Format

Lineup Industries and PBS Distribution have signed an acquisition deal for 12 seasons of the award-winning UK version of long-running format juggernaut Long Lost Family, alongside seven seasons of spin-off series What Happened Next. Both series will be available to watch on new FAST channel, PBS Genealogy, which is now available on Pluto TV in the US, as well as with PBS Passport, a station member benefit available through the PBS app.

Over the course of two decades on air, since its launch on NPO1, Long Lost Family has been produced locally for channels including TLC in the US, Sweden’s TV4, Reshet in Israel, Ten in Australia, DR Denmark, and RTL in Hungary. Produced by Wall to Wall, the UK version originated on ITV, where it has been recognised by awards from BAFTA, Grierson, National TV and TV Choice and inspiring spin-off shows What Happened Next and Born Without Trace.

Wanting to know your personal history is something everyone can relate to.” said Andrea Downing, President of PBS Distribution. “These shows capture the essence of human relationships, and we’re pleased to bring these inspiring stories to viewers.”

Julian Curtis, Founder of Lineup Industries, said: “Long Lost Family is a show that never fails to deliver on emotional connection which is part of its timeless appeal. The UK version is a flagship for the format winning audiences all over the globe where it performs extremely well for Foxtel and ABC in Australia as well as Discovery in New Zealand and in the UK where they picked up secondary TV rights. We’re sure viewers will be captivated by these incredible heart-warming stories of reconnection.”

In each episode of Long Lost Family viewers are taken on a moving journey, from the revealing moment relatives are told their loved one has been traced, to the raw moment of the reunion which, in many cases, would only ever have happened in their wildest dreams. Long Lost Family explores the background and social context of each family's estrangement and why it occurred. Spin-off show Long Lost Family – What Happened Next revisits the characters and stories from previous episodes.