The "Ghost Nation" Crew Discuss All New Investigations for Season 2

BY AARON SAGERS
(Originally published at TravelChannel.com)

When it comes to paranormal investigations, things are always changing — which makes sense when one is pursuing phenomena based on theory, and not rule books. Still, it’s noteworthy that some 15 years ago, when I first met Jason Hawes — and Steve Gonsalves and Dave Tango shortly after — they were largely thinking of ghosts in terms of intelligent, residual, poltergeist or inhuman. A lot has changed since then, and now Jason mentions theories of time-slip hauntings, and other temporal anomalies he encounters.

But while many things change, some things stay the same. Jason, Steve, and Dave are still out there, responding to cases of paranormal activity, which comes to their attention via a vast network of paranormal investigative groups.

With the second season of Ghost Nation, the paranormal trailblazers continue their exploration of the other side. I was able to catch up with Jason and Steve about the new season, and the approach they took for these investigations. And in the following interview, we also chat about how their theories of the paranormal have evolved, their thoughts on advancements in technology for investigations, and even how they’ve been hearing of an increase in activity while more people are staying at home.

Paranormal Caught on Camera: Season 2 Premiere: April 6, 9pm

I join Travel Channel's Paranormal Caught On Camera for their new season for a handful of eps. I don't know when I'll be on, but there's a two-hour premiere tonight at 9pm ET. Check it out for all the weird, bizarre, wacky, and maybe even true tales found online!

Netflix's 'Haunting of Hill House' Gets a Lot Right, According to Ghost Hunters Amy Bruni, Katrina Weidman

 

[An earlier version of this article appeared on IGN Jan 28, 2019]

By Aaron Sagers

The house is a textbook definition of a haunted mansion. Drafty with long, dark hallways, dank basements, a dumb waiter, a sealed-off room, and ancient furniture, the structure appears -- as Shirley Jackson described it in her 1959 novel The Haunting of Hill House -- as “a house arrogant and hating, never off guard.” Slightly off-center, with right angles that are a “fraction of a degree off in one direction or another,” Hill House could be described as the embodiment of evil.

Meanwhile, the young Crain family, the Hill House occupants from last year’s hit Netflix adaptation, are at the mercy of horrifying phenomena that haunts them, both during their time in the building, and for years after as ghosts seek to lure them back.

And for a pair of real-life, professional spirit seekers, the series about literal and figurative ghosts (which landed on multiple “best of 2018” lists) is not simply a compelling installment of paranormal pop culture, it is a fictional case study from a day at the office – if that office is a haunted house.

The X-Files "Ice" at 25: The episode that changed Mulder and Scully forever

When discussing the first season of The X-Files, or the show’s overall legacy, “Ice” deserves special praise. First aired 25 years ago on Nov. 5, 1993, the Season One is a bottle episode set on an remote research base in Alaska.

Borrowing liberally from John Carpenter’s The Thing, the eighth installment was the best of the series thus far, raising the bar for episodes to come. 

The alien parasite story is the third by renowned X-Files writers Glen Morgan and James Wong (after “Shadows” and “Squeeze”). More than previous episodes, “Ice” puts the agents’ trust in one another to the test. It aligns with the show’s overarching theme of paranoia but advances the Fox Mulder/Dana Scully dynamic, and places them in their most stressful context yet—while pushing personality differences to the extreme

A history of Paranormal TV, and what it's haunting in 2018

BY AARON SAGERS

Ghosts are real. Not only in October, when the American mainstream entertains the notion of things going bump in the night. Nor are ghosts only real within the context of horror movies, books, comics, video games or the latest Insidious flick.

No, for many Americans, belief in the dead kicking around in spectral form is a way of life.

Let’s break down the numbers:

Zachary Quinto to Host, Executive Produce Unscripted Series ‘In Search Of’ for History

According to Variety, History channel has greenlit a reboot of the Leonard Nimoy-hosted paranormal show In Search Of -- this time to be hosted, and executive produced by Zachary Quinto.

Airing from 1977-82, the series (initially hosted by The Twilight Zone's Rod Serling) focused on a wide range of unexplained phenomena, including bigfoot, time travel, aliens, and more. It was also an early precursor to the popular ghost hunter reality-TV genre. The show made a sizable pop-culture impact, even leading it to be referenced, twice, on The Simpsons.

