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WHO’S THE BEST?
Reality TV Ghost Hunting Show Numbers Expand

Ghost hunting is all the rage in the reality TV show world.

The number of shows and the networks promoting them have increased. Which is a bit peculiar, because, according to Rasmussen, only 23% of Americans believe in ghosts.

Which leads one to believe that those 23% must be intensely loyal in their TV viewing habits.

With all that in mind, let’s take a look at one writer’s ratings of the TV ghost hunting shows currently on the tube.

There’s no pretense of any scientific method to this madness: we tuned in to a host of the ghost shows personally and asked a few acquaintances who are passionate watchers for their opinions.

RATINGS: The shows were rated on believability and entertainment value, as well as a ‘wild card’–which could be any value that our commenters thought either added to or detracted from the show. Total Score was based on 30 possible points. Comments were taken from our panel of friends and cohorts.

The following are the results.

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SHOW: Ghost Hunters
NETWORK: SyFy
Website: Ghost Hunters and T.A.P.S. (The Atlantic Paranormal Society)
Team Members: Jason Hawes, Grant Wilson, Steve Gonsalves, Dave Tango, Chris Williams, Amy Bruni, Dustin Pari
Comment: “The Big Kahuna of the TV ghost hunting shows…

From SyFy’s Ghost Hunters site:

This one-hour weekly reality show from the creator/executive producer of American Chopper follows a group of real-life paranormal researchers as they investigate hauntings throughout the country.

Contact between our existence and the one that awaits us is no more far-fetched to some than wireless phones would have seemed to the ancients.

Enter Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, plumbers by trade who head up The Atlantic Paranormal Society. TAPS is a group of fairly ordinary people — office managers, factory workers, teachers and even psychic-hotline gurus — moonlighting to understand seemingly unexplainable disturbances.

The Ghost Hunters are a likable, capable crew. Every show isn’t a blockbuster, but that only makes shows where the GH crew captures evidence more anticipated.

Strong Points: Steady, dependable and low-key. Doesn’t try to make haunted mountains out of paranormal molehills.
Drawbacks: At times, the action drags, but that is to be expected. Steve Gonsalves may well be a capable tech man, but his night-of-the-living-dead on-camera presence leaves a lot to be desired.

BELIEVABILITY: 10
ENTERTAINMENT: 7
‘WILD CARD’: 5
Comments: “Sometimes when GHs “debunk” something, it’s more of a stretch to buy into their debunking than to just concede that they don’t have an answer. Sometimes, they need to let it be instead of trying to be Mr. Science.”
“They’ve had some great shows in the past.”
“Grant and Jason are really strong, but then the team gets weak. When Brian (Harnois) was on the show it was a lot stronger. He was always entertaining. Dustin & Joe Chin are good, but they are not on much.”
“Steve G. is such a suck-up. And his fear of spiders is getting to be an old schtick.”
“I like Dave Tango, but whenever Steve and Tango investigate, you know you’re headed into The Dead Zone. There’s not enough energy between the two of them for the ghost of a fruit fly to manifest.”

TOTAL SCORE: 22

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SHOW: Ghost Adventures
NETWORK: Travel Channel
Website: Ghost Adventures
Team Members: Zak Bagans, Nick Groff, Aaron Goodwiin
Comment: “When they’re good, they’re very good, but when they’re not, they stink.”

Are you ready for the lockdown? The “Ghost Adventures” crew — Zak Bagans, Nick Groff and Aaron Goodwin — is back to investigate the scariest, most notorious, haunted places in the world.

The trio will interview eyewitnesses and historians at each location, arming themselves with the stories of the ghosts they will later provoke and confront during their dusk-to-dawn lockdowns. (Note: They don’t always come out unscathed!) Then they’ll review and analyze their findings with some the most respected experts and specialists in the paranormal field.

The Ghost Adventures crew runs hot–and cold. They find some good evidence and are always interesting and entertaining. They had some flops early in Fall 2009, but seem to have ironed out whatever bugs afflicted those shows.

Strong Points: When Zac Bagans hits the right tone, no one is more entertaining. Nick Groff comes across as cool, competent and unflappable. Aaron Goodwin serves as the “voice of reason” to Zac’s grandstanding megalomania.
Drawbacks: At times, the temptation to call some of the scenes that take place “staged” is almost overwhelming.

