the forgotten - ABC's "the forgotten" stars Bob Stephenson as Walter Bailey, Rochelle Aytes as Detective Grace Russell, Michelle Borth as Candace Butler, Christian Slater as Alex Donovan, Heather Stephens as Lindsey Drake and Anthony Carrigan as Tyler Davies. (ABC/FRANK OCKENFELS)

It was always Christian Slater’s hope that his series, the forgotten, would produce more than just great television viewing.  The actor wanted the show to make a significant contribution in the world as well.

The series follows a group of individuals who help identify the dead so their families can have proper closure. At the end of each episode the production airs public service announcements in an effort to raise awareness.

Well, one of those PSAs had a tremendous impact for the family of Paula Beverly Davis, who disappeared in 1987. The viewer who caught the announcement recognized the missing woman as her own sister.

Click onto media bar for:

Slater’s comments about NAMUS.gov, who do the same good work that we see on TV and how the series actually helped facilitate the identity of Paula Beverly Davis, who’d been missing since the ‘80s.

Slater detailing how Davis was identified.

Why Slater donated his own money to a fund to bring Davis home to her family.

the forgotten returns to its regular timeslot, Tuesdays, 10:00 p.m. ET/PT beginning February 9th on ABC.