primetime airing. Full episodes also became available for download on ]'s ] service in both standard and HD formats.

===DVD releases===
{{Main|Lost DVD releases}}
''Lost: The Complete First Season'' was released as a ] seven-disc ] DVD ] in the USA on ] ], two weeks before the premiere of the second season. It was distributed by ].

In addition to all the episodes that had been aired, it included several DVD extras such as episode commentaries, behind-the-scenes footage and making-of features as well as ], deleted flashback scenarios and a ] reel.

The same set was released on ] ] in ], and on ],] in ]. The latter was titled ''Lost: The Complete First Series''. As has become standard for Region 2, the series was first released split into two parts: the first twelve episodes of series 1 were available as a widescreen four-disc Region 2 DVD box set on ] ], while the remaining thirteen episodes of series 1 were released on ] ]. The DVD features available on the Region 1 release were likewise split over the two box sets.

The second season was released as a widescreen seven-disc Region 1 DVD box set in the USA on ] ] and on Region 2 DVD on ] ], retitled as ''Lost: The Complete Second Series''. Each of these releases also contained DVD extras, including Behind the Scenes Footage, deleted scenes and a "''Lost'' Connections" chart, which shows how all of the characters on the island are inter-connected with each other.<ref>{{cite news| name=]|url =http://www.scifi.com/sfw/screen/sfw13617.html|title= ''Lost'' Season 2 DVD|publisher=''Sci Fi Weekly''| date=2006-09-13}}</ref>

Again, the series was initially delivered in two sets for Region 2: the first twelve episodes were released as a widescreen four-disc DVD box set on ] ]. The remaining episodes of series 2 were released as a four-disc DVD box set on ] ]. The set was released in Region 4 on ] ].

Both Seasons 1 and 2 of ''Lost'' have sold successfully on DVD. The Season 1 boxset entered the DVD sales chart at number two in September 2005,<ref> ] ].</ref> and the Season 2 boxset entered the DVD sales chart at the number one position in its first week of release in September 2006, believed to be the second TV-DVD ever to enter the chart at the top spot.<ref> ] ].</ref> First day DVD sales for ''Lost'' Season 2 are thought to have been as high as 500,000 copies sold.<ref> ] ].</ref>

The third season was released in Region 1 on ] ]. A ] release for Season 3 DVDs was commissioned by Disney in July and cost $96.99.<ref name="3DVDBluRay">
{{cite news| last=| first=| title=''Lost'': Disney Lowers List Price of ''Lost'' Season 3 on Hi-Definition Blu-Ray Discs| url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Lost-Season-3-Bluray-Price-Change/8109| publisher=TV Shows on DVD.com|date=2007-09-19}}</ref> As with Seasons 1 and 2, the third season release will include audio commentaries with the cast and crew, bonus featurettes, deleted scenes, and bloopers. The Season 3 was released on Region 2 DVD on ] ], though this time only as a complete set and not in two volumes like the previous seasons. This box set includes 7 discs but, unlike the others, has only 4 DVD cases, making it a smaller box set.

==Cast and characters==
{{main|Characters of Lost}}

], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] (], ], ] and ] not pictured)]]
Out of the 324 people on board, there were 72 initial survivors (71 humans and 1 dog) spread across the three sections of the plane crash. The opening season featured 14 regular speaking roles, making it the second largest cast in American primetime television behind '']''. While a large cast makes ''Lost'' more expensive to produce, the writers benefit from more flexibility in story decisions. According to series executive producer Bryan Burk, "You can have more interactions between characters and create more diverse characters, more back stories, more love triangles."<ref>{{cite news|title=TV hits maximum occupancy|publisher=USA Today|last=Keveney|first=Bill|url =http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2005-11-08-ensemble-casts_x.htm| date=08-11-2005}}</ref>

The initial season had 14 major roles getting star ]. ] portrayed former ] ]. ] played the pregnant Australian ]. ] acted as the troubled surgeon and protagonist ]. ] portrayed ], an unlucky lottery winner. ] played ], a former dance teacher. ] acted as con man ]. ] played ], the daughter of a powerful Korean businessman and mobster, with ] as her husband ]. ] portrayed fugitive ]. ] acted as ex-rock star drug addict ]. ] played the mysterious ]. ] portrayed construction worker ], while child actor ] acted as his young son, ]. ] played ], chief operating officer of his mother's wedding business and step brother of Shannon. Boone was one of the first main characters to be killed, dying near the end of season one.

