Lost’s development began in January 2004, when then-head of ABC Lloyd Braun ordered an initial script, based on an idea he claimed to have had for quite a while. Unhappy with the result and a subsequent re-write, Braun contacted J. J. Abrams, creator of cult-favorite Alias, to write a new pilot script. Initially hesitant, Abrams warmed to it, and eventually collaborated with Damon Lindelof to create the series’ unique style and characters. [1] The development of the show was constrained by tight deadlines, as it had been commissioned late in the 2004 season’s development cycle. Despite the short schedule, the creative team remained flexible enough that they did not hesitate to modify or create characters to fit actors they wished to cast. [2]

Lost’s pilot episode was the most expensive in television history, having cost $10 million. [3] The show became one of the biggest critical and commercial successes of the 2004 television season and, along with fellow new series Desperate Housewives, helped to reverse the flagging fortunes of ABC. [4]

Capping its successful first season, Lost won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series and Abrams was awarded an Emmy in September 2005 for his work as director of the pilot. In January 2006 it won the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Drama.

Season 1