Long Lost Family, originally created by KRO-NCRV in the Netherlands, masterfully combines compelling storytelling and stunning cinematography with a popular presenter-led format—achieving what many consider the holy grail of television: a long-running, critically acclaimed series. In the UK, it has remained one of ITV’s highest-rated shows for over a decade. In the US, the series delivered nearly 100 hours on TLC across four seasons, with a new pilot currently in production

Long Lost Family is the last chance for many to reunite with the loved ones they have been desperately seeking for years. Every episode tackles two stories. Each a desperately emotional journey for a family member alone in the world trying to reconnect with relatives they have never met before, they may not have even known of their existence.

Searches span the globe with many of the relatives found on different continents. With what little information is available our team sets up an investigation using every resource available to reunite them with Long Lost Family

Long Lost Family has spawned a number of award winning spin off Born Without Trace.

Born Without Trace, Until now, with no birth record or even a name, foundlings have had no way of discovering the most basic facts of their identity.  But in this exciting series, combining cutting-edge genetic genealogy and DNA testing technology with painstaking detective work, the most fundamental mystery is solved for four foundlings: they find outwho they are.

The series showcases the very best in modern programme making from telling the real-life stories of these vulnerable contributors with sensitivity; to producing empathetic performances from celebrity presenters; to handling duty of care issues surrounding this sensitive subject matter and following key legal and privacy protocols; and, finally, creating highly visual and dramatic narratives which combine a mixture of observational documentary, presenter-led and constructed actuality elements within the successful and popular format of reveals and reunions.

This was trail-blazing television, which told powerful and emotional new stories, while always carefully upholding its duty of care to the contributors.

This series was one of ITV’s highest rating 9pm shows of the year. (5.5 million consolidated and 4.7 peak on the night) The audience also responded on social media, as reflected in the huge and overwhelmingly positive social media response, with the show trending #1 on Twitter.

Long Lost Family – Awards

Royal Television Society Popular Factual and Features 2014 (nominated ’14, ’21)
BAFTA Features 2014, 2021 (nominated ’15)
Broadcast Best Documentary Series 2015
Grierson Awards best Constructed Documentary Series 2016 (special mention ’20)

Long Lost Family: Born Without A Trace – Awards

BAFTA 2021 for Long Lost Family: Born Without Trace

Rose D’Or 2021 Long Lost Family Born Without Trace Reality and Factual Entertainment