During the first two seasons, some characters were written out to make room for new characters with new stories.<ref>{{cite news|url =http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2005-09-13-lost_x.htm| publisher=USA Today|last= Keck|first=William |date=13-09-2005|title='Lost' in the face of death}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci06prog_lost.shtml|publisher=Comic Con|title=Interview with Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse|quote="Carlton: There will always be new characters that will be joining the cast of Lost. We will try to give the audience a lot of stuff with your favorite characters and introducing new characters and evolving the story is just part of the DNA of the show."}}</ref> Boone Carlyle was the first major character to be written out in season one. Walt became a guest star after the events of the first season's finale, making rare appearances throughout season two. Shannon's departure eight episodes into season two made way for newcomers ], a Nigerian Catholic priest and former criminal played by ], ], an airport security guard and former police officer played by ], ], a dentist and Rose, from the front section's husband and ], a purported clinical psychologist portrayed by ]. Ana Lucia and Libby were written out of the series toward the end of season two.

In season three, ] received star billing as former Scottish soldier ], as did ] in the role of ] (formerly known as Henry Gale), a high ranking member of the "]." In addition, three new actors joined the regular cast: ], as fertility doctor and "Other" ] and ] and ] as background survivor couple ] and ]. Eko was written out early in the season, and Nikki and Paulo were written out mid-season in their first flashback episode. Charlie was written out in the season 3 finale.

In season four, ] rejoins the main cast to reprise the role of ].<ref>, ''ABC7Chicago.com'', ], ]</ref> Along with Perrineau, additional new actors—] as ], a nervous physicist who takes a scientific interest in the island; ] as ], a supposed ghost whisperer; ] as ], a hard-headed and determined anthropologist; and ] as ], an alcoholic pilot—have joined the cast.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20053863,00.html | title = Lost: Five Fresh Faces | accessdate = 2007-08-30 | last = Jensen | first = Jeff | date= August 30, 2007 | publisher = EW.com}}</ref>

Numerous supporting characters have been given expansive and recurring appearances in the progressive storyline. In the second season, married couple ] (]) and ] (]), separated on opposite sides of the island (she with the main characters, he with the tail section survivors) were featured in a flashback episode after being reunited. ] (]), a French member of an earlier scientific expedition to the island first encountered as a voice recording in the pilot episode, appears throughout the series. Some of the "]," including ] aka Mr. Friendly (]), ] (]), ] (]) and ] (]) have been shown in both flashbacks and the ongoing story. Similarly, Jack's father ] (]) has appeared in multiple flashbacks of various characters.

===Casting===
Many of the first season roles were a result of the executive producers' liking of various actors. The main character Jack was originally going to die in the ], and was hoped to be played by ], however ABC executives were adamant that Jack live.<ref name="DVD">{{cite video | title = Before They Were Lost | medium = ] | location = '']'' | publisher = ]}}</ref> Before it was decided that Jack would live, Kate was to emerge as the leader of the survivors; she was originally conceived to be more like the character of Rose. ] auditioned for the role of Sawyer, who at the time was supposed to be a suit-wearing city con man. The producers enjoyed Monaghan's performance and changed the character of Charlie, originally a middle-aged former rock star, to fit him. ] also auditioned for Sawyer, and the part of Hurley was written for him. When ] auditioned for Sawyer, the producers liked the edge he brought to the character (he reportedly kicked a chair when he forgot his lines and got angry in the audition) and his ] ], so they changed Sawyer to fit Holloway's acting. ] auditioned for Kate, but the producers wrote the character of Sun for her and the character of Jin, portrayed by ], to be her husband. Sayid, played by ], was also not in the original script. Locke and Michael were written with their actors in mind. ] who plays Claire was originally cast in what was supposed to be a recurring role.<ref name="DVD" /> In the second season, ] was contracted to play Ben ("Henry Gale") for three episodes. His role was extended to eight episodes because of his acting skills, and eventually for the whole of season three and season four.<ref> {{cite web|url =http://www.ugo.com/ugo/html/article/?id=16663|title=Michael Emerson, LOST Interview|publisher=]}}</ref>

==Season synopses==
{{Main|List of Lost episodes}}

===Season 1===
{{main|Lost (season 1)}}
Season 1 featured 24 episodes <ref>{{cite web|url=http://abc.go.com/primetime/lost/index?pn=recap#t=38115|title=''Lost'' Season 1 episode recaps - ABC.com}}</ref> which aired on Wednesdays at 8:00 pm in the United States from ] ]. A plane crash strands the surviving passengers of ] on a seemingly ], forcing the group of strangers to work together to stay alive. Their survival is threatened by mysterious entities including polar bears, an unseen creature that roams the jungle, and the island's malevolent inhabitants known as the "]". They encounter a Frenchwoman who was shipwrecked on the island over 16 years earlier and find a mysterious metal hatch buried in the ground. An attempt is made to leave the island on a raft.