Example: On a recent show, the camera panned to a hand-held thermometer that showed the ambient temperature of a room to be 71.9 degrees. A few minutes later, Zac claimed to have hit a “cold spot”–possibly, evidence of a spirit attempting to manifest. His thermometer now registered 82 degrees(?!?) and he counted dramatically as the temperature descended to–voila–72 degrees. He proclaimed, “A 10-point temperature drop!” But only if viewers forgot the temperature shown moments before on camera: 71.9.

BELIEVABILITY: 8
ENTERTAINMENT: 10
WILD CARD: 4
Comments: “Zac’s a drama queen.”
“They started down the road to unbelievability a few months ago. On every other show, someone was “possessed”. Almost quit watching.”
“I like Zack and Nick, but Aaron’s the best. He’s likable and he’s VERY believable.”
“At critical moments, Zac won’t shut up long enough for the digital recorders to pick up much but his yelling.”
“Zac tends to come to overblown conclusions. He’s a drama mama.”

TOTAL SCORE: 22

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SHOW: Ghost Hunters International
NETWORK: SyFy
Website: Ghost Hunters International
Team Members: Robb Demarest, Dustin Pari, Brandy Green, Joe Chin, Barry FitzGerald, Ashley Godwin
Comment: “GHI is Ghost Hunters on a bigger budget but no personality of its own.”

From the GHI website:

A spin-off of SCI FI’s Ghost Hunters series, Ghost Hunters International features a squad of paranormal investigators who use their principles of scientific techniques, to explore some of the most legendary haunted spots around the world. Each week the team travels to the far corners of the globe, searching for answers to bizarre supernatural mysteries.

For its first round of investigations, the International crew took on some of Europe’s most haunted locales, including Chillingham Castle in England and the forgotten underground city of Mary King’s Close in Scotland. The new episodes will take the team to countries such as Peru, Singapore, Sweden, the Philippines and many others.

Ghost Hunters International travels the world in search of paranormal evidence. They bring the original GH’s technical expertise and solidity. but their first season was something of a disappointment, ghost hunting-wise.

Strong Points: The cast is likable and competent. The whole team, but especially Joe Chin, Dustin Pari and Barry FitzGerald all go about their business with a minimum of melodrama. Barry is the Inspector Gadget of the group and from time-to-time introduces interesting technical innovations on the show.
Drawbacks: Leader Rob Demarest is likable but a bit bland. The show was plagued by a dearth of ghostly happenings during their first season.

BELIEVABILITY: 10
ENTERTAINMENT: 7
WILD CARD: 3
Comments: “GHI’s biggest sin is that they don’t speak the language of the locale where they are investigating. They attempt to communicate in English whether in Scotland, South America or Eastern Europe. Give me a break. Spend a few bucks and hire a local who knows the language.”
“If any spirits are around, GHI wouldn’t know because they’re trying to contact them using English. How about having someone who knows Spanish asking a question when they’re in a place where any spirits probably spoke Spanish?”
“My pet peeve is that GHI spends all that money to fly to Europe and then wanders around shouting to spirits in English.”

So it would appear that GHI’s biggest complaint is fixable.

TOTAL SCORE: 20

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SHOW: Ghost Lab
NETWORK: Discovery Channel
Website: Ghost Lab and Everyday Paranormal
Team Members: Brad and Barry Klinge, at least 6 others on the show, but none other than the Klige brothers listed on the website.
Comment: “Ghost Lab is a High tech traveling paranormal sideshow.”

From the group’s Discovery Channel website:

With the help of the latest technology, two brothers have uncovered some of the most powerful results in supernatural research to date — including a recording of Civil War soldiers talking. Meet Brad and Barry Klinge, Texas natives who in 2007 founded Everyday Paranormal, an investigation team that has explored more than 70 locations and set a new standard in supernatural research with some of the world’s most sophisticated equipment housed in a decked-out traveling “ghost lab.”

Traveling the country, the 24-foot car hauler can provide 200,000 watts of electricity to power audio-, video- and photo-analysis stations; flat-screen televisions; and an interactive touch-screen smart board. The lab houses surveillance video cameras capable of shooting 300 feet away in total darkness with a 180-degree peripheral view; temperature, humidity and dew point data loggers; various digital cameras, including thermal-imaging cameras; audio recorders; and more than 8,000 feet of video cable. This on-site high-tech lab enables investigators to analyze data on the premises in real time, helping them to more narrowly focus their investigations on known hot spots.

