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| {{dablink|This article is about the current drama series. For the 2001 reality show, see ].}} | |||
| {{Infobox Television | |||
| | bgcolour = #D6D6FF | |||
| | show_name = Lost | |||
| | image = ]<!-- FAIR USE of LostS3Promo.jpg: see image description page at http://en.wikipedia.org/Image:LostS3Promo.jpg for rationale --> | |||
| | caption = ''Lost'' third season poster. | |||
| | format = Drama, Adventure, Mystery, Thriller | |||
| | camera = | |||
| | picture_format = ] (])<br />] (]) | |||
| | audio_format = | |||
| | runtime = 42 mins. (approx) | |||
| | creator = ]<br />]<br />] | |||
| | developer = | |||
| | executive_producer = | |||
| | starring = ''See ] below'' | |||
| | narrated = | |||
| | opentheme = | |||
| | endtheme = | |||
| | country = {{Flagicon|USA}} ] | |||
| | network = ] | |||
| | first_run = | |||
| | first_aired = ], ] | |||
| | last_aired = present | |||
| | num_episodes = ] <!--(as of ], ])--> | |||
| | website = http://abc.go.com/primetime/lost/index | |||
| | imdb_id = 0411008 | |||
| | tv_com_id = 24313 | |||
| }} | |||
| '''''Lost''''' is an ] and ] award-winning ] ] that follows the lives of a group of ] survivors on a mysterious ] island, somewhere in the ]. The show was created by ], ] and ], who is now the head writer, and is filmed primarily on location in ].<ref name="ABC About Lost"></ref> The ] was first broadcast on ], ].<ref name=ABC.com></ref> Since then, two seasons have aired and a third began on ], ].<ref name="ABCPress20060804">{{cite press release|url=http://www.abcmedianet.com/pressrel/dispDNR.html?id=080406_06|title=Production begins in Hawaii on third season episodes of the award winning, action-packed mystery and adventure series, "Lost"|publisher=]|date=]-]|accessdate=2006-08-29}}</ref> The show is produced by ], ] and Grass Skirt Productions and airs on the ] in the U.S. Its ] is composed by ]. The current executive producers are J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof, ], ], ] and ].<ref name="ABCPress20060804"/> 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=26-1-2005 | publisher=Honolulu Star-Bulletin}}</ref> | |||
| A critical and popular success, ''Lost'' garnered an average of 15.5 million viewers per episode on ABC during its first year, and won numerous industry awards including the ] for outstanding drama series in 2005 and best American import at the ] also in 2005.<ref name=Emmys.tv></ref> | |||
| Reflecting its devoted ], the show has become a staple of ] 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/Insider/default.htm?rmDate=02012006 |publisher=TVGuide.com Insider|date=1 February, 2006}}</ref> commercials, ],<ref>Hughes, Adam (cover artist). . 25 January, 2006</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ffplaza.com/library/?issue=tg6v2|publisher=FFPlaza.com|title=Thing, vol 2 #6 }}</ref> ]s, ]s and song ]. The show's ] has also been explored through ] ]s, ] and ]s, and an ], '']''.<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=July 25, 2006 | publisher=Disney-ABC Television Group | url=http://www.disneyabctv.com/datvg_press/dispDNR.html?id=072506_12}}</ref> | |||
| == Production == | |||
| === Conception === | |||
| The series began development in January 2004, when ], head of ABC at the time, ordered an initial script based on his concept of a cross between the movie '']'' and the popular reality show '']''. Unhappy with the result and a subsequent re-write, Braun contacted J.J. Abrams, creator of the TV series '']'', to write a new pilot script. Although initially hesitant, Abrams warmed to it, and eventually collaborated with Damon Lindelof to create the series' style and characters.<ref name="DT081405"> | |||
| {{cite news| last=Craig| first=Olga| title=The man who discovered 'Lost' - and found himself out of a job| url=http://news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/08/14/wlost14.xml| publisher=The Daily Telegraph|date=14 August, 2005}}</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), Buena Vista Home Entertainment, 6 September, 2005.</ref> | |||
| ''Lost'''s two-part ] 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=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|date=May 17, 2004}}</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 '']'', ''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=USA Today|date=26 April, 2005}}</ref> Yet, before it had even aired, Lloyd Braun 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 screened at ]'s 2004 event 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 ]. 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 progressive ], each episode relates events concurrently with pre-island ]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 ]. Shortly afterwards, a preview of out-of-sequence clips from the next episode is shown. | |||
| ===Music=== | |||
| {{main|List of songs featured on Lost}} | |||
| ''Lost'' features ] composed by Michael Giacchino, whose score is primarily orchestral and incorporates several recurring themes for events and characters. The score is performed by the ]. In the official Lost Podcast, Michael Giacchino revealed that he achieved some of the sounds for the score using unusual instruments, such as striking suspended pieces of the plane's ].<ref>Official Lost Podcast 9 January 2006.</ref> | |||
