“Manifest” is a television series that premiered in 2018 and aired for three seasons. It follows the story of the passengers of Montego Air Flight 828, who return to New York City five years after their plane disappeared without a trace. The passengers discover that while they were presumed dead, the world had moved on without them, and they are now experiencing mysterious and supernatural phenomena.

While the show is not based on a true story, it draws inspiration from real-life events and conspiracy theories, such as the Bermuda Triangle, which is known for unexplained disappearances of ships and planes, and the Malaysian Airlines Flight 370, which disappeared in 2014.
The show’s creator, Jeff Rake, has stated that he was inspired by a personal experience he had in 2013. He was on a flight from Hawaii to Los Angeles, which was delayed for several hours due to mechanical issues. During this time, he started to imagine what would happen if the flight disappeared and then reappeared years later.
Rake has also mentioned that the show was influenced by the concept of time and the idea that time is not linear, which is a topic that has been explored in various fields, including physics and philosophy.
The show’s premise of a plane disappearing and reappearing years later is a common trope in science fiction and fantasy, and it has been explored in various movies and TV shows, such as “Lost” and “The 4400.”
While “Manifest” is not based on a true story, it touches on various themes and issues that are relevant to our society, such as grief, loss, faith, and redemption. The passengers of Flight 828 are forced to confront the fact that their loved ones have moved on without them, and they must learn to navigate a world that is both familiar and unfamiliar.
The show also touches on the topic of conspiracy theories and the power of belief. In the show, the passengers are dubbed the “returned” and are believed by some to have been chosen for a greater purpose. This belief leads to the formation of a cult-like group that seeks to manipulate and control the passengers.
Overall, “Manifest” is a fictional TV show that draws inspiration from real-life events and explores various themes and issues that are relevant to our society. While it may not be based on a true story, it has captured the imaginations of many viewers and has become a popular show with a dedicated fanbase.