‘Most Wanted’ returns to air to solve cases

In a clip from the premiere of

Fox’s fresh take on “America’s Most Wanted,” a series in which viewers are told about crimes in the hope of prompting an arrest, host Elizabeth Vargas examines a 3D avatar of a suspect who appears to be standing next to her on set.

“Standing next to him you can learn a lot,” said Vargas, circling the likeness of a male. “One of the first things, he’s on the tall side.”

Vargas said these renderings are actually far more specific.

“Our viewers can see distinctive tattoos or scars or moles or even, for example, a distinctive way of walking,” the host said.

Vargas, who covered countless crimes while hosting ABC’S “World News Tonight” and “20/20,” said she “couldn’t be more excited” for this opportunity to help solve some of these cases.

“We used to get a lot of viewer reaction, but we weren’t set up to handle any of those tips. I mean, what we just did was call up the detective on the case and say, ‘Let me forward thistoyou,’”shesaid.“nowigetto tell the stories and ask the audience for help.”

The series will also take advantage of advancements in DNA research. “With all these people on DNA database and the fact that law enforcement can figure it out from the DNA at a crime scene. .. It’s extraordinary.”

“America’s Most Wanted” was previously hosted by John Walsh who became a victim’s rights advocate after his 6-year-old son, Adam, was kidnapped and murdered in 1981. It aired on Fox for 25 seasons before its cancellation in 2011. It was then picked up by Lifetime for a short run.

The show helped to capture more than 1,100 criminals — including 17 on the FBI’S Ten Most Wanted list. It’s also helped reunite 43 missing children with their families.

“America’s Most Wanted” premieres at 8 p.m. Monday on Fox.