===Season 2===
{{main|Lost (season 2)}}
Season 2 featured 23 episodes <ref>{{cite web|url=http://abc.go.com/primetime/lost/index?pn=recap#t=38131|title=''Lost'' Season 2 episode recaps - ABC.com}}</ref> that were aired in the ] and ] on Wednesdays at 9:00 pm starting on ] ]. Most of the story, which continues 45 days after the crash, focuses on the growing conflict between the survivors and the Others, with the continued clash between faith and science being thematic in certain episodes. While some mysteries are resolved, new questions are raised. New characters are introduced, including the tail-section survivors and other island inhabitants. More island mythologies and insights into the survivors' pasts are divulged. The hatch is explored and the existence of The ] and its benefactor, the ], are revealed. As the truth about the mysterious Others begins to unfold, one of the crash survivors betrays the other castaways, and the cause of the plane crash is revealed.

===Season 3===
{{main|Lost (season 3)}}
Season 3 featured 22 episodes <ref>{{cite web|url=http://abc.go.com/primetime/lost/index?pn=recap#t=38132|title=''Lost'' Season 3 episode recaps - ABC.com}}</ref> (one of which was a two-part, double-length episode) that were seen in the United States and Canada beginning on ] ] and on following Wednesdays at 9:00 pm. The series returned from hiatus on ] ] and was aired at 10:00 pm. The story continues 67 days after the crash. New crash survivors and Others are introduced, as the crash survivors learn about the Others and their history on the mysterious island. One of the Others and a new island inhabitant join the survivors while a survivor defects to the Others. A war between the Others and the survivors comes to a head, and the survivors make contact with a rescue team.

===Season 4===
{{main|Lost (season 4)}}
Season 4 was planned (prior to the the ]) to feature 16 episodes, to be broadcast beginning in the U.S. and Canada on ] ].<ref name=s4/> Due to the writers' strike, the season will instead last only 13 episodes, consisting of the 8 pre-strike episodes already filmed, and an additional 5 post-strike episodes currently being filmed. This includes a 2-hour finale that will be aired as two separate episodes due to a scheduling conflict with '']''.{{Fact|date=March 2008}} The show will go on a 4-week hiatus after the conclusion of the 8th episode and return April 24. Although the season will be down by three episodes, executive producers ] and ] have announced they will be added and fitted into the remaining fifth and sixth seasons. <ref>], (] ]) "", '']''.</ref>

===Future seasons and end date===
On ], ], ABC Entertainment President Stephen McPherson announced that ''Lost'' will end during the 2009–2010 season with a "highly anticipated and shocking finale."<ref name="Conclusion 2007"> Posted ] ]. Retrieved from ] on ] ].</ref> "We felt that this was the only way to give a proper creative conclusion," McPherson said.<ref name="Conclusion 2007"/> Beginning with the 2007–2008 television season, the final 48 episodes of ''Lost'' would have been aired as three seasons with 16 episodes each, with ''Lost'' concluding in its sixth season. Due to the writers strike, the fourth season has only 13 episodes and, according to creators' plans, the final 2 seasons will comprise 35 episodes.<ref>], (] ]) '']''. Retrieved on ] ].</ref>

Executive producers Lindelof and Cuse stated that they "always envisioned ''Lost'' as a show with a beginning, middle, and end," and that by announcing when the show would end that viewers would "have the security of knowing that the story will play out as we've intended."<ref name="Conclusion 2007"/> Lindelof and Cuse stated that securing the 2010 series-end date "was immensely liberating" and helped the series rediscover its focus.<ref name="TV Guide 2008-03">{{cite web |url=http://www.tvguide.com/cover-story/lost-killer-season/080305-03 |title=''Lost'''s Killer Season |accessdate=2008-03-20 |author=Malcom, Shawna |date=2008-03-05 |work=] }}</ref> Lindelof noted, "We're no longer stalling." <ref name="TV Guide 2008-03"/>

== Mythology==
{{main|Mythology of Lost}}
<!--This is a general summary only; the specific references should go to the main Mythology article.-->

In parallel to its character development, episodes of ''Lost'' include a number of mysterious elements that have been ascribed to ] or ] phenomena. The creators of the series refer to these elements as composing the ] of the series, and they form the basis of fan speculation.<ref>Benson, Jim. , ''Broadcasting & Cable'', May 16, 2005.</ref>

Among the show's mythological elements is a "monster" that appears to roam the island; a mysterious group of inhabitants whom the survivors refer to as "The Others"; an organization called the "]" that has placed several ] on the island; a ] that have made frequent appearances in the lives of the characters, in both the past and present; and personal connections or ] between the characters, of which they are often unaware.

===Discredited theories===
<!-- NOTE:
The ONLY theories to be included in this section are those specifically REFUTED by the show's creators/writers. ALL unsourced theories will be removed, as Original Research. All that is needed is a brief statement of the theory and a link to the verifiable source, indicating who dismissed the theory. -->

At the heart of the series is a complex and cryptic storyline that spawns numerous unresolved questions.<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/745/745595p1.html |title=IGN's Top 50 Lost Loose Ends
|publisher=IGN.com}}</ref> Encouraged by ''Lost's'' writers and stars, who often interact with fans online, viewers and TV critics alike have taken to widespread theorizing in an attempt to unravel the mysteries. Theories mainly concern the nature of the island, the origins of the "monster" and the "Others," the meaning of the numbers, and the reasons for both the crash and the survival of some passengers.