| On ], ], the record label ] released the original television ] for ''Lost'''s first season. 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. Varèse Sarabande released a soundtrack featuring music from the second season of ''Lost'' on ], ].<ref>http://www.varesesarabande.com/upcoming.asp</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 or the use of the record player (which included ] "]" in the second season premiere and ] "]" in the third season premiere). | |||
| In some international broadcasts, alternate music is utilized. For instance, in the ] broadcast of Lost, Season 1's ] is "Here I am" by ] and Season 2's theme song is "]" by ]. | |||
| === Filming locations === | |||
| ''Lost'' is filmed (]) 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://www.eonline.com/Gossip/Kristin/Archive2004/041016.html|publisher=]|date=Oct. 16, 2004}}</ref> The soundstage 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=May 21, 2006}}</ref> at which 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=August 24, 2005}}</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=May 25, 2005}}</ref> Extensive archives of filming locations are tracked at a repository at . | |||
| === Online distribution === | |||
| In addition to traditional terrestrial and satellite broadcasting, ''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. | |||
| 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>Channel 4 Lost Episodes Online </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 NTL & Telewest's On Demand function which allows the viewer to watch shows at any time. Select episodes from Season One and Season two are available to view for 24 hour rental for £0.99 although the list of episodes is not complete. | |||
| 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. | |||
| ===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 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 Region 4, and on ], ] in Region 2. 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 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|lastname=Castro|firstname=Adam-Troy|url=http://www.scifi.com/sfw/screen/sfw13617.html|title= Lost Season 2 DVD|publisher=Sci Fi Weekly|date=September 13, 2006}}</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 ]<ref>http://www.tv.com/story/6306.html?q=</ref>, and the Season 2 boxset entered the DVD sales chart at the number one position in its first week of release in ], believed to be the second TV-DVD ever to enter the chart at the top spot.<ref>http://www.movieweb.com/tv/news/05/14605.php</ref> First day DVD sales for Lost Season 2 are thought to have been as high as 500,000 copies sold.<ref>http://www.buddytv.com/articles/lost/lost_season_2_dvd_tops_charts.aspx</ref> | |||
| == Cast and characters == | |||
| {{main|Characters of Lost}} | |||
| The opening season featured sixteen regular speaking roles, making it the second largest cast in American primetime television behind ''Desperate Housewives''. While a large cast makes ''Lost'' more expensive to produce, the show's 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 fourteen major roles getting star ]. ] portrayed former Iraqi Republican guard ]. ] played the pregnant Australian ]. ] acted as the troubled surgeon and lead role ]. ] portrayed ], an unlucky lotto winner. ] played ], a former dance teacher. ] acted as con man ]. ] played ], the daughter of a powerful Korean businessman, with ] as her husband ]. ] portrayed fugitive ]. ] acted as an ex-rock star drug addict ]. ] played the mysterious ]. ] portrayed construction worker ], while child star ] acted as his young son, ]. ] played ], chief operating officer of his mother's wedding business and step brother of Shannon. | |||
| {{spoilers}} | |||
| ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] (] and ] not pictured).|thumb|300px]]<!-- FAIR USE of Seasonthree.jpg: see image description page at http://en.wikipedia.org/Image:Seasonthree.jpg for rationale --> | |||
| 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="Carton: 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. Malcolm David Kelley became a guest star after the events of the first season's finale, making rare appearances throughout season two. Maggie Grace's departure six episodes into season two made way for newcomers ] as Catholic priest and former Nigerian criminal ], ] as airport security guard and former police officer ], and ] portraying the purported clinical psychologist ]. Ana Lucia and Libby were written out of the series toward the end of season two, as were Michael and Walt. | |||
| In season three, ] received star billing as former Scottish soldier ], as did ] in the role of ] (formerly known as Henry Gale), the possible leader of the "]." In addition, three new actors joined the regular cast: ], as ], ] who plays ], and ], who plays ]. With these additions, however, Mr. Eko was written out early in the season. | |||
| Numerous supporting characters have been given expansive and recurring appearances in the progressive storyline. In the second season, ] played by ] and tail section survivor ] played by ], were featured in a flashback episode after being reunited. ] as ], the shipwrecked Frenchwoman appeared throughout seasons one and two. Some of the "]," including ] as ], ] as ], ] as ] and ] as ] have been shown in both flashbacks and the ongoing story. Similarly, Jack's father ], flight attendant ] and marshall ] portrayed by ], ] and ] respectively, have appeared in multiple flashbacks, as well as on the island. | |||
