Missing: Dead or Alive? (2023– ) User Reviews

Not that good

[SpacemanBob · 5/10 · 11 May 2023]

Roughly midway thru the first episode. I wasn't sure if what I was watching was a true crime documentary, or a drama meant to look like a documentary. To find out, a little checking on google confirms that these are actual cops, and actual missing persons, and suspects. All that just made it worse tbh, because now I *know* they're staging most of it.

The format of the show is modeled after 'The First 48.' They borrowed a lot from it, right down to the timer. I know that show scripts certain things also, it'd have to in order to exist, but they're obviously so much better at it, I hardly notice. I still like that show, knowing as much. It's that they use some discretion with it, they don't insult the viewer.

Scripted or Not ...

[lwoods2 · 7/10 · 8 November 2023]

I don't know if this show is 100% documentary or somewhat or entirely scripted. I wasn't there. The question is, did I like it? Yes.

I am a huge fan of Dateline and 20/20. I've been watching those shows for years, primarily for the one reason I keep tuning in: I don't know "whodunnit" until the end. I get to figure out the crime along with the experts. This show works the same way - will they be found alive or dead? I can take the journey with the officials in order to find out.

Whether these cases are scripted or not, the theme remains the same: people can go missing at the drop of a hat, and it takes some very skilled and experienced people to try to find them. If that interests you, then this show will probably appeal to you.

Decent look at a missing case unit

[littlejc-99695 · 6/10 · 13 May 2023]

I really don't understand all the dislike for this docu-series? Is it the best true crime series you will ever watch? No it will not be the best, but not the worse either. It definitely kept me engaged enough to binge it in a day. I thought it was a decent look at what a missing case unit Does. They are definitely a unit I feel does not get a lot of credit for all the hard work they do.

Yes most of what they do is boring & time consuming, not as exciting as maybe regular police work. I felt they showed a good mix of cases, they would be involved with.

A couple definitely had me guessing. Others I could predict.

Just about watchable, but too much emphasis on making it feel real time.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 6/10 · 26 May 2023]

A documentary series following a team of officers from South Carolina's Sheriff's department, they explore the cases of Lorraine Garcia, Amirah Watson, David Taylor and Sierra Stevens, all of whom go missing without trace.

So, it's definitely a mixed bag, some of its good, some of it is really bad. I'll start with the negatives, too much effort goes into making it feel as though it was happening in real time. Multiple times the cameraman tries capturing the real life reactions from the officers to all manner of situations, personally I didn't like that side of it.

On the plus side, the cases are all very interesting, the good and bad that people do to one another, for good and bad reasons, there's nothing more interesting than human psychology, we get to see the effects of crime on The Officers as well as the family members, it reinforces the fact that they're Human too.

Each story has a degree of interest, poor David Taylor's story in particular was so interesting, a real tragedy. One gripe I had was the way in which Tony Garcia was treated in the first episode.

Netflix are capable of so much better, but it's ok.

6/10.

They cancelled Mindhunters...

[gobillybatson · 2/10 · 11 May 2023]

For this???? I'm not gonna go so far as to say it's staged, but it seems very reenactment heavy. Multiple camera angles for mundane conversations and nobody questions the presence of a camera crew. I watched one episode and about 15 minutes of it is detectives walking down a hall in slow motion filmed from behind. And why do the female detectives seem scared of their own shadows? This is kind of a waste of time and somewhat insulting to the viewer. Apparently there's a minimum required amount of characters for these reviews, so I'm just going to add that Mindhunters was a great show and I miss it.

Pretty Decent

[chopperDavo · 7/10 · 13 May 2023]

I quite liked this series. I thought the filming was done really well. Being from and overseas location, I was interested to see the countryside, towns etc.

The cases were quit interesting. It is all done quite slowly and could have been sped up a bit, but that's only a minor point.

Yes, some of the dialogue is a bit wooden - but these are cops, not actors. And so you can't expect them to have a conversation about a case and have it come off totally spontaneous.

I was surprised by the amount of effort the cops went to to find these people. I'm guessing they focused on a few cases where they did in fact, put a lot of resources into the search.

I imagine there must be many other cases where they can't devote so much time and energy towards finding a missing person.

To be experienced they are not that experienced

[Brotha_Rage · 1/10 · 10 May 2023]

They are already in the house but need a search warrant for a room?

Saw the carpet was pulled up in a room, saw the carpet, but left it without collecting it?

Executed a search warrant without collecting the evidence?