The GL crew travels the country with a big honking trailer in search of the paranormal. Sometimes, they find some. Show is new and is working out some start-up kinks.

Strong points: Klinge Brothers and company are personable. They bring equipment–a LOT of equipment.
Drawbacks: When activity is reported by a crew member, the whole herd stampedes to the spot, which seems to end any promise that location held for contact with ghosts.

BELIEVABILITY: 9
ENTERTAINMENT: 6
WILD CARD: 4
Comments: “Too much filler and not enough killer.”
“Too much high-tech fluff. Not enough substance.”
“Brad’s claims are a little hard to take sometimes.”
“Brad needs to dial back the rah-rah attitude a notch.”

TOTAL SCORE: 19

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SHOW: Most Haunted
NETWORK: Travel Channel
Website: Most Haunted
Team Members: Yvette Fielding, Karl Beattie, Brian Shepherd, Dr. Ciaran O’Keeffe
Comment: “Most Haunted should be re-named Most Unhinged.”

From the show’s Discovery Channel website:

The “Most Haunted” team is headed back to U.K. this season to investigate the spookiest sites in their home country. Watch Yvette Fielding and her ghost-hunting team explore the paranormal side of life starting Friday, February 6.

As experts from the paranormal field, the team attempts different methods and experiments to try and communicate with the dead. The team is determined to prove the existence of life after death.

This U.K.-based paranormal seeking show travels often to the U.S. in search of the unexplained. The show’s core group is likable, funny and competent. But, then there’s the additional members that show up… Could be the least technically based of the ghost shows with a minimum of equipment.

Strong points: Likable crew, droll sense of humor, consistently good research of places visited, very nice onscreen graphics and great British accents.
Drawbacks: Too many screaming women and crew members who insist on focusing the camera on their faces instead of what’s happening around them.

BELIEVABILITY: 8
ENTERTAINMENT: 8
WILD CARD: 3
Comments: “It’s hard to get past the women using any excuse to scream and run frantically in the other direction at the first sign of paranormal activity.”
“I get tired of watching the crew members’ faces. At least 30% of the show is either faces or cameras swinging wildly about at critical moments.”
“MH has had some good shows. But they’ve had more bad ones.”

TOTAL SCORE: 19

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SHOW: Paranormal State
NETWORK: A & E Network
Website: Paranormal State and Paranormal Research Society
Team Members: Ryan Buell, Katrina Weidman, Heather Taddy, Sergey Poberezhny, Eilfie Music
Comment: “Ghost hunting’s Amateur Hour…”

From the show’s website:

Delve deep into the strange and the mysterious with Paranormal Research Society founder Ryan Buell and his team of investigators as they attempt to unravel inexplicable paranormal phenomena including sixth-sense experiences, ghost sightings, demonic disturbances, and brushes with the darkest areas of the unknown. Founded by Buell in 2001, the PRS works on cases across the country and is one of the most recognized paranormal societies in the nation. Past seasons have included cases such as a Pennsylvania couple besieged by paranormal activity in their home, an aggressive poltergeist in Maryland, and a ghostly hag nicknamed the “Lady Vampire” by the Texas family she torments. Through the use of Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP) recordings and video documentation, and with the help of renowned psychics, demonologists, psychologists and counselors, the PRS explores these bizarre cases in the hopes of helping frightened people who have nowhere else to turn.

Penn State students, with the help of regular sidekick, medium Chip Coffey, go to people’s homes to investigate reports of ghosts and spirits. Somewhere along the line, a house usually gets blessed and everyone shakes hands and goes home happy.

Strong points: Ryan comes across as sincere in wanting to help the occupants of afflicted dwellings. Chip Coffey’s always good for entertaining drama-laden scenes.
Drawbacks: Has more than its share of over-dramatic pronouncements while the real life drama suffers. More often than not, the group seems to stumble across a demon-like entity and supporting priestly firepower is called in.

BELIEVABILITY: 5
ENTERTAINMENT: 5
WILD CARD: 5
Comments: “Too much emphasis on demons. It’s all about the demons on this show.”
“You can count on Coffey walking into a room and announcing, “I feel anger here”. Sometimes, he feels “sadness”–but mostly it’s “anger”.
“Not much seems to happen on PS. They always hold hands and that appears to settle the problem.”