Several of the more common fan theories have been discussed and rejected by the show's creators, the most common being that the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 are dead or in ]. This was specifically denied by J.J. Abrams.<ref>
{{cite news
|last=Fienberg |first=Daniel
|title='Lost' Team Discusses Upcoming Death and Mysteries
|url=http://tv.zap2it.com/tveditorial/tve_main/1,1002,271%7C94107%7C1%7C,00.html
|publisher=Zap2It.com
|date=14 March 2005}}</ref> Furthermore, Lindelof has rejected speculation that ] or ] influence the events on the island, or that everything seen is a fictional reality taking place in someone's mind.
Carlton Cuse dismissed the theory that the island is a ] show and the castaways unwitting housemates<ref>{{cite news
|last=Idato |first=Michael |title=Asking for trouble
|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/asking-for-trouble/2005/08/20/1124435180515.html
|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald
|date=22 August 2005}}</ref> and Lindelof, many times, has refuted the theory that the "monster" is a ] cloud similar to the one featured in ]'s novel '']''.<ref>{{cite news
|last=Wharton |first=David Michael |title=Comicon 2005 news
|url=http://www2.cinescape.com/0/editorial.asp?aff_id=0&this_cat=Comics&action=page&obj_id=49194
|publisher=Cinescape.com
|date=17 July 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|last=Grillo-Marxuach |first=Javier |title=Burning Questions
|url=http://www.thefuselage.com/Threaded/showthread.php?t=14649&highlight=nanobot
|publisher=TheFuselage.com |date=22 July 2005}}</ref>

==Recurring elements==
]

There are several recurring elements and ] on ''Lost'', which generally have no direct effect on the story itself, but expand the show's literary and philosophical ]. These elements include frequent appearances of the colors black and white, which reflect the ] within characters and situations; as well as rebellion in almost all characters, especially Kate;<ref>{{cite web|
title=IGN's Top 50 Lost Loose Ends|
url=http://uk.tv.ign.com/articles/745/745595p4.html|
publisher=IGN}}</ref> ] situations, as portrayed in the lives of nearly all the main characters;<ref>{{cite news | last = Warner | first = Tyrone | date = 2007-05-01 | publisher = CTV.ca | url=http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/show/CTVShows/20070430/lost_fathers_070430/20070501/ | title = Father issues on "Lost" about to pay off}}</ref> apocalyptic references, including Desmond's pushing the button to forestall the end of the world and the DHARMA Initiative's goal to alter the parameters of the Valenzetti Equation and prevent the end of humanity;<ref>] and ]. Buddytv.com, March 7, 2007.</ref> coincidence versus fate, revealed most apparently through the juxtaposition of the characters Locke and Mr. Eko; conflict between science and faith, embodied by the leadership tug-of-war between Jack and Locke;<ref>], ], ] & ], "]." '']'', ]. ], ]. ], disc 1.</ref> and references to numerous works of ], including mentions and discussions of particular novels.<ref name=USAToday10042005>{{cite news|last=Oldenburg|first=Ann|title=Is 'Lost' a literal enigma?|
url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2005-10-04-lost-literature_x.htm|publisher=]|date=4 October 2005}}</ref> There are also many allusions to famous historical thinkers, such as ] (after the ]), ] (after ]), ] (after ]), Edmund Burke (after ]), ] (after the ]), ] (after physicist ]), ] (after the ]), and ] (after ]).<ref name=DH110905>{{cite news|last=Franklin|first=Garth|title=Paul Dini Gives 'Lost' Spoilers|publisher=DarkHorizons.com|url=http://www.darkhorizons.com/news04/041109d.php|date=9 November 2005}}</ref>

==Impact==
===Ratings===
Seasonal USA rankings (based on a weighted average total viewers per episode including ]s) of ''Lost'' on ABC. Note that fourth season ratings are subject to change as the season is yet to be completed.

