Entertainment Weekly broke news that Ryan Buell, the lead in A&E's para-reality show Paranormal State, comes out as bisexual in his new book, Paranormal State: My Journey Into The Unknown, to be released Sept. 21.
Buell's announcement is a non-revelation for many in the paranormal entertainment industry who already knew about his orientation. The show debuted in 2007, and is one of the top-rated paranormal investigative shows on television, trailing Ghost Hunters. Four seasons have aired and a new one begins later this year.
In the past, show producers have admitted to outlining the show and creating character story arcs, and have stated they were hoping for a romantic relationship to emerge between Buell and a female cast member. Moreover, the show does draw a younger, predominantly female audience.
So the big questions: Will Buell's admission affect the show's ratings positively or negatively? Will you be more or less likely to tune in? Will he become more or less relatable as a lead character on the docu-drama? Is this just a stunt to help drive book sales and pick up media attention (which is clearly working)?