TOTAL SCORE: 15

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SHOW: Ghost Hunters Academy
NETWORK: SyFy Channel
Website: Ghost Hunters Academy
Team Members: Steve Gonzales, Dave Tango, Ghost Academy trainees
Comment: “Steve and Tango’s new gig”.

From the show’s website:

Ghost Hunters Academy features a group of aspiring ghost hunters exploring some of the most haunted locations in the country and around the world. Led by veteran ghost hunters and TAPS members Steve Gonsalves and Dave Tango, the recruits train, hands on, in the paranormal arts.

The new recruits venture outside conventional classroom walls, tackling new paranormal hotspots as well as favorite old haunts from Ghost Hunters, including Fort Mifflin (Pennsylvania), Eastern State Penitentiary (Pennsylvania), and St. Augustine Lighthouse (Florida). If they make the grade, the Academy members may be invited to investigate with the Ghost Hunters or Ghost Hunters International teams. If they don’t, they may be sent packing. Who will prove to be the worthiest paranormal investigator? You’ll have to watch and see.

GHA wasn’t scored since no episodes had been aired, but that didn’t prevent our panel from ripping on Steve Gonsalves.

“Hope Steve G’s new gig is more than spiders and telling us where the cameras are set up.”
“Poor Tango…paired with Steve again!”
“Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.”

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SHOW: Destination Truth
NETWORK: SyFy Channel
Website:
Destination Truth
Team Members: Josh Gates, Bechara “Bicha” Gholam, Evan Stone, Gabe Copeland, Jael DePardo, Mike Morrell, Rex Williams, Sharra Jenkins
Comment: “Hey! Destination Truth is coming on!”

From the show’s website:

Led by intrepid world-adventurer Josh Gates, each episode of Destination Truth takes viewers on a trek across the globe as Josh investigates stories of the unexplained. Accompanied by his small crew, Josh dives into the local cultures and searches for clues to the existence of strange creatures and paranormal phenomena.

There was a debate over whether to include Destination Truth in this piece. While not strictly a “ghost hunting” show, DT occasionally does search for the paranormal. Also, they seem to do most of their investigations at night with night vision cameras. So, it was decided to include it, review it and rate it–but not to include it in the final standings, since it isn’t strictly a “ghost hunting” show. Something for everyone, right?

Strong points: Exotic locales, Josh Gates’ sublime sense of humor, interesting subject matter and a largely-competent crew make this a good hour to watch, even if they do sometimes come up empty-handed. Even the weekly Orbitz.com plugs are kinda funny.
Drawbacks: Sometimes when you shoot high, you fall short.

Minor point: The show’s website claims that “While Jael (DePardo)has achieved incredible success as an in-studio host, it has been her intrepid and award winning field reporting that’s truly brought her the most critical acclaim.” Most of the time on DT, Jael’s field reporting consists of whining while simultaneously running away. While it is a skill set, it adds nothing to the show. She does add value as a translator in Spanish-speaking locales. So, she does have that going for her, along with minor appeal as eye candy.

BELIEVABILITY: 8
ENTERTAINMENT: 10
WILD CARD: 10
Comments: “It’s always fun to watch. I look forward to it.”
“Josh is the focus and he should be. He’s got some good lines.”
“Destination Truth is all about fascinating subjects. They do some great research.”
“Jael has to be Josh’s girlfriend. I think that’s the only way she got on this show.”
“The Orbitz.com shout outs are hilarious!”

TOTAL SCORE: 28

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Final Results:

1… 22 points – Ghost Hunters
2… 22 points – Ghost Adventures
3… 20 points – Ghost Hunters International
4… 19 points – Ghost Lab
5… 19 points – Most Haunted
6… 15 points – Paranormal States
Not Rated….. – Ghost Hunters Academy
Not Eligible.. – Destination Truth

We’re sure many readers have different opinions on one or all of these ratings. But that’s how they stack up for the “2009 DBKP Rate the Ghost Hunting Shows”.

by Mondo Frazier
images:
* SyFy/Ghost Hunters
* Travel Channel
* SyFy/CHI
* TV blips
* Travel Channel
* imbringingbloggingback.blogspot.com
* SyFy Channel
* SyFy Channel

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