{| style="text-align:center;" class="wikitable"
|-
!rowspan="2"|Season
!rowspan="2"|Timeslot (EDT)
!rowspan="2"|Premiere
!rowspan="2"|Finale
!rowspan="2"|TV season
!colspan="2"|Overall
!colspan="2"|Adults 18-49
|-
! Rank
! Viewers<br>(in millions)
! Rating/Share
! Rank
|-
! ''']'''
|style="text-align:left"| Wednesday 8:00 pm<br />
| ]-]
| ]-]
| 2004–2005
! style="background:#FFF" | #14
| 16.1<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/television/feature_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000937471|source=]|date=May 27, 2005|title=Final audience and ratings figures}}</ref>
! style="background:#FFF" | 5.8/16
| 15
|-
! ''']'''
|style="text-align:left"| Wednesday 9:00 pm
| ]-]
| ]-]
| 2005–2006
! style="background:#FFF" | #14
| 15.5<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/television/feature_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002576393|source=]|date=May 26, 2006|title=2005–06 primetime wrap}}</ref>
! style="background:#FFF" | 6.4/15
| 8
|-
! ''']'''
|style="text-align:left"| Wednesday 9:00 pm<br />''(episodes 1-6)''
Wednesday 10:00 pm<br>''(episodes 7-22)''
| ]-]
| ]-]
| 2006–2007
! style="background:#FFF" | #17
| 14.6<ref name="HRwrap2006-07">{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/features/e3ifbfdd1bcb53266ad8d9a71cad261604f|source=]|date=] ]|title=Hollywood Reporter: 2006-07 primetime wrap}}</ref>
! style="background:#FFF" | 6.3/16
| 9
|-
! ''']'''
|style="text-align:left"| Thursday 9:00 pm<ref name=s4/><br>''(Episodes 1-8)''
Thursday 10:00 pm<br>''(Episodes 9-13)''<ref>], (], ]) "", '']''. Retrieved on ]-].</ref>
| ]-]
| ]-]
| 2008
! style="background:#FFF" | #12
| 15.1<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.zap2it.com/tv/ratings | source = Zap2it | date = ], ] | title = Season-to-Date by Viewers}}</ref>
! style="background:#FFF" | TBA
| TBA
|}

The pilot episode garnered 18.6 million viewers, easily winning its 9/8 central timeslot, and giving ABC its strongest ] since 2000 when '']'' was initially aired—beaten only the following month by the premiere of '']''. According to '']'', "ABC sure could use a breakout drama success, as it hasn't had a real hit since '']''. ''Lost'' represents the network's best start for a drama with eighteen to forty-nine year olds since '']'' in 1999, and in total viewers since '']'' in 1995."<ref>{{cite news|first=Rick|last=Kissell|title=ABC, Eye have quite some night|url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117910869?categoryid=14&cs=1|publisher=Variety|date=September 25, 2004}}</ref>

Based on its strong opening, ] dubbed it a "hit drama" noting that "the show appeared to have benefited from an all-out marketing blitz that included radio spots, special screenings and ABC's first billboard advertising campaign in five years."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lost-media.com/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=10|title=ABC May Have Found a Hit in 'Lost'|date=10/1/2004|last=Gorman|first=Steve|publisher=Reuters}}</ref> After four episodes had been aired, ABC announced that ''Lost'' had been picked up for a full season order.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.eonline.com/News/Items/Pf/0,1527,15183,00.html|title=ABC stays "Lost" and "Desperate"|first=Josh|last=Grossberg|date=October 20, 2004|publisher=E! Online}}</ref>

For its first season, ''Lost'' averaged 16 million viewers, ranking 14th in viewership among ] shows, and 15th among the eighteen to forty-nine year old ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/television/feature_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000937471|source=Hollywood Reporter|date=May 27, 2005|title=Final audience and ratings figures}}</ref> Its second season fared equally well: again, ''Lost'' ranked 14th in viewership, with an average of 15.5 million viewers. However, it improved its rating with eighteen to forty-nine year olds, ranking 8th.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/television/feature_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002576393|source=Hollywood Reporter|date=May 26, 2006|title=2005–06 primetime wrap}}</ref> The second season premiere was even more viewed than the first, pulling in over 23 million viewers and setting a series record.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds24619.html|title=US Ratings: 'Lost' premiere draws 23 million|first=Neil|last=Wilkes|publisher=Digital Spy (UK)|date=September 23, 2005}}</ref> The third season premiere brought in 18.8 million viewers. The seventh episode of the series, back from a three-month hiatus, saw a drop to 14.5 million. Over the course of the spring season, ratings would plunge to as low as 11 million viewers before recovering to near 14 million for the season finale. The ratings drop was partially explained when ] released ] ratings, showing ''Lost'' as the most recorded series on television. However, despite overall ratings losses, ''Lost'' still won its hour in the crucial 18–49 demographic and put out the highest 18–49 numbers in the 10pm time slot ahead of any show on any network that season. The fourth season premiere of ''Lost'' saw an increase from the previous episode to 16.1 million viewers.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/ratings/e3ia68feb4e2d5900e47c15c857a8015761||source=Hollywood Reporter|date=February 2, 2008|title='Lost' roars back with Thurs. win}}</ref>

A survey of twenty countries by ''Informa Telecoms and Media'' in 2006 concluded that ''Lost'' was the second most popular TV show in those countries, after '']''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5231334.stm|date=] ]|title=CSI show 'most popular in world'|publisher=BBC}}</ref>