Was smelling bleach but crime scene was never called to check the residence for blood? Not how any of that works.

No uniform law enforcement securing the scene when they were executing the search warrant.

They had all that experience and rank but do not seem to know how to execute a search warrant or preserve evidence in the event the scene becomes a crime scene.

No good at all.

I enjoyed it

[kimberleeouellette · 8/10 · 11 June 2023]

I actually enjoyed this and was sad that there weren't more episodes. I don't understand all of the negative reviews. Each case kept my attention and I also enjoyed how they focused on the impact it had on the investigators during the cases as well. I really do hope that they bring it back for a second season but with way more episodes in the season. I also think it would be cool to see this from different units around the country not just in South Carolina. Either way it was enjoyable to watch and entertaining and I hope to see another season of this show very very soon. Only 8 stars because there weren't more episodes.

Don't pay attention to negative reviews

[kellyjeanne-66859 · 7/10 · 26 December 2023]

First of all, the negative reviews are made by people who clearly have no idea how police work/investigations really work. This isn't Law and Order, this is how investigations happen, crimes aren't solved in 45 minutes. These Deputies work non-stop until they find the person. And sometimes they don't. Second of all, the Richland County Sheriff's Department is not made up of only 6 women. There are over 700 sworn deputies, which is easily found out by googling. This is the Missing Persons' Unit, not the whole department. Yes, Law Enforcement, actually takes an emotional and physical toll on members. Especially in Missing Persons, Major Crimes, and SVU. So what these Deputies are saying they are going through happens.

It's quite unfair on viewers

[sweensa · 2/10 · 10 May 2023]

Netflix has cancelled some really good shows and not completed others, stating finances and time as the reasons. Mindhunter season 3 not made. Other shows cancelled mid story. Save the money instead of making shows like this. I can't fault the people in it. But staged true crime is so bad to watch. There is no crime. Everything is just so fake. Non actors faking emotions over something that didn't actually happen is cringey. Netflix needs to stop churning out 3 or 4 new shows a week that are awful, and focus on quality not quantity. Subscription prices went up, and seeing this drivel makes you feel robbed.

Dont listen to other reviews

[tarasmith92 · 10/10 · 13 May 2023]

This is the first review I've ever wrote just because I enjoyed this show so much and as a true crime fanatic I honestly can't believe the bad reviews this is getting from people!! Do these people realise its about missing persons cases not murder cases so it can have multiple different outcomes and it really does show you the time and multiple avenues you have to go down to get to the bottom of the case!

Please give it a chance and do the listen to the other negative reviews because if I did I would of missed out on one of my favourite true crime documentaries now!

It is very interesting seeing how the investigators get information and where it goes from there!

Reality Series?

[chriscoochie · 6/10 · 24 May 2023]

I mean they definitely Pushed it as far as they can go without being considered a fictional sitcom bc the case they work are real. But what is confusing is They have been working in this missing person's department for a long time. Now? So has she been asking everyday about how she feels when she finds the person dead? Four something bad happened to them? I mean it's good to check on mental health with a job like that but you would have thought they would have then used to. I think they are old old cases that happened a long time ago and hired lawyers and actors to play all those parts. The case facts.

Super staged...

[shailosweetkittycat · 1/10 · 10 May 2023]

The is super staged... Around every turn they get perfect footage captured, the timing of "running into" possible key people at just the right time, or right when possible evidence goes "missing".... Ridiculous! The Son... Just trying to get past the way he speaks is a full time job in itself. Sometimes you can hear the scripted part of these detectives talking to one another, bad acting.

This is not worth watching. Even worse than Making a Murderer, just garbage, don't bother...

Just stick to real crime documentaries or shows that are truly dedicated to solving crimes, this is not that show.

Garbage

[georgio-26490 · 2/10 · 10 May 2023]

Don't waste your time with this if you're a true crime documentary fan. This is 100% staged nonsense, it's attempting to be true like making a murdered / staircase etc etc. But it's so obvious it is all staged for dramatic effect. No one in law enforcement works like these people, reading important documents in the street, going inside a home then to stumble on a door closed with a lump of wood then declaring a search warrant is required. The interview scenes show "real" police doing interrogation and the actresses nowhere to be seen. I watched the first episode and if so false and fake , I had to Google the facts and not one of these actresses/police women were mentioned. Give this a swerve.

It's either a staged show or the most incompetent cops in South Carolina.

[puhleezman · 2/10 · 13 May 2023]

I only watched the first episode and it was laughable to me. I'm not going to bother watching the others so this review is pretty much for the first episode.