As you may logically recall, Quinto played Nimoy's character Spock in the 2009 J.J. Abrams-directed Star Trek reboot. But far from simply portraying the classic character, the two became close friends (and even starred in that great 2013 Audi commercial together).

In the announcement of the series, which does not yet have a premiere date, Quinto had this to say:

“I am so excited to be reimagining In Search Of and exploring new questions and phenomena with all of the advancements in science and technology from which we have benefitted in the past forty years since the original series first aired ... In the spirit of my late dear friend Leonard Nimoy, we intend to honor and perpetuate his endless curiosity about the world – and universe – in which we live. Our director Eddie Schmidt and our partners at Propagate, Universal Television Alternative Studio and FremantleMedia International have ignited the process with enthusiasm and intelligence, and History is the perfect home for this unique and compelling series.”

We'll keep an eye on the development of the series, but in the meantime, check out Mr. Nimoy in the Season 8 The Simpsons/X-Files ep, "The Springfield Files."

-Aaron Sagers

New Destination America Series, 'Haunted Case Files,' Premieres August 28

Photo Courtesy of Haunted Case Files' Facebook

Destination America is quickly becoming your go-to network for paranormal programming. Debuting this August 28 is their newest spooky series premiering exclusively in the U.S.

Haunted Case Files doesn't have a set cast like most ghost hunting shows, and follows different groups as they take on some of their most challenging cases.

Destination America provides all the details in their release that's included below...

From Destination America:
From the producers of Paranormal Survivor comes the all-new series Haunted Case Files, in which ghost hunters recount their most extreme supernatural experiences – from the terrifying to the downright dangerous. Even the most hardened veterans aren’t always prepared for what they might find. These are the cases that truly tested them.

Each episode features a story from three different paranormal investigation groups, along with interviews, recreations and actual recordings of the evidence they captured.

Six Season Six Teasers Released for 'American Horror Story'

"Try to keep it dry."

FX has recently released six creepy (and some crawly) vague mini "teasers" for the sixth installment of American Horror Story. The series returns earlier than its normal late October premiere, with the first episode debuting on September 14.

We've always known the theme by now but what we can glean from the six teasers below is that there may be a connection to the "Murder House." It has also been revealed that it will take place in two time periods. Returning cast members include; Lady Gaga, Denis O’Hare, Cheyenne Jackson, Angela Bassett, Evan Peters, and Matt Bomer.

Check out the teasers and let us know your theories. Is that the Countess's baby with the most unsafe mobile ever? What's with the Texas Chainsaw Massacre allusion? More importantly, will you be tuning in?













-Larissa Mrykalo

Comic-Con Official Season 7 Trailer for 'The Walking Dead'

As per tradition, here is the first official Comic-Con trailer for the upcoming season of The Walking Dead and, needless to say, it's goosebumps-inducing. Aren't they always? I can type something about new characters, which character will meet Lucille, etc., but I know you just want to check out the intense action.

The seventh season premieres on October 23.



-Larissa Mrykalo

'Paranormal Lockdown' Announces Longest Paranormal Investigation Ever With Halloween Special

Courtesy Destination America

We realize it's only July and we're sweating off our orbs but it's never too early to start thinking about that glorious month of October and Halloween. Our friends over at Destination America are already rolling out the Ghostober announcements and we think you'll be pleased. So grab a pumpkin spice latte and check out the details from the press release they just issued about the "Paranormal Lockdown" Halloween special that will premiere on Friday, October 28 at 9 p.m. ET.

What notorious location will Nick Groff and Katrina Weidman be investigating? Read on.

Official Release via Destination America
(San Diego, Calif.) – This October it’s Halloween all month long on Destination America with a celebration of all things that go bump in the night. October – make that GHOSTOBER! – keeps the thrills and chills coming with week after week of premieres so spooky viewers will never want to leave the safety of their sofa. TV’s #1 home for paranormal programming delivers tricks and treats every night of the week during GHOSTOBER, culminating in a supernatural television event sure to scare socks off. From the network that delivered the first-ever live televised exorcism last fall, comes the two-hour PARANORMAL LOCKDOWN HALLOWEEN SPECIAL (wt), premiering Friday, October 28 at 9/8c only on Destination America.