===Awards===
{{main|List of awards and nominations for Lost}}
Capping its successful first season, ''Lost'' won the ] and ] was awarded an Emmy in September 2005 for his work as the director of '']''. ] and ] were nominated in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series category. ''Lost'' swept the guild awards in 2005, winning the ] for outstanding achievement in writing for a dramatic television series, the 2005 Producers Guild Award for best production, the 2005 Director's Guild Award for best direction of a dramatic television program, and the ] for best ensemble cast. It has been nominated for a ] for best drama series every year it has been eligible, and won the award in 2006. In 2005, ] and ] received Golden Globe nominations for Best Lead Actor and Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series respectively, and in 2007, Evangeline Lilly received a nomination in the Best Lead Actress category. ''Lost'' did win the 2005 ] for Best American Import. In 2006, ] and ] took home ] for best Supporting Actor and Actress, respectively, in a television series. It won the ] for Best Television Series in both 2005 and 2006. In, 2005 Terry O'Quinn won a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor in a television series, and in 2006, Matthew Fox won for Best Lead Actor. ''Lost'' won consecutive Television Critics Association Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Drama, for both its first and second seasons. Consecutively as well, it won in 2005 and 2006 the ] for Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Broadcast Program. ] won a ] for his performance as Walt in 2006. In 2005, ''Lost'' was voted '']'''s Entertainer of the Year. The show won a 2005 Prism Award for Charlie's drug storyline in the episodes Pilot, House of the Rising Sun, and The Moth. Further, ''Lost'' was nominated for but did not win a Writer's Guild Award and Producer's Guild Award again in 2007. In June 2007, ''Lost'' beat out over 20 nominated television shows from countries all over the globe to win the Best Drama award at the ]. In September 2007 both ] and Terry O'Quinn were nominated for an ], the award going to O'Quinn.<ref>], (], ]). "". ''RealityTVWorld.com''. Retrieved on ], ].</ref>

===Critical reception===
{{Expand|date=March 2008}}
'']'' magazine's James Poniewozik named it one of the Top 10 Returning Series of 2007, ranking it at #2.<ref></ref> The series was also ranked number 1 several times in the "Best of 2005 TV Coverage: Critic Top Ten Lists" by Matthew Gilbert of ], Tom Gliatto of ], Charlie McCollum of ] and Robert Bianco of ].<ref name="M1">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/tv/bests/2005/ |title=Best of 2005 |work=Metacritic.com |accessdate=2005-07-12}}</ref>

=== Fandom and popular culture===
As a ] show, ''Lost'' has generated a dedicated and thriving international ] community. ''Lost'' fans, sometimes dubbed ''Lostaways''<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20050207/news_lz1b7lost.html| title=Sites in the news, Lostaways|date=]-]|publisher=The San Diego Union Tribute|accessdate=2006-08-29}}</ref> or ''Losties'',<ref name="ABCpress20050512">{{cite press release|url=http://abcmedianet.com/pressrel/dispDNR.html?id=051205_03|title=ABC Television and Creation Entertainment bring the Official "LOST" Fan Club and Special Events to Cities Around the World|publisher=]| date=]-]| accessdate=2006-08-29}}</ref> have gathered at ] and conventions organized by ABC,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,159667,00.html|title='Lost' Fans Hold Convention for Show|first=Don|last=Kaplan| date=]-]| publisher=]| accessdate=2006-08-29}}</ref><ref name="ABCpress20050512"/> but have also been active in developing a large number of fan websites, including ],<ref></ref> and forums dedicated to the program and its related incarnations.<ref>{{cite news|url =http://www.sptimes.com/2006/01/10/Floridian/Web_ensnares__Lost__s.shtml| title=Web ensnares 'Lost' souls|first=Colette|last=Bancroft|date=]-]|publisher=]|accessdate=2006-08-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url =http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/03/AR2005120300089.html| title='Lost' Fans Find A Niche on the Internet|first=Frank|last=Ahrens|date=]-]|publisher=]|accessdate=2006-08-29}}</ref><ref name="StPetersburg20060111">{{cite news|url =http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/ENT02/601110412/1034|title=Fans find 'Lost' world on Net|first=Colette|last=Bancroft|date=]-]|publisher=]|accessdate=2006-08-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url =http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/artsentertainment/2002730079_lostgame10.html| title=Fans play TV series "Lost" like an interactive video game|first=Jennifer|last=Buckendorff| date =]-]| publisher=]|accessdate=2006-08-29}}</ref> Because of the show's elaborate mythology, its fansites have focused on speculation and theorizing about the island's mysteries, as well as on more typical fan activities such as producing ] and videos, compiling episode transcripts, ] characters, and collecting memorabilia.