At first, it starts like they're working a missing persons case and then the circumstantial evidence starts piling up. The son is made to be the prime suspect and the case quickly goes from a missing persons investigation to a witch hunt trying to find evidence to satisfy their predetermined conclusions.

The evidence is purely circumstantial. Potential physical evidence was left in the yard unguarded and uncollected. Potential biological evidence found in the suspects truck is improperly packaged in plastic bags when it should be in paper.

In the end, they lock the son up on some questionable charges. The episode ends with the missing mother being recorded speaking to a bank employee and the cryptic "we hope there's a chance she alive" and then just ends.

A quick google search reveals this woman was alive and well the whole time. Why omit that in the episode? I hope it was a staged production because this really puts the cops in a bad light if it's a legitimate investigation.

Do not understand negativity - it's great

[JCaseyChapman · 10/10 · 12 May 2023]

I'm compelled to write a review because I'm seeing a lot of misplaced negativity. I was born and raised in SC and I do feel this show nails the dangerous underbelly of the deep south. I truly love that the show is focused on a department that is run by women. These women are quiet, determined, and doing some of the toughest work that could ever be done. It's a wonder how a film company was allowed such access both to the department as well as the suspects. It's a study of criminal minds, mental illness, PTSD, and America's struggle to search and find justice. I'd highly recommend the series if you're a true crime junkie like me. I am in awe of these women.

Not authentic. Not worth your time.

[wotz_my_name · 1/10 · 15 May 2023]

These "out in the field" type shows work when it's authentic. This is so heavily edited and poorly "acted" that viewers are left questioning whether it's real or scripted.

There are many inconsistencies as far as police procedure goes, dialogue is delivered as if officers are reading from a script. The multiple angles show either it's a dramatisation or the priority really is getting the shot over the wellbeing of the missing person.

The dramatic music, multiple angles and perfect lighting all reek of Hollywood which is a shame, because the premise of this show is decent. Shows like "Cops" make you feel like you're going along for the ride with those involved, you're part of the action. That's not what this is.

If your looking for a romanticized true crime series, similar to YouTube pods, this is not the series for you.

[samuelkessinger · 10/10 · 20 May 2023]

First, let me explain my biases.

1) my girlfriend is addicted to crime docs right now (I'm not sure if I should be afraid for my life, or not... but regardless, I have a strong incentive to watch true crime documentaries.) 2) I am a native of South Carolina, so I am pleased to see a glimpse of my home-state's public-safety system.

3) personally, I am a huge fan of smaller-budget, more focused, documentary series.

Now, let's get on to the review.

This series is nothing like other true-crime docuseries, in the sense that, you won't be force-fed a timeline of events that starts at the crime being "reported" and ends at the crime being "solved". But rather, you will see a glimpse into the real world, where investigations aren't easy.

This is not a Mile Higher podcast, there is no witty/comical discussion, these are real victims and real investigators. The crimes are real, the pitfalls and detours of the investigation are real.

If you want to see how crime actually works, watch this.

If you read the other reviews, make sure you read them through a lens of "I'm an idiot, who thinks this is a poorly done reboot of "Mind Hunter".

Probably the Worst I've Seen.

[rhys-62196 · 1/10 · 20 May 2023]

This is very likely the worst murder/missing person series I have ever seen. I honestly cannot believe it is supposed to be a documentary series. The entire department should be fired for their complete lack of competence, and the suspects... once again I can't believe they are real, they are that damn stupid. Just overall awful. Netflix continues to lower the bar on what they are willing to produce, and somehow the rare gem they do find they discontinue after a season or two.

The narration was awful, the cases, the policing, the whole damn thing. Definitely avoid this like the plague. You've been warned.

What the..

[jonpaulpiques · 1/10 · 11 May 2023]

This has got to be the worst true crime documentary I've ever watch on all streaming platforms. It's 100% scripted. I can't believe something like this ever got green lit to Netflix.

Does Netflix really think their users are that dumb to believe something like this?

Ever since Netflix went quantity over quality on their programming we so often get shows like this who are just horrible from the first 5 minutes. Within the first few scenes you could already tell this show is 100% scripted. How can a "true" crime be fake?

Please do not waste your time watching this.

1/10 and the 1 is pushing it:

Unsure what's happening here.....

[Ghostofthewoods · 1/10 · 11 May 2023]

What on earth is this supposed to be? Drama, movie, documentary.... It's almost like a artistic take on crime, using people who can't act or process crime scenes professionally. It's a mishmash of everything, with an overriding fake and unprofessional feel to it.

