Watch Paranormal State
- TV-14
- 2007
- 6 Seasons
-
5.3 (2,602)
Paranormal State was a supernatural-themed reality television series that premiered on A&E back in 2007. Created by Eric Scott, the show was hosted by Ryan Buell, a paranormal investigator who led a team of ghost hunters and psychics in exploring and documenting paranormal activity across the country. The series was set at Penn State University, where Buell assembled a group of student investigators known as the "Paranormal Research Society," or PRS, to assist him in his investigations. The show's format was similar to many other paranormal reality shows, with each episode featuring a new case or location for the team to investigate. Throughout the series, Paranormal State explored a wide range of paranormal phenomena, from demonic possessions and haunted houses to UFO sightings and cryptid encounters. Along the way, the PRS employed a variety of methods and technologies to document their findings, including EMF detectors, EVP recordings, and even psychic mediums. While Paranormal State was certainly not the first paranormal-themed reality show, it stood out for its unique approach and focus on the academic side of paranormal investigation. Rather than simply jumping at every creak and bump in the night, Buell and his team sought to approach each case with a scientific mindset, gathering evidence and attempting to debunk potential explanations before jumping to supernatural conclusions. One of the show's most memorable moments came in its second season, when the team investigated a home in Altoona, Pennsylvania that was allegedly haunted by a demon. Dubbed the "Hell House," the investigation became the subject of a two-part special that drew in massive ratings and cemented Paranormal State's place as one of the most popular paranormal shows on television. Despite its popularity, however, the series was not without controversy. In particular, Buell faced criticism over his involvement in the show, with some accusing him of exploiting people's beliefs in the paranormal for profit. More troubling were allegations of financial impropriety, with some former members of the PRS accusing Buell of embezzling funds from the organization's events and merchandise sales. Ultimately, Paranormal State ended its run on A&E after six seasons and 78 episodes, with Buell later going on to release a book about his experiences in the paranormal field. While it may not have been perfect, the show remains a beloved part of paranormal pop culture history and helped pave the way for the countless other ghost hunting shows that would follow in its wake.
