3 questions for 'Unsolved Mysteries' co-creator, who started a 'call to action' that's led TV viewers to solve nearly 300 cold cases
"For every mystery, there is someone, somewhere, who knows the truth. Perhaps that someone is watching. Perhaps it's you."
In 1987, when actor Robert Stack appeared onscreen in his trench coat to host the first episode of Unsolved Mysteries, few could predict the phenomenon it would become.
The true-crime show, which ran from 1987 to 2002, enthralled viewers with real-time investigations and unexplained mysteries about the supernatural and paranormal, not to mention its memorable, spine-tingling theme song. It's since amassed a new generation of crime-solving fans, thanks to a 2020 Netflix reboot.
Fast-forward 35 years and the original series still has a firm foothold in TV history, having left an indelible mark that's helped to shape people's obsession with true-crime storytelling. According to series co-creator Terry Dunn Meurer, Unsolved Mysteries also has played a pivotal role in solving hundreds of cold cases, an achievement few programs can boast of.
Now a new documentary, Unsolved Mysteries: Behind the Legacy, is giving fans a behind-the-scenes look into the groundbreaking show. Yahoo Entertainment sat down with Meurer to expand on the series's enduring legacy and how she was able to combine her love for mystery with a powerful on-air "call to action" that still resonates today.
1. Looking back, did you ever anticipate that Unsolved Mysteries would have the impact and longevity it's had?
Unsolved Mysteries evolved from three specials we produced about missing children and missing adults. After the broadcast of those specials, some of the missing people were located. That inspired us to develop a series that presented many different kinds of mysteries, leading to the creation of Unsolved Mysteries.
When we first began looking for mysteries to profile, it was a challenge. We contacted different law enforcement agencies who were initially wary — because we were the media. But once we aired and cases started to be solved, both family members and law enforcement agencies recognized the power of the call to action and started submitting stories for us to produce.
At the time, we were hopeful that the audience would find Unsolved Mysteries on NBC's schedule and that some of the mysteries we presented would be solved. But never in my wildest dreams did I think we would produce 233 episodes, present over 1,300 mysteries and solve over 260 of our cases.
2. Has working on the show changed your personal perspective on mysteries, justice, the supernatural or the unexplained?
I've loved mysteries my entire life. I grew up reading Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie. I've always loved analyzing cases from every angle and trying to come up with the most viable theory. As the executive producer of Unsolved Mysteries, I've always kept an open mind and tried to develop a balanced presentation of theories.
When it comes to criminal cases, in my mind, a suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty. But we've also learned that those proven guilty might have been wrongly convicted. Regarding the supernatural and paranormal, until someone proves to me that ghosts and aliens don't exist, I will assume that they do.
3. How do you hope the show will be remembered in TV history?
I hope Unsolved Mysteries is remembered for its respectful, accurate and balanced presentation of each mystery. Over the past 35 years, nothing has been more important to me than the people willing to share their stories, hoping they can finally find closure and get answers to their lingering questions.
Unsolved Mysteries has provided closure for so many, and we are incredibly proud of that. Yet, many mysteries remain unsolved. I hope the show's call to action will always be remembered: "For every mystery, there is someone, somewhere, who knows the truth. Perhaps that someone is watching. Perhaps it's you."
Unsolved Mysteries: Behind the Legacy is streaming on Pluto TV, Amazon Freevee, Tubi and the Roku Channel.