| ===Casting=== | |||
| {{Unreferenced|section|date=December 2006}} | |||
| Many of the first season roles were a result of the executive producers' liking of various actors. The main character Jack was originally to die in the pilot, and was hoped to be played by ], however ABC executives were adamant that Jack live. 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. Dominic Monaghan 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 to fit him. Jorge Garcia also auditioned for Sawyer, and the part of Hurley was written for him. When Josh Holloway auditioned for Sawyer, the producers liked the edge he brought to the character (he reportedly kicked a chair when he got angry in the audition) so they changed Sawyer to fit Holloway's acting. Yunjin Kim auditioned for Kate, but the producers wrote the character of Sun for her and the character of Jin, portrayed by Daniel Dae Kim, to be her husband. Naveen Andrews, who plays Sayid, was also not in the original script. Locke and Michael were written with their actors in mind. Emilie de Ravin who plays Claire was originally supposed to be a recurring role. In the second season, Michael Emerson was contracted to play Ben ("Henry Gale") for three episodes. His role was extended because of his acting skills to eight episodes, and eventually for the whole of season three. | |||
| == Season synopses == | |||
| {{Main|List of Lost episodes}} | |||
| === Season 1 === | |||
| {{main|Lost (season 1)}} | |||
| Season 1 began airing in the United States on ], ] and featured 24 episodes<ref name="epguide">{{cite web | url = http://abc.go.com/primetime/lost/episodes | title = ABC.com: Lost Episode Guide | accessdate = 2006-10-10 | last = | first = |date= | publisher = ABC.com}}</ref> that aired Wednesdays at 8:00. A plane crash strands the surviving passengers of ] on a seemingly ], forcing the group of strangers to work together to stay alive. However, 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 "Others". They encounter a Frenchwoman who was shipwrecked on the island over sixteen 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 began airing in the ] and ] on ], ] and featured 23 episodes<ref name="epguide"/> airing on Wednesdays at 9:00. Most of the story, which continues 45 days after the crash, focuses on the main 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 ] and its benefactor, ], 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 will feature 22 episodes that began airing in the United States and Canada on ], ]. After a hiatus, the episodes will continue on ], ] and are scheduled to finish on ], ].<ref></ref> The episodes will be broadcast Wednesdays at 9:00pm until the winter break, after which shows will be aired at 10:00pm.<ref></ref> The story continues 67 days after the crash. New crash survivors and Others are introduced, as three of the crash survivors are held in captivity. | |||
| ABC is currently airing 30-second teaser clips of upcoming Lost episodes, called "Lost Moments," in order to give fans a preview of what is to come.<ref>{{cite news|title=ABC Looks to Placate 'Lost' Fans!|last=|first=|url=http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-abcairslostmoments,0,6115819.story?coll=zap-tv-headlines |publisher=Zap2it.com TV News|date=14 November, 2006 |accessdate=2006-12-17}}</ref> | |||
| == 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 which have been ascribed to ] or ] phenomena. The creators of the series refer to these elements as comprising 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" which appears to roam the island; a mysterious group of inhabitants whom the survivors refer to as "The Others"; an organization called the "] Initiative" which has placed several ] on the island; a sequence of numbers which have made frequent appearances in the lives of the characters, in both the past and present; and personal connections between the characters, of which they are often unaware. | |||
| ==Thematic motifs== | |||
| {{main|Thematic motifs of Lost}} | |||
| There are several recurring thematic ] on ''Lost'', which generally have no direct impact on the story itself, but expand the show's literary and philosophical ]. These elements include frequent appearances of the colors ], which reflect the ] within characters and situations; ]s, which often appear in close-up at the start of episodes; ] situations, as portrayed in the lives of nearly all the main characters; references to numerous works of ], including mentions and discussions of particular novels. There are also many allusions to ], demonstrated most clearly in the distinct naming of certain characters after famous historical thinkers, such as ], ] and ].<ref name=DH110905>Franklin, Garth. "Paul Dini Gives 'Lost' Spoilers", , 9 November 2005.</ref> | |||
| == 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 which spawns numerous unresolved questions. <ref></ref> Encouraged by ''Lost's'' writers and stars, who often interact with fans online, viewers and TV critics alike have taken to widespread theorization 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 and was also proven to be wrong by the second season's ].<ref>Fienberg, Daniel. "'Lost' Team Discusses Upcoming Death and Mysteries" 14 March 2005.</ref> The makers of the show have also discredited the theory that the survivors will experience, or have experienced, ], which was dismissed by ].<ref name=scifianswers>"Lost Answers are Out There" , 24 January 2005.</ref> Likewise, speculation that ] or ] influence the events on the island, or that everything seen is a fictional reality taking place in someone's mind, has also been rejected by Lindelof.<ref name=scifianswers/><ref name=LostTVForum210805>"Damon Lindeloff E-Mail interview" , 21 August 2005.</ref> | |||