Netflix's Stranger Things trailer channels '80s supernatural, Spielberg goodness

A recent article from The New York Times found Netflix viewers typically binge a series in chunks of about two hours a day, completing a season in a week or so. But by the looks of the original series Stranger Things, I might need even less time.

In the new trailer that dropped this week, Stranger Things appears to be a supernatural/sci-fi show that's part 1980s valentine and Spielbergian pastiche. And I need it in front of my eyeballs now. 

There's not a lot to decipher from the trailer -- which poses more questions than revealing the entire plot, thankfully -- but we know a young boy is being pursued by something (alien? monster? monster alien?) and goes missing. His mom (Winona Ryder!) appears to get no help from the local police. And when the boy returns, he's ... different. He may not be the only kid to be changed, either. 

What else do we see? Kids on bikes! Weird telekinetic trickery on lightbulbs! G-men in containment suits! 

Stranger Things comes courtesy writers/directors/co-showrunners Matt and Ross Duffer, who also worked on Wayward Pines. I'm loving everything I'm seeing so far, and can't wait to binge this sucker when it drops July 15, 2016.

The official synopsis

A love letter to the supernatural classics of the 80's, Stranger Things is the story of a young boy who vanishes into thin air. As friends, family and local police search for answers, they are drawn into an extraordinary mystery involving top-secret government experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one very strange little girl.

Stranger Things stars Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Natalia Dyer, Cara Buono, Charlie Heaton, and Matthew Modine.

Jason Hawes announces end to Ghost Hunters on Syfy

Onto the next? Not on Syfy, at least. After more than 200 episodes, and nearly 14 years of seeking proof of the paranormal, Ghost Hunters will be ending its run on the network following Season 11, which premieres Aug. 3, according to its star.

The announcement came via show lead Jason Hawes’ Facebook page on Tuesday night.

In the post, Hawes said, "With heavy heart we want to inform everyone that we are choosing at this time to end our relationship with SyFy channel.”

He went on to write “We’ve been one of their top rated and top watched shows since TAPS and Pilgrim Films decided to join forces and create the show Ghost Hunters.”

He also added Ghost Hunters may return in another form: “There are some huge things in the works with TAPS, Ghost Hunters, Pilgrim Films and so much more.”

Debuting in 2004 on the erstwhile Sci-Fi Channel, the legacy of the docusoap, where a team of investigators (The Atlantic Paranormal Society) seek to debunk or affirm claims of ghostly activity cannot be ignored. The show was a hit for the network for a while, and at its peak, pulled about three million viewers per episode. It is heretofore Syfy’s longest-running series, and ushered in an era of similarly-themed reality-TV shows. But, the series, arguably with the exception of Travel Channel’s long-running Ghost Adventures, is the only one to truly become part of the pop culture lexicon and break through to the mainstream.

Co-founders, and original co-leads, Grant Wilson and Hawes (famously Roto-Rooter plumbers by day, busters by night) appeared on late night talk shows and The Today Show, and the series was spoofed on Saturday Night Live, and South Park. It spawned spinoffs, live episodes, merchandise, apps, and ghosthunting events at famously “haunted” landmarks. The Ghost Hunters lingo, and use of night vision cameras, and other gadgets, could also be felt throughout movies and scripted TV, such as Paranormal Activity, The Conjuring, and Supernatural, among others.

However, the end of the series comes as no surprise as Syfy has shifted away from the paranormal reality-TV craze and re-centered its focus on scripted science-fiction programming. And while still a solid performer for the network, Season 10 averaged 880,000 viewers with a peak of 1.15 million viewers.

As for the announcement itself, Hawes’ post suggests it was his and production company Pilgrim Films’ choice to wrap the show’s run on Syfy, instead of a call by the network. Thus far the network has not made a statement; it is, however, curious that Hawes would break the news ahead of Syfy publicity.

