Watch The Returned

The Returned, a French supernatural drama television series, was broadcasted from 2012-2015 on A&E. It is based on the 2004 French film "They Came Back" by Robin Campillo. The show is centered around a small town cut off from the rest of the world, where the dead suddenly start to return to their loved ones, without any knowledge of their deaths or time spent away.

The Returned follows the lives of multiple families and their encounters with the people who had died, seemingly coming back to life. The town is thrown into chaos as people try to grapple with the idea of their loved ones returning from the dead. The series raises several questions about what happens to people when they die and is it even possible to escape death.

The show is led by a brilliant ensemble cast, including Anne Consigny as Claire, a doctor who's mute son Camille (Yara Pilartz), whom she thought was dead, suddenly reappears; Clotilde Hesme as Adèle, a woman who was pregnant and engaged to be married but her fiancé Simon (Pierre Perrier) died in a bus crash; Frédéric Pierrot as Jérôme, a police officer who struggles to keep his family together after his wife (Céline Sallette), who had died in a dam accident, comes back; and Jenna Thiam as Léna, a teenager who discovers her younger sister Camille's return from the dead, but she still harbours a deep sense of guilt over her death.

The acting is impeccable, and the character development is also impressive. The show is written in such a way that viewers will be able to relate to the characters and their dilemmas. The town is divided on how to react to these miraculous events, and the Returned are equally confused about the reality. The cinematography of the show is also stunning as it captures the essence of the town and its surroundings, that are often cold, unwelcoming, and mysterious.

As the story unfolds, secrets from the past are unearthed, and the town's dark history is exposed, making the show even more thrilling. The music score of the show is haunting and adds to the overall eerie tone of the series, making it a truly immersive experience that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

The Returned has a well-thought-out plot and explores the psychology of grief, death, and loss in a unique way. The concept of people returning from the dead has been used in several movies and TV shows, but in The Returned, it is done with such a level of sophistication and nuance that it makes the show stand out.

The show's success led to its remakes in other countries like the US and Brazil, but the original French version remains the best-received adaptation. The Returned has received critical acclaim and won several awards such as the International Emmy for Best Drama Series in 2013. The show also has a passionate cult following worldwide due to its unique storytelling and brilliant performances by the cast.

In conclusion, The Returned is a must-watch for anyone who loves mystery, supernatural, and thriller TV shows. The show explores complex themes and raises thought-provoking questions that transcend the genres it belongs to. It is a rare gem that is not only entertaining but also emotionally resonant, and its impact is likely to stay with viewers long after viewing the final episode.

The Returned is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (18 episodes). The series first aired on March 9, 2015.