Getting LOST: The definitive documentary on the classic ABC Series

Review by John Larkin

Available on all major digital platforms

There is something undeniably powerful about anniversaries. They often spark renewed interest in the works or events they commemorate, sometimes consciously and other times in ways that feel almost instinctive. I have experienced this myself on more than one occasion. For example, I felt a strong urge to revisit THE SOPRANOS in 2019, only to realize afterward that its pilot episode had premiered exactly twenty years earlier in 1999.

I had a similar experience with THE EXORCIST. On its 45th anniversary, I found myself revisiting the film in depth. That renewed fascination ultimately inspired me to create my own feature-length retrospective, which I completed for its 50th anniversary.

This sense of rediscovery applies equally to LOST, the ABC series that first aired on September 22, 2004. From the premiere, I was captivated by the show’s eclectic ensemble of characters and its intriguing mysteries. What made LOST remarkable was not only the puzzle-like storytelling but also the depth of its characters. Viewers cared deeply about their personal journeys, which gave the larger mysteries even greater weight.

Taylor Morden’s documentary GETTING LOST captures that essence with clarity and enthusiasm. The film demonstrates how deeply the series affected its fans and how strong the LOST community remains. I was surprised to learn about the pivotal role the show played in the early days of podcasting. LOST-inspired podcasts were among the most popular in the medium’s infancy and helped foster one of the most dynamic cultures of speculation and theory-building in early online fandom.

The documentary is filled with testimonials from fans who say the series helped them through grief, depression, or even suicidal struggles. These stories struck a personal chord. In 2008, while Season 4 was airing, I was going through a very difficult period of my own. Watching LOST each week provided comfort and distraction, and more importantly, it brought joy. As the film shows, this joy was central to the community that grew around the show.

The documentary also reminded me of a moment I had almost forgotten. A comedy video I created during the series’ final run ended up featured on TIME Magazine’s website in a segment exploring LOST’s cultural influence just before the finale aired in 2010. It was a small but meaningful reminder of how far-reaching the show’s impact had become.

Yet Morden ensures that the film does not simply celebrate nostalgia. He also addresses the more complicated aspects of the show’s legacy, including a post–#MeToo article about the toxicity of the writers’ room under Damon Lindelof. To his credit, Lindelof does not deny the allegations and expresses regret for his lack of sensitivity toward colleagues of different cultural and sexual backgrounds. Including this material gives the documentary a fuller, more honest perspective.

On the celebratory side, it is remarkable to see how many members of the original cast participated. Their reflections are warm and candid, adding real weight to the film. The most notable absence is Matthew Fox (Jack), though this is acknowledged humorously with a brief soundbite from J.J. Abrams that plays after the credits as a lighthearted epilogue.

For devoted fans of LOST, GETTING LOST is essential viewing. It would not be suitable for newcomers, since the documentary discusses spoilers throughout. But for those who have completed the 121-episode journey, it serves as an ideal companion piece.

LOST has always been a defining part of my life. It arrived during a difficult transition from childhood into adulthood, a time of uncertainty and change. I still vividly remember September 6, 2005, the day I bought the Season 1 DVD. Many of my close friends had already left our hometown for college, while I remained behind, preparing to commute into New York City to attend film school at the School of Visual Arts. In many ways, I was feeling a bit “lost” myself. Rewatching that first season on DVD helped me navigate this disorienting period. It offered comfort as I adjusted to a new city, a new routine, and the challenge of building friendships from scratch.

Revisiting the series today, I am struck by how well it holds up, both in its storytelling and emotional depth. I also hope the future brings a full 4K restoration and release. Shot on 35mm film, the series would be a perfect candidate for an upgrade, highlighting its striking cinematography and allowing a new generation of viewers to experience it in all its richness.

GETTING LOST is a superb encapsulation of a classic and deeply resonant television series, as well as a heartfelt tribute to the fans who helped make it the enduring success it remains today. For those who have shared in the journey of the show, it offers a moving reminder of why LOST continues to endure as both a cultural phenomenon and a personal touchstone.

The film is available to rent or purchase on all major digital platforms, giving fans a chance to revisit the island that made such a lasting impression.