The Truth About that Call Center on ‘Unsolved Mysteries’
By Jeremy Dick
Robert Stack would sometimes provide updates while standing in a fully staffed “call center” on Unsolved Mysteries, and its creators have revealed the truth behind it.
Did you know classic Unsolved Mysteries episodes are now available for streaming? The first three seasons of the show, featuring original host Robert Stack, are now streaming on Amazon. Later seasons with Dennis Farina are also available on Amazon. You can also find the Farina episodes on Youtube as well.
Bringing back these classic episodes of the series is revitalizing fan interest in this eerie show. It conjures up many memories of catching every episode in the early 90s. From the music to the narrator and all the creepy stories within, it’s simply one of the greatest shows ever made.
One particular memory that stands out about the show was that giant call center it used to show. Robert Stack would encourage viewers to call their call center to provide tips on any of the cases the show airs. In the background, you’d see dozens of employees on computers and headsets, presumably taking countless calls from the public.
It certainly looks cool… but is it real? Even as a small child, I had my doubts. Did they really have a team of staffers working around the clock to crack cases? Or was this really a set full of paid extras, presented on television just for effect?
Robert Stack on Unsolved Mysteries – Courtesy of FilmRise
Is this a real call center, or a Hollywood studio?
On their recent Reddit AMA, the show’s creators and producers finally give us the truth about that call center. And it’s not the answer I was expecting! You can check out the full AMA on Reddit, but here’s what they say when someone asks about the “call center”:
"“That was a real call center with real people! Cases actually did get solved during the broadcast of the show.”"
Next: 'Unsolved Mysteries' Creators Want Show Back On TV
What do you know — it was totally legitimate! I guess at the height of the show’s popularity, they were airing on network televison. It’s certainly plausible they’d be receiving enough calls to warrant an entire call center. Still, I always questioned its legitimacy. Pleasantly surprised to learn that it’s real!