Fox is reviving America's Most Wanted with new host Elizabeth Vargas

Deadline

The long-running Fox crime-fighting program is returning in March with ABC News veteran Vargas at the helm. Original host John Walsh, who was the face of America's Most Wanted from 1988 to 2011 on Fox and from 2011 to 2012 on Lifetime, has given his blessing to the reboot, which will allow him to appear on the program if his current commitments permit. “Capturing dangerous fugitives, bringing justice to victims and finding missing children is my lifetime’s work,” Walsh said. “I am so excited to hear America’s Most Wanted is coming back and I support its return. God bless.” The new version will now employ a number of technologically advanced tools to assist in the search, including harvesting the power of social media. The show will also use state-of-the-art crime-fighting technology, such as augmented reality and 3-D life-size avatars that will illustrate what suspects might look like now. AMW will also film 2-3 days before its air date to be as current as possible. “It is about bringing people together, it is about unifying the country together in the pursuit of these criminals,” said Rob Wade, Fox Entertainment's president of unscripted shows and specials. “The show has the ability to create a huge impact on society and resonate with audiences. I think it represents in many ways the heart of America.” Wade adds: “That’s what is at the heart of the show, crowdsourcing by using social media and approved communication systems to track down some of the most brutal criminals."