Also featured in this episode: Forklift Mystery, Unicorn's Secret, Ohio Gas Station Robbery [Brian Foguth murder] and Grace's Ghost.
Unsolved Mysteries series with Robert Stack
In 1987, Robert Stack's syndicated series, Unsolved Mysteries, debuted. The premise of the show was that a group of experts would investigate strange occurrences and explain them with science. As well as crimes, each episode featured a different mysterious phenomenon, such as ghost phenomena or UFOs. Each episode also highlighted the progress that experts were making in their respective fields. As technology has become more advanced, unsolved mysteries have become even more intriguing to audiences. Even shows that air decades later are inspired by the legacy of the past and use techniques pioneered by past investigators.
For example, many people watch the USA series for entertainment but also for learning facts about crime solving techniques. Unsolved Mysteries has led to many spinoffs. such as true crime series and podcasts that cover unsolved mysteries in detail.
Many fans of Unsolved Mysteries view it as a history lesson- not only about unsolved mysteries but also about experts in other fields such as forensics and science. Each episode of Unsolved Mysteries highlights how new technology has revolutionized how crimes are solved today. In the past, investigators used to try to solve cases through trial and error- now they use computers to do most of their work for them. In addition, modern forensics uses high-tech equipment such as blood-spots and fiber analysis to trace crimes back to their perpetrators.
The show was so popular, and now so nostalgic to many people. Many famous celebrities appeared on the show including Walter Cronkite, Bob Hope and Lucille Ball among others. At its peak, millions of people watched an episode of Unsolved Mysteries. Some fans watch this show for entertainment but also for learning facts about history that they may not know.
Each episode of Unsolved Mysteries follows a format where a group of experts discuss various unsolved mysteries from history and explain what they know to viewers. Each segment starts with an explanatory voiceover from host Robert Stack before the first investigative segment begins. After each investigation is complete, Stack presents his conclusions before concluding each show with his closing statement.
Many people watch Robert Stack's Unsolved Mysteries because it has a unique premise and can teach fans a lot about history and modern day investigation techniques. Even those who have seen all the reenactments find them informative when compared to real history told through television shows inspired by Unsolved Mysteries. Because so many fans have fond memories watching this show as children, they've dubbed it 'their favorite childhood show.'
Other episodes on this blog: The bizarre death of Cindy James.