| Carlton Cuse dismissed the theory that the island is a ] show and the castaways unwitting housemates<ref>]. "Asking for trouble" 22 August 2005.</ref> and Damon Lindelof, many times, discredited the theory that the "monster" is a ] cloud similar to the one featured in ]'s novel '']''.<ref>Wharton, David Michael. Comicon 2005 news. 17 July 2005</ref><ref>Grillo-Marxuach, Javier. "Burning Questions", , 22 July 2005.</ref> | |||
| {{spoiler-end}} | |||
| == Impact == | |||
| === Ratings === | |||
| '''USA TV Ratings''' | |||
| The pilot episode garnered 18.6 million viewers, easily winning its 9/8central timeslot, and giving ABC its strongest ] since 2000 when '']'' 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 aired, ABC announced ''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=Oct 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 stronger 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> However the third season premiere saw a drop in its ratings; averaging 18.8 million viewers.<ref></ref> | |||
| '''World TV Ratings''' | |||
| A survey of twenty countries by ''Informa Telecoms and Media'' in 2006 concluded that ''Lost'' was the second most viewed TV show in the world, next to '']''.<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=== | |||
| Capping its successful first season, ''Lost'' won the ] and J. J. Abrams was awarded an Emmy in September 2005 for his work as the director of "The Pilot". In January 2006, it won the ] for Best Television Drama. ''Lost'' won the 2005 ] award for outstanding achievement in writing for a dramatic television series, the 2005 Producers Guild Award for best production, and the 2005 ] for best ensemble cast. | |||
| === Fandom and popular culture=== | |||
| {{seealso|List of references to Lost in popular culture}} | |||
| As with most ] shows, ''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&from=mnsearch|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 ], 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 ] ]. ], such as '']'' and '']'', daily strips '']'' and '']'', web comics '']''<ref>http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=766</ref> and '']'',<ref>http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2006/11/01</ref> and humor magazine '']'' have all incorporated ''Lost'' references. Similarly, rock bands ], ], and ] have published songs whose themes and titles were derived from the series. | |||
| ==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 ], 2006; 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. ''LOST: The Ultimate Unofficial Guide to ABC's Hit Series LOST News, Analysis, and Interpretation'' (ISBN 1-933804-03-3) by Rebecca K. O'Conner & Jim Stewart and published by ] was the first guide dedicated to news, interpretation and predictions about the future direction of the show.{{uncited}} | |||
| 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 4radio platform, which analyzes each episode after it airs in the UK.<ref></ref> | |||
| The foray into the online realm culminated in "]" an Internet-based ] produced by Channel 4 and ABC, which began in early May 2006. The game presents a five-phase parallel storyline, primarily involving ].<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 initially delayed by contract disputes.<ref>{{cite news| first=Andrew and Jesse Hiestand| last=Wallenstein|url=http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=technologyNews&storyid=2006-04-25T110339Z_01_N24351020_RTRUKOC_0_US-UNIONS.xml| 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.<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=]|date=]| accessdate=2006-04-25}}</ref> They are expected to be released in ] of 2007. | |||
| === 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 ] has been announced, to be developed by ], for ] and home computers,<ref>"Ubisoft and Touchstone team up to create 'Lost' video game" </ref> while ] is developing a ''Lost'' game for mobile phones.<ref>IGN - </ref> Cardinal Games released a ''Lost'' board game on ], ]. <ref></ref> Inkworks has published two sets of ''Lost'' ]s, and is slated to release the ''Lost'': Revelations set.<ref>Inkworks </ref> In May 2006, ] announced a line 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. | |||
| == References == | |||
| <div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;"> | |||
| <references/> | |||
| </div> | |||
| == 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 ARG. | |||
| --> | |||
| {{Wikiquote|Lost}} | |||
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| * (Canada) | |||
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| * at sky.com | |||
| * (Ireland) | |||
| ;Sponsored forum | |||
| *: forum sponsored by J.J. Abrams | |||
| ;Official tie-in sites | |||
| {{seealso|Lost Experience#External links}} | |||
| *: fictional foundation behind the DHARMA Initiative | |||
| * : fictional airline whose crashed Flight 815 is the subject of the series | |||
| {{LostNav}} | |||
| {{featured article}} | |||
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Revision as of 06:43, 9 January 2007
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