Regarding the promise for what’s ahead, it is possible the show could have a life elsewhere. For example, the Discovery Networks channel Destination America has shifted to a primarily paranormal programming slate. Plus, while it may not fit on Syfy any longer, the brand itself is strong enough (and relatively inexpensive to produce) that a streaming network looking for unscripted shows could conceivably swoop in and pick it up.

Speculation aside, the end of Ghost Hunters at Syfy is an end to an interesting era at the network. The existence of the paranormal may not have ever been conclusively proven on the show, but the series leaves behind evidence of a Syfy legacy.

-Aaron Sagers

'Game of Thrones' Producers Issue Apology for 'The Door'

Spoilers!

For the first time in the series' history, Game of Thrones producers apologized for an episode. DB Weiss and David Benioff used an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live to issue their heartfelt apology for the events on this past Sunday's episode, "The Door."

Check it out below and let us know if you've been affected by the loss. I actually held the door for a lady today at Old Navy...just saying'. It felt good.



-Larissa Mrykalo

Robert Kirkman apologizes for The Walking Dead finale

If you felt a little ripped off by the Season 6 finale of The Walking Dead -- you know, the one where they were building to the introduction of Negan, and the death of a major character, but cut to credits without showing Who. The. Hell. Died! -- well, creator Robert Kirkman has heard your cries.

As reported by Blastr, Kirkman addresses the situation in the letters page of Issue #154 of the comic. He apologizes for dicking fans around -- sort of. He also says the finale cliffhanger leading to next fall's Season 7 premiere was a success, and basically pulled what Star Trek: The Next Generation did every season.

Someone with a better knowledge of Star Trek should fact check that one, because I'm not quite certain I buy it.

Check out his statement below, and let us know: Do you feel like you have a few extra months to hope, and not grieve? Do you think it was a smart play to get you talking? Or do you still feel pretty pissed at the non-reveal?

'Face Off' Recap: 'Sinister Showdown Part II'

All photos courtesy Syfy.

BY DAWN FEAKES

Here we go, the second half of the Season 10 finale. Right now Team Walter is cruising through this horror movie challenge with Team Melissa and Team Rob needing a lot redesign work. Can Melissa keep her team focused? Can Rob resist the urge to throw the sculpey at Director Bryce? Can Walter continue to guide his team to movie magic? A winner will be crowned at the end of the night so let's do this.

After the screen tests they head back to the lab where they get a pick-me-up from surprise family visits. They are all so darn adorable! Okay, enough fun and smiles, back to work people. Team Walter can keep moving forward, not having to redo anything which is a really good position to be in. Melissa and Rob have a lot of work to (re)do but they're focused and in it to win it.

'Face Off' Recap: 'Sinister Showdown Part 1'

All photos courtesy Syfy.

BY DAWN FEAKES

Well y'all, here we are. The finale of Face Off's tenth season. Mel fell just short leaving us with Melissa, Rob, and Walter as this season's three finalists. Before this challenge is done, they'll all be thinking fondly of The Gauntlet. Saddle up and buckle in, it's a two-parter so let's do this.

Field trip! Off to the abandoned oil fields for thrills, chills, and big scares. Producer Jason Blum gives them their marching directions: they will each create two make ups to feature in a horror film based off of one of Jason's short horror stories about a family who moves into a house that contains a portal to hell and unleashes a demon. This is why fixer-uppers are never a good idea. Each finalist will work with a different director who has his own story-board and script and will bring the demon unlucky family member to cinematic life: Bryce McGuire, Ryan Spindell, and John Wynn. It's a lot of work but don't worry, we've brought in some help in the forms of Johnny, Anna, Mel, Yvonne, Kaleb, and Robert.

'Face Off' Recap: 'The Art of Warcraft'

All photos courtesy Syfy.

BY DAWN FEAKES

Mel struggled last week with her Cyclops but in a surprise twist, the judges decided to bestow upon her the super-special save, allowing her to remain in the competition. There are no more second chances to be had for anyone now so the artists better be ready to bring it. It's on like Leroy Jenkins. Everyone ready? Let's do this.