It's a shame, as it could have been good. It's just a shame Netflix thinks it's audience is a bunch of gullible and brainless idiots that will accept this as reality.

I think it's probably based on reality, and may use some of the people 'involved' as underpaid actors - but regardless, it's completely ruined and unenjoyable to watch, in my humble opinion.

Excellent doco series

[deb-357-828460 · 8/10 · 12 May 2023]

The bad ratings and reviews confused me. I binged watched this. Found it heartfelt, gripping and really interesting. Hats off to those that work in the missing persons department. It must be extremely taxing and difficult, but hopefully equally rewarding when the outcomes are, god willing, good ones.

Nicely filmed and the film crew have taken the time to compose and capture the surroundings and agents in creative and interesting ways, perhaps that's way some think this feels a bit too staged. But the stories themselves seem to unfold naturally.

I'd like to see more of these behind the scenes true crime type series.

"Don't believe the negative reviews." LOL

[Xavier_Stone · 1/10 · 19 May 2023]

I stumbled onto this show and decided to give it a go as I'm a fan of true crime shows and podcasts. After a while I was wondering what the eff I was watching as there were tons of errors by the investigators and film makers. I'm no seasoned detective or anything, but if I can spot multiple evidence collection errors it's got to be bad.

Most investigators have years of experience and hundreds of hours in the field and are constantly working with the preservation of evidence and the paper trail. Any mistakes they have made have made are quickly corrected by coworkers.

But this is similar to going to a hospital and having your blood drawn by a nurse who can't find a vein, gets her supervisor who also struggles and gives up and says they don't need the blood anyway we'll use the saliva.

Nobody is this incompetent, except Elizabeth Holmes. But by all means keeps watching if you find this interesting and don't believe the negative reviews by people who actually think. 1/50 for producing a show so bad we don't know if it's a parody or scripted.

Best Netflix Crime Series This Year

[hilaryjrp · 10/10 · 12 May 2023]

As of the date of this review, I'm number 10. Every other review resembles each other so closely as to the authenticity of some being a matter of doubt to me. But "Missing: Dead or Alive?" is excellent. You can safely watch this with sensitive viewers and be caught up in the writing, mystery, pacing, and recurring characters--two forty-something single white women, one forty-something black man. Netflix' characteristic reliance on violence to draw audiences isn't on display. (The other very low-ranking reviews may have been written by substantially younger people unaware of age bias.)

Four stories of missing people are told, all dealing with timely social issues: elder abuse; prejudice against fathers by family court judges; the unexpected risks of recreational drugs; and U. S. interstates as human trafficking conduits.

This series is "reality noir." If it matters, all but one of the stories ends very happily. At one point, a lead "character," Detective Rains, talks about the mental and emotional toll of working a missing persons unit: "You spend so much time getting to know people you're never going to meet." I wondered if the longest episode's shocking surprise ending left other viewers feeling as guilty as it did me: How awful a person you must be to have even a milli-second of regret when you finally *do* get to meet the "un-meetable?"

I binged this series, something I'm very happy to report I've done with two other Netflix offerings, "The Diplomat" and "Inside Man." Interestingly, these other, fiction-based series also focused on mature men and women, by which I mean over-forty. If Netflix continues to fill the crater formed when it pulled out all stops and sought viewers hungry for only social justice-preaching fantasy in Paris/Merry Old England, I'll continue to subscribe.

"Missing: Dead or Alive?" is Must See TV.

Not credible

[eva-170-335131 · 3/10 · 11 May 2023]

I like the premise; looking over the shoulder of the Missing Persons Unit from the beginning til the end of a case, but this is either very scripted or a very inexperienced team.

They 'haven't had time yet' to call a phone-company to track the location of a phone, they leave a piece of suspicious carpet at a possible crime scene for it to be taken by the suspect the next day, they comb through a car with possible pieces of evidence with only gloves on and wearing their hair loose (possibly contaminating evidence). It's like watching a bunch of amateur sleuths or something.

They're constantly talking about how much they want to help and 'save' people and how emotional it is in a way that sounds more like 'look at me, I'm such a good person!'

Apparently the Major Crimes Unit is after one of the main characters and her boss is trying to convince her to stay at Missing Persons by begging and telling her she does an amazing job, like a mom that tells her kid that her drawing of a horse that looks like a boiled turd looks reaaally good.

I continued watching because I wanted to know how the cases resolved, but if you haven't pushed play yet: Just skip this one.