TV Shows About the Paranormal

I'm no paranormal expert by any means. I will admit that I'm inclined to treat stories of the paranormal with a healthy bit of skepticism. However, paranormal activity helps us to think a little more about "final things" and how we should or ought to respond. If nothing else, paranormal shows can introduce people to places with interesting histories.

There are several shows on TV relating to the paranormal. Each has its own distinctive format, and not all will appeal to everyone. I've profiled five of the most popular shows that I've seen.

"A Haunting" is shown on the Discovery Channel. It features hour-long shows focusing on a single case involving a haunting. Some of the cases profiled on this show are bone-chilling. Reenactments of the incidents surrounding the haunting give the show a mini-movie feel. The inhabitants of the haunted homes speak out about their experiences, and experts involved with the investigations also weigh in. Watching this show alone or in the middle of the night is not recommended!

"Ghost Hunters" on the Sci-Fi Channel is my all-around favorite paranormal program. The show features members of The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS), one of the most reputable paranormal investigation groups in the United States. TAPS uses a thoroughly scientific approach when investigating. While this may disappoint those always looking for "official" word of a haunting, it helps show that all logical explanations must be exhausted before deciding a place is haunted. Lead investigators Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson's experience as plumbers helps them to determine the source of many "haunted" noises. The Ghost Hunters team also has a second show, "Ghost Hunters International", featuring spooky locations outside the States. Both shows are a great way to spend Wednesday nights.

"The Scariest Places on Earth" is also on the Sci-Fi Channel. It makes a good addition to the Wednesday lineup even though no new episodes are aired. This show provides a unique mix of frightening places and creepy narration by Zelda Rubenstein (Poltergeist). Also a part of this show is host Linda Blair (The Exorcist). Just seeing the reactions of the people visiting the scary places is worth it.

"Ghost Adventures" is a fairly new addition to the Travel Channel. It features the Ghost Adventures Crew, which conducts investigations across the globe. Host Zak Bagan brings documentary film experience to the show with cameraman Aaron Goodwin and investigator Nick Groff. They use a scientific approach, and fans of "Ghost Hunters" will probably enjoy this show as well.

"Most Haunted" on the Travel Channel combines a scientific and a psychic approach. Host Yvette Fielding and her team have visited some of the most frightening spots in Britain. In addition to fellow investigator Karl Beattie, the team includes a parapsychologist named Ciaran O'Keeffe and a medium named Brian Shepherd. Their live Halloween specials have been a huge success. This show might not appeal to those who prefer a purely scientific approach, but does help introduce American viewers to some great haunted spots "across the pond".

Each of these shows is unique, and all offer a little something for everyone.

Sources:

http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/haunting/haunting.html

http://www.scifi.com/ghosthunters/

http://www.scifi.com/scary/

http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Ghost_Adventures/

http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Most_Haunted/