Welcome to the World of Warcraft! WooHoo! To the non-surprise of all, there is an upcoming WoW feature film so naturally a tie-in is required. The film will feature humans versus orcs so the five remaining artists will adapt one of other six races to a more badass version suitable for the film: Goblin, Draenei, Pandaren, Tauren, Troll, or Worgen. Walter, Melissa, and Rob just about pass out from sheer gamer joy while Mel looks about ready to cry because war-what? Don't worry Mel, Chris Robinson, the Senior Art Director for 'World of Warcraft' is on hand to dispense some character advice.

Rob - Tauren. A man-bull warrior race.

Mel - Troll. They have magic and voodoo and she has a lot of questions.

Yvonne - Goblin, They're snarky and like explosions.

Walter - Dreanei. Not a zombie, just undead. Um, okay.

Melissa - Worgen. She decides on a wolf/cat/high priest-druid... thing. Sure. We'll go with that.

'Face Off' Recap: 'Keep One Eye Open'

All photos courtesy Syfy.

BY DAWN FEAKES

Last week, we saw the end of Robert and his magical menagerie's run and we're all sadder for it, but Walter and Rob are peaking. Will the guys cruise to victory? We're in the home stretch now with only five remaining so, everyone ready? Let's do this.

Welcome to the apothecary! Oh, I hope they have a bezoar. Melissa's excited at least. Their challenge is to delve into Greek mythology, specifically the Cyclops. Each will pick an eye that will inspire their Cyclops. Oh yeah, and this is a focus challenge so, you know, focus on the face. We'll give you a little help though - really, really tall models. And a step stool.

Design
Yvonne - Satan's blacksmith. She's never done a Cyclops before so drink.
Rob - Electric Blue with aquatic pupil. He forged Poseidon's trident.
Mel - human eyeball. She's going with a human/dog hybrid and this just won't end well.
Melissa - Lizard Snake Monster Warrior. She has no real theme but is basing the sculpt on an eyelash viper. No theme, except for BADASS that is.
Walter - Pinky/Purple eye.  You know what goes really well with conjunctivitis? Wrinkles.

'Face Off' Recap: 'Bottled Up'

All photos courtesy Syfy.

BY DAWN FEAKES

The struggle was real for Anna as she was eliminated and Robert lived to be adorable another day. Hopefully he'll have learned from his most recent near-miss and take things a bit more seriously now. We're down to the top six and the margin for error is razor-thin. Going for 'safe' is no longer enough. Y'all ready? Let's do this.

Entering the lab, the top six are greeted by wings. Angels are not among us but Valkyries certainly are. Today's foundation challenge is rooted in Norse mythology and they will be creating Valkyrie goddess makeup. The guest judge is Douglas Noe and he's looking for stylized elements with bold shapes and angles, dramatic color but not flamboyant or garish. The winner gets immunity, a luxury that cannot be overstated at this stage of the competition. You have two hours; choose your wings and go!

Yvonne -  Mother Nature Valkyrie
Melissa - Fallen Warrior
Walter - Trial by Fire
Robert - Vampire Valkyrie
Rob - Uh...his was blue. I think
Mel - Beautiful Badass

Top looks
Yvonne and Melissa
Winner: Melissa

Destination America's 'Paranormal Lockdown' Delivers Highest-Rated Series Premiere Ever

Congratulations are in order to Katrina Weidman and Nick Groff on a quite successful premiere of their new show, "Paranormal Lockdown." Not only did it deliver suspense to 816,000 fans, it also is being lauded as Destination America's highest-rated series premiere...ever!

A detailed press release was just issued by the network and we have it below. Check out the second episode of their new series this Friday, March 11 at 10 p.m. ET.

Press Release:
(Silver Spring, Md.) – For PARANORMAL LOCKDOWN, 72 hours is the magic number. The Live +3 numbers are in, and the premiere of the series on Friday, March 4 was watched by 816k unique viewers (P2+), ranking PARANORMAL LOCKDOWN as the #1 highest-rated series premiere ever in Destination America’s history in several key demos, including HH (.67), P2+ (.36), P25-54 (.45) and W25-54 (.51) for Live+3 Ratings.* Socially, fans showed up in droves, pushing PARANORMAL LOCKDOWN (#ParanormalLockdown) to reach the #5 spot as the most tweeted about show during prime for cable (excluding sports) on Friday, March 4.**