Found - What We Know So Far
Over 600,000 people go missing every year (via NamUs). People of color make up the majority of those figures, yet most go unnoticed by the media. "Found" is set to take on this alarming issue, as the fictional series focuses on a former missing person whose crisis management team highlights otherwise unseen cases.
"Found" hails from Nkechi Okoro Carroll, the writer and executive producer whose work on well-known titles ranges from "Bones" to "All American: Homecoming." For Carroll, it also represents a chance to do something about a disturbing issue. "I was inspired to create 'Found' to not only entertain but to help be part of the solution," she told Variety.
NBC picked up the drama as part of the network's 2022-2023 season. It marks a major step for the project, which originally had a commitment from ABC. The series also stands as the only title from an outside studio included in NBC's current crop of drama pilots. While Okoro Carroll will act as showrunner, she will share those duties with Sonay Hoffman. Much of this stems from her current role as executive producer and showrunner on "All American: Homecoming" (via Deadline).
What is Found's release date?
No release date has been revealed as of September 2022. NBC's fall 2022 schedule is already set, headlined by the reboot of "Quantum Leap." The network is leaning heavily into drama via their coveted One Chicago lineup of "Chicago Med," "Chicago Fire," and "Chicago P.D." That leaves "Found" to secure its place among a crowded group of titles.
While there is no information about its placement, there's a good chance the series could find a slot among mid-season changes (via Deadline). The possibility of projects failing to garner ratings or open slots from series with smaller orders is the best chance for "Found" to secure its place in the network's 2022-2023 season.
Another possibility is the series could be shelved until the 2023-2024 season. That could happen for a number of reasons, the most likely being a retool from the pilot. Additional problems might come from the length of its schedule or any in-house content which may jump ahead of the Warner Bros. TV production.
What is the plot of Found?
The series is set to delve into the myriad issues surrounding missing people of color as well as the lack of resources devoted to their safe return. Its grounded central character is a public relations expert facing her own traumatic experience by using a crisis management team to shine a light on cases that otherwise might go unnoticed. Descriptions surrounding the series hint at its expert dealing with secrets yet to be revealed.
Little is known about the series structure, but it appears to be in the vein of other similar procedurals. That would likely mean one case a week as a story arc runs throughout the season. Most importantly for the creative team and NBC, each storyline remains true to its intention. Lisa Katz, president of entertainment scripted content for NBCUniversal, promises the show will "be told authentically" for added relevance (via Variety).
Who is starring in Found?
"Found" stars Shanola Hampton as team leader and public relations expert Gabi Mosley. Information about the character remains scarce, although the arc between Mosley's personal experience and professional life is pivotal. Hampton is no stranger to TV, recently appearing on "The Neighborhood" and "Shameless."
Co-stars Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Kelli Williams are no less experienced in the medium. Gosselaar, famous for his role in the '80s teen series "Saved by the Bell," comes to the project after wrapping up ABC's "Mixed-ish" in 2021. His character of Sir remains a mystery in Mosley's life, possibly connecting to her own missing person's event (via Deadline).
"Army Wives" star Kelli Williams joins "Found" after appearing on the Paramount+ series "Coyote." Williams plays Margaret Reed, a character described as a "keen observer" when it comes to human behavior, suggesting perhaps a kind of profiler. She's also a major asset to the Mosley and Associates team, acting as a manager as well as a guide for younger members. Much like Moseley, Reed's motivations reach into a painful personal experience with missing persons (via Variety).