A big time skip could be on the way in Manifest season 4, which will bring the show’s story to a close. When Netflix picked up the NBC series for a 20-episode season 4, it was reported that it would be the show’s last, meaning that the Flight 828 passengers’ efforts to stop the Death Date are about to reach a head.
It’s never been a secret that Manifest showrunner Jeff Rake’s plan was for the show to stretch out to six seasons. However, NBC cancelling the show after the season 3 finale made it appear that not only was Manifest ending three seasons short of Rake’s goal, but it was never going to get a proper conclusion. After months of trying to find a new home for the show, Manifest has found new life on Netflix, due to a result of the first three seasons performing extraordinarily well on the streaming platform. Netflix bringing back original cast members and greenlighting one last season may not be what Rake originally wanted, but it will at least allow Manifest to provide closure and some much-needed answers.
As for how Manifest ending early could affect the story itself, it’s possible that a time jump may have to occur. After all, what Ben (Josh Dallas), Michaela (Melissa Roxburgh), and the others know about their fate lines up with Rake’s six-season plan. Their Death Date is June 2, 2024, which is still a few years away. If their journey went as far as season 6, their Death Date could have arrived in the series finale, which is where the characters would have to face their own version of “The Last Trial”. Just like the situation with the meth addicts and Matt Long’s Zeke, it makes sense that the passengers will be tested on the day of their Death Date.
Unless the passengers figure out a way to save themselves years ahead of schedule, Manifest’s story may have to somehow last until June 2, 2024. For that to work, a time jump may become necessary. It may not happen right away, especially since there were so many loose ends in the season 3 finale. With Olive (Luna Blaise) and Eve being kidnapped, Grace (Athena Karkanis) dying, and a 17-year-old Cal (Ty Doran) showing up, the Manifest season 4 premiere should pick up right where the show left. That being said, there may be opportunities for Manifest to leap forward by months or even years.
Multiple time jumps could be used to break up Manifest season 4, which is confirmed to release in parts on Netflix. If so, the final string of episodes could be set in 2024, when their time is almost up. Going in this direction would make it possible for Manifest to end early while also keeping Rake’s original ending intact.