'The Missing' Returning to Starz for Second Eight-Episode Installment

An eight-episode sequel of The Missing has been ordered by Starz.

Starz has ordered a sequel to the Golden Globe nominated limited series The Missing. The new eight-part installment will again be written by brothers Harry and Jack Williams and unfold over two time frames but this time follows a new case, new characters and new location.

Using the terms "sequel" and "limited series" in what seems like a typical second season announcement emphasizes the distinction many series are trying to make these days. All the pros and cons of classifying as a miniseries versus a drama series are not clear, but one obviously impact is awards show nominations. The choice of competing against other miniseries or the top dramas may increase of decrease of odds of winning. In the case of Fargo, one simple writing credit recently made all the difference.

FX initially submitted Fargo to the WGA Awards as a miniseries based on the fact that the 10 one-hour scripts - all written by Noah Hawley - tell a single, close-ended story. The WGA disagreed with this assumption.  Noah Hawley was accorded a 'Created for Television By' credit which meant Fargo could only be considered in the drama series category.  Fargo decided not to submit based on the WGA decision..

The Missing and Fargo were both nominated for this year's Golden Globe Awards for Best TV Movie or Mini-Series, and will compete against The Normal Heart, Olive Kitteridge and True Detective.

The finale of the first installment of The Missing, which centers on the psychological fallout and ensuing years-long manhunt resulting from the sudden disappearance of five-year-old Oliver Hughes, will air Saturday, January 10 on Starz. It will be available On Demand and on Starz Play beginning Saturday, December 20.

"The remarkably talented Williams brothers crafted a beautifully complex and heart wrenching story with The Missing and while the story, character and locations will be different in this new iteration, we anticipate the same captivating long-form storytelling and character development that critics and viewers have responded so well to," said Starz Managing Director Carmi Zlotnik. "We have been thrilled with the critical response and look forward to continuing our terrific collaboration with the BBC, New Pictures and Playground Entertainment."

In the UK, the series aired on BBC One and the first installment served as appointment viewing for over 7 million people each week during its run.

Willow Grylls, Charlie Pattinson and Elaine Pyke serve as Executive Producers for New Pictures; Harry and Jack Williams for Two Brothers Pictures; Polly Hill for the BBC and Colin Callender for Playground Entertainment. All3media international retains all US rights not obtained by Starz.