Which reality series follows families searching for relatives using DNA and genealogy research?

'Long Lost Family' follows people searching for relatives through personal stories, genealogy research and DNA testing.

The British documentary reality series premiered on ITV in 2011. Episodes typically focus on individuals separated from parents, children, siblings or other relatives, often because of adoption, family circumstances or migration. Presenters and researchers investigate records, contact possible relatives and arrange reunions when both sides agree to participate.

The programme is based on the Dutch series 'Spoorloos'. Its stories are distinct from conventional genealogy programmes because the central goal is usually to locate a specific living relative rather than build a broad family tree. DNA testing may help confirm biological relationships, but researchers also use adoption records, birth records, electoral information and interviews.

The US adaptation, 'Long Lost Family', premiered on TLC in 2016 and has been presented by Chris Jacobs and Lisa Joyner. The UK and US editions share the concept but feature different presenters and cases. The series is sometimes confused with 'Who Do You Think You Are?', which generally traces celebrities’ ancestry rather than arranging searches for an unknown close relative.