Want a good scare this Halloween? Well, start by thinking about how many hours are gonna be lost each week now that “So You Think You Can Dance” is back in its full bedazzled glory.
It’s no secret that the dance shows are not my favorite reality subgenre. There’s just not enough backstabbing, drunkenness or fat people.
You may be surprised to discover that my favorite reality shows are actually the ones dealing with the paranormal.
That’s right; I said it.
I am obsessed, though it’s usually not the kind of information I like to lead with when meeting new people. (Neither is my strange obsession with wax museums, nor the elation I felt when I learned that Diablo Cody was penning a movie based on the “Sweet Valley High” series.)
Remember the old “Unexplained” segment on “Unsolved Mysteries"? Robert Stack’s eerie appearance in the mist came at a time in my life when my thirst for the unknown was no longer being quenched by checking out “13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey” every week on “library day.” ( BTW -- that book was in high demand and sometimes I had to settle for books about Tennessee, Georgia and even -- gasp! -- Mississippi ghosts ... and Jeffrey, of course; he gets around apparently.)
The point is, I fancy myself a bit of an amateur paranormal expert. As you know, I fancy myself a bit of a reality expert, too. So here is my guide to paranormal reality shows, the best ... and the rest.
"Ghost Adventures" (Travel Channel, Fridays; new episodes start Nov. 6.)
Sure, I’m glad that interest in the spiritual world has become more mainstream. In the past, people who were curious about the unknown were stereotyped. And let’s face it; wearing black all the time just seems so ... well, somber. On the other hand, though, I’m not sure that the ghosts are really feeling the whole Hollywood douchebag look.
But if you are, then the Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures” may be the reality show for you. “Bros” Zak, Nick and Aaron are not the lost Jonas Brothers, but the manscaped investigators for the show. Their goal seems to be to draw out spirits by antagonizing them whilst wearing Ed Hardy gear. Bad idea in my opinion. Perhaps I could lend them my copy of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Communicating With Spirits.” (Yes, an actual book that I own.)
I have to admit, though, that their experiences seem authentic, and the show may be worth your time if you can tolerate all the exclamations of “bro!” and “dude!” (I cannot.)
"Paranormal State" (A&E, Mondays)
Every episode begins with this voiceover: “Each year, PRS receives hundreds of reports of paranormal activity ... only responding to the most severe.”
I have to say that I just might fake some activity to receive a visit from Ryan Buell, founder of Penn State’s Paranormal Research Society and the dreamiest of all the reality investigators.