Anticipating fan interest and trying to keep its audience engrossed, ABC embarked on various cross-media endeavors, often using new media. Fans of ''Lost'' have been able to explore ABC-produced tie-in websites, tie-in novels, an official forum sponsored by the creative team behind ''Lost'' ("The Fuselage"), "]s," podcasts by the producers, an official magazine, and an ] (ARG) "]."<ref name="StPetersburg20060111" /><ref>{{cite news|url =http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_30/b3994072.htm| title=Network Finds Marketing Paradise with ''Lost''|first=Tom|last=Lowry| date=]-]| publisher=] Online|accessdate=2006-08-29}}</ref> An official fanclub was launched in the summer of 2005 through Creation Entertainment.<ref name="ABCpress20050512"/>

Due to the show's popularity, references to the series and elements from its story have appeared in ] and ] usage. These include appearances on television, such as on the series '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']''; as well as on the cartoons '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''; and even on a commercial for ] ]. Also, '']'', a '']'' '']'' seemed to have poked fun at it in (one of) the ending(s) to the series, episode 100. The makers of Red vs. Blue also poked fun at the Lost intro in an episode of ]. Lost was also featured as an easter egg in ]'s videogame, '']''. Similarly the LOST numbers 4, 8, 15 and 16 can be seen on the loading screen for the video game "]". ]s such as '']'' and '']'', daily strips '']'' and '']'', web comics '']''<ref></ref> and '']''<ref> </ref> and humor magazine '']'' have all incorporated ''Lost'' references. Similarly, several rock bands have published songs whose themes and titles were derived from the series, such as ] ("Don't Ever Tell Locke What He Can't Do"), ] ("Lost And Found" and "All The Best Cowboys Have Daddy Issues"), and ] ("You All Everybody" and "Station 5: The Pearl").In the Simpsons Game, Lenny and Carl mention Claire and Charlie in "Lisa The Tree Hugger" Also relating to the Simpsons Game, on the level "Enter the Cheatrix" you can hear the Madden characters chant the number sequence "4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42".

In addition, after the episode "]" was aired on ], ], numerous people used the eponymous figures as lottery entries. According to the '']'', within three days, the numbers were tried over 500 times by local players.<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/opinion/columnists/whispers/s_345213.html
|title=No winning ticket found with 'Lost' numbers.
|publisher=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
|date=2005-06-19}}</ref> Likewise, in the same period, over 200 people in ] alone used the sequence for the ] lottery<ref>{{cite news
|last=Rook
|first=Christine
|url=http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050305/NEWS01/503050331/1001/news
|title='Lost' numbers come up losers.
|publisher=Lansing State Journal
|date=2005-03-05}}</ref> and by October, thousands had tried them for the multi-state ] lottery.<ref>{{cite news
|last=Serpe
|first=Gina
|url=http://www.eonline.com/News/Items/0,1,17621,00.html
|title='Lost' Numbers Lose Millions.
|publisher=Eonline.com
|date=2005-10-20
|quote=Eva Robelia, spokeswoman for the ], says more than 840 people across five states played the TV-inspired numbers, including 266 hopeful Hurleys in ]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
|title=In record Powerball, some to bank on bad luck
|last=Weaver
|first=Teresa
|url=http://columbiamissourian.com/news/story.php?ID=16605
|quote=For the Powerball drawing on Oct. 12, 461 people selected the six numbers within Missouri, said Susan Goedde of the ]. If you add those to the 204 tickets in ], 117 in Louisiana, 134 in ] and the rest of the 25 states included in the Powerball take, you end up with a lot of people sharing the winnings.
|date=2005-10-19}}</ref>

==Other media==
The characters and setting of ''Lost'' have appeared in several official ]s outside of the television broadcast, including in print, on the Internet, and in short videos for mobile phones.

As of March of 2006, three ]s have been released by ], a publisher owned by ABC's parent company:

''Endangered Species'' (ISBN 0-7868-9090-8) by Cathy Hapka, released on ], ];
''Secret Identity'' (ISBN 0-7868-9091-6) by Cathy Hapka on ], ]; and
''Signs of Life'' (ISBN 0-7868-9092-4) by Frank Thompson, on ], ].

Additionally, Hyperion published a ] book titled ''Bad Twin'' (ISBN 1-4013-0276-9), written by Laurence Shames,<ref>{{cite news |last = Zeitchik|first = Steven|url =http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117945504?categoryId=14&cs=1|title =Inside Move: It's a Shames|publisher =]|date= 2006-06-18|accessdate = 2006-06-19}}</ref> and credited to fictitious author "]," who was claimed to be a passenger on Oceanic Flight 815 by ABC's marketing department.

''Finding Lost: The Unofficial Guide'' (ISBN 1-55022-743-2) by Nikki Stafford and published by ] is a book detailing the show for fans and those new to the show.

