'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAf/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD/9oADAMBAAIQAxAAAACazUNf/8QAIRAAAQIFBQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIEAAMREjEFBgcTUXH/2gAIAQEAAT8A5MLnQt1Fq46S9lEgmWLpdCB6BdkZhTlVxotdPsf/xAAXEQADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQQi/9oACAECAQE/AJ1g/8QAGREAAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEDBBEh/9oACAEDAQE/AJS25p//2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Benedict Cumberbatch-starrer missing persons show, Eric, that recently premiered on Netflix, received plenty of attention from thriller fans. More often than not, missing persons shows promise immersive narratives that pack in more than a handful of twists and turns. And from Eric's intriguing trailer, it was evident that the show didn't plan on disappointing fans in terms of a gripping story to tell.
Cumberbatch plays a puppeteer named Vincent in the latest missing persons show set in 1980s New York. When his nine-year-old son, Edgar, goes missing, Vincent feels anxious and helpless. As time passes, he starts to spiral and starts to believe that his seven-foot-tall puppet, Eric, is the key to bringing his son back home safely.
However, since it only has six episodes in total, Eric is over before you know it. Viewers who feel that the show ended a little too soon can check out some other binge-worthy missing persons shows on this list that offer enough intrigue to keep them glued to the screen.
Trending
Disclaimer: This piece contains information from various sources. It contains some spoilers.
Gone, Found, and four more missing persons shows that are as addictive and engaging as Eric
1) Disappeared (2009)
In Eric, Vincent is certain that his missing son will return. A similar sentiment can be seen in Disappeared, but there is one key difference. This long-running missing persons show throws light on real-life cases.
The interviews with family and friends interlaced with input from investigators help viewers understand more about the people who went missing. At the same time, it also becomes clear that many are still holding on to the hope that their loved ones will turn up one day or another.
Containing 11 seasons and 143 episodes in total, this missing persons show doesn't seek to give answers as a large majority of the cases remain unsolved at the time of the broadcast. But it still gives a true picture of the huge percentage of names that end up in missing persons case files.
Where to watch: Episodes of Disappeared can be streamed on Prime Video and Plex.
2) The First 48: Missing Persons (2011)
As time goes by and there are no real leads to Edgar's case in Eric, his parents grow increasingly worried. This is not an unwarranted concern, as statistics say that cases without solid leads in the first 48 hours are more likely to be left unsolved. Pulling all stops to find clues early on also forms the basis of this missing persons show, with a special focus on the Chicago Missing Persons Unit.
Every episode of this missing persons show brings to light two different cases. It contains two seasons and 15 episodes in total. There are some cases that are resolved much to the joy of loved ones, but there are also cases that never reach a definite resolution due to a lack of evidence.
This missing persons show is the perfect watch for viewers who want to understand the steps taken by law enforcement officers when new cases are filed.
Where to watch: The First 48: Missing Persons is available for streaming on Apple TV and Prime Video.
3) Gone (2017)
While Gone may not match Eric in terms of psychological intrigue, it does, however, present its own version of tenacious officers like Detective Michael Ledroit, played by McKinley Belcher III.
Based on Chelsea Cain's novel, this missing persons show, containing 12 episodes, revolves around Kit Lannigan (Leven Rambin), who was a victim of child abduction. She is rescued by FBI Agent Frank Novak, played by Chris Noth. Years later, Novak asks her to join a special task force to put her combat skills and knowledge about abductors to good use.
This missing persons show does take liberties when it comes to showcasing how officers track down missing persons, but it is still an entertaining watch from start to finish.
Where to watch: This missing persons show is available on Prime Video and Apple TV.
4) The Disappearance (2017)
The six-episode Canadian missing persons show, like Eric, focuses on the disappearance of a young boy. Anthony Sullivan, played by Michael Riendeau, is a 10-year-old boy who goes missing while taking part in a scavenger hunt. The incident opens up a can of worms that slowly unravels the guarded secrets hidden away by members of the Sullivan family.
The Disappearance shines in the way it is able to hold on to the suspense till the very end. The audience is always kept guessing about where the characters stand and what their real intentions are. The talented actors also do a good job of bringing depth to their flawed but compelling characters.
Where to watch: Episodes of this missing persons show can be viewed on Plex and Prime Video.
5) The Vanishing Triangle (2023)
True crime fans would find it interesting that the title of this missing persons show is actually a term used by the media to describe a stretch in Eastern Ireland where many unsolved crimes took place back in the day. In this show, India Mullen plays an investigative journalist named Lisa. When several women go missing, her gut tells her that they are somehow linked to her mother's murder.
Like Eric, this show also takes a look at the way external forces, such as societal prejudices, police corruption, the limitations of the system, and more, can impact missing persons cases. Even though the ending seems a bit rushed, The Vanishing Triangle is still an engaging watch thanks to the well-developed characters.
Where to watch: The Vanishing Triangle can be streamed on Prime Video and Apple TV.
6) Found (2023)
Detective Michael Ledroit has his doubts about finding Edgar as more and more time elapses in Eric, but he still finds it in him to continue his search for answers. Likewise, in Found, Gabi (Shanola Hampton), a recovery specialist, also refuses to give up hope. Kidnapped as a teenager, she has made it her life's mission to find missing people that law enforcement has forgotten about.
Gabi runs a crisis management firm, Mosely & Associates, and is quite good at her job. However, the secret to her success is the insight gained from the man held captive in her basement, the same man who kidnapped her years ago.
Containing 13 episodes in total, Found deals with serious issues such as kidnapping and human trafficking, but it doesn't necessarily go all the way down the rabbit hole. The happy endings may not be all too realistic, but they do leave viewers with a positive note that will appeal to some demographics.
Where to watch: The Vanishing Triangle can be streamed on Prime Video and Apple TV.
Viewers who loved Eric should make a point to check out these well-made missing persons shows boasting baffling mysteries that are far more complex than they first appear.
