TV Show review
September 24, 2018 · 42 min · TV-14 · Ended
Woke Score
Lower is better
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Manifest.
Woke representation / casting
Naturally diverse supporting cast reflecting New York City demographics in professional and everyday roles; no race/gender swaps, no unearned competence tied to identity, and no marketing focus on representation.
Woke political dialogue
Callings emphasize personal morality, helping strangers, and ethical choices in a spiritual context; no activist language, institutional critiques framed around identity, or modern political messaging.
Identity-driven story themes
Core arcs revolve around fate, redemption, family loyalty, and moral survival across characters of different backgrounds; themes stay universal and faith-oriented rather than centered on race, gender, sexuality, or systemic identity issues.
Western institutional / cultural critique
Government agencies and rogue scientists conduct unethical experiments and cover-ups as thriller antagonists; standard conspiracy plotting without activist framing of patriarchy, whiteness, capitalism, or cultural guilt.
Review
Manifest follows passengers and crew of Montego Air Flight 828 who return after five and a half years missing, only to receive mysterious "callings" — voices and visions guiding them to help others or fulfill a larger destiny. Over four seasons the story centers on the Stone family and their moral trials, redemption arcs, family conflicts, government conspiracies, and a growing revelation of a divine consciousness and lifeboat ethics. The show features a naturally diverse New York ensemble in supporting roles and competent female characters in law enforcement and science, but these serve the supernatural mystery and faith-based themes rather than any identity or activist messaging.
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
No documented complaints accusing the series of pushing woke, DEI, or identity politics; public discussion stayed on plot and pacing.
Creator track record context
Most writers and directors lack activist records; one writer shows moderate progressive ties while the lead producer has classical liberal Democratic donations and family-planning support — mild overall without recurring identity-driven patterns.
Production