''What Can Be Found in LOST?'' (ISBN 0-7369-2121-4) by John Ankerberg and Dillon Burrough published by Harvest House was the first book dedicated to an investigation of the spiritual themes of the series from a Christian perspective.

''Living Lost: Why We're All Stuck on the Island'' (ISBN 1891053027) by J. Wood, published by the , is the first work of cultural criticism based on the series. The book explores the show's strange engagement with the contemporary experiences of war, (mis)information, and terrorism, and argues that the audience functions as a character in the narrative. The author also writes a during the second part of the third season for ]. Each post discusses the previous episode's literary, historical, philosophical and narrative connections.

The show's networks and producers have made extensive use of the Internet in expanding the background of the story. For example, during the first season, a fictional diary by an unseen survivor called "Janelle Granger" was presented on the ABC web site for the series. Likewise, a tie-in website about the fictional ] appeared during the first season, which included several ] and clues about the show. Another tie-in website was launched after the airing of "]" about the ]. In the UK, the interactive back-stories of several characters are included in "Lost Untold," a section of ]'s ''Lost'' website. Similarly, since November 2005, ABC has produced an official ], hosted by series writers and executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse. The podcast typically features a discussion about the weekly episode, interviews with cast members and questions from viewers.<ref></ref> Sky One also hosts a podcast presented by ] on their website, which analyzes each episode after it airs in the UK.<ref></ref>

The foray into the online realm culminated in "The ]", an Internet-based ] produced by Channel 7 (Australia), ABC (America) and Channel Four (UK), which began in early May 2006. The game presents a five-phase parallel storyline, primarily involving the ].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.disneyabctv.com/datvg_press/dispDNR.html?id=072506_12| title=Global interactive phenomenon, Lost Experience, to reveal meaning behind mysterious numbers on international hit TV show "Lost" | publisher=] Press Release|date=]| accessdate=2006-07-27}}</ref>
]
Short mini-episodes ("]s") called the ''Lost Video Diaries'' were originally scheduled for viewing by ] subscribers via its V-Cast system, but were delayed by contract disputes.<ref>{{cite news| first=Andrew and Jesse Hiestand| last=Wallenstein| title=ABC, unions reach deal on cell phone TV shows| publisher=]|date=]| accessdate =2006-04-25}}</ref><ref></ref> Each video diary will run several minutes and cover events not seen in the television episodes. They will run all 13 mobisodes on ABC.com starting ], ]. Every Monday a new mobisode will air.<ref>{{cite news| first=Gina| last=Serpe| url =http://www.eonline.com/News/Items/0,1,17795,00.html| title="Lost" Finds Its Calling| publisher=] Online |date=]| accessdate=2006-04-25}}</ref>

===Licensed merchandise===
In addition to tie-in novels, several other types of products based on the series, such as toys and games, have been licensed for release. A video game, '']'', has been released, developed by ], for ] and home computers,<ref> released on 2-26-08., Ubisoft press release</ref> while ] developed a ''Lost'' game for mobile phones and ]s.<ref>IGN - </ref> Cardinal Games released a ''Lost'' board game on ], ].<ref></ref> TDC Games created a series of four 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles (The Hatch, The Numbers, The Others & Before the Crash) that, when put together, revealed embedded clues to the overall mythology of ''Lost''. Inkworks has published two sets of ''Lost'' ]s, and is slated to release the ''Lost: Revelations'' set.<ref> </ref> In May 2006, ] announced re-occurring lines of character ]<ref>{{cite news| first=William| last=Keck| url =http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2006-05-23-lost-toys_x.htm| title=These characters are toying with us| publisher=]|date=]| accessdate=2006-06-20}}</ref> and released the first series in November 2006, with the second series being released July 2007.

<div style="clear:both;"></div>

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
<!--
NOTE: This section is for official sites dealing with the show in general. Please do not add fan sites, fan message boards, or sites containing clues for The Lost Experience and Find 815 ARGs. -->

{{Wikiquote|Lost}}
{{Commons|:Category:Lost (television programme)|Lost}}
{{Spoken Misplaced Pages-2|2006-08-24|Lost (TV series) Part 1.ogg|Lost (TV series) Part 2.ogg}}
* at ABC.com
*
*
*

;Network sites (in ])
* (Australia)
* (Canada)
* (Ireland)
* (New Zealand)
* (UK series 1 and 2)
* (UK series 3 and 4)
* (UK series 4)

;Sponsored forum
*: forum sponsored by J.J. Abrams

;Official tie-in sites
{{seealso|Lost Experience#External links|Find 815#External links}}
*: fictional foundation behind the DHARMA Initiative
*: fictional airline whose crashed Flight 815 is the subject of the series

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{{LostNav}}
{{EmmyAward DramaSeries 2001-2025}}

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Revision as of 08:20, 21 March 2008

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