I actually have no idea how I discovered Ghost Adventures on YouTube. Probably I looked for videos with ghosts or something paranormal in them and that is how I found them. And I have been a big fan since then ever since...
It all started in 2004 with an independent film with the same title, shot like a documentary. In it a team of 3 men, Zak Bagans, Nick Groff and Aaron Goodwin, research 3 places that are supposed to be haunted. And it all looked creepy, fascinating and adventurous at the same time. The three men seemed to know what they were doing and exuded passion.
Fast forward to 2008 when Ghost Adventures resurfaced as a series on the Travel Channel. It quickly became one of the most popular paranormal series on American tv. Each program follows the same procedure: arrival at the supposedly haunted location, accounts by eye-witnesses and historical information. This takes about 20 minutes after which the investigation itself starts; the three men are locked up at the location from dusk till dawn and start to look for evidence of the paranormal activity. Their investigations were not limited to the USA by the way; they have been to other countries such as Mexico, Romania and the UK.
The charm of the series - or at least its first 10 seasons - lies in the distinct personalities of the 3 team members. Zak is the leader, arrogant, self-centred and ready to taunt the ghosts. Nick is the serious one, calm and patient, as good as fearless. Aaron, on the other hand, is good-natured, jovial and easily scared. And usually used as bait in the most haunted locations. And although they take their job very serious, there is always room for humour.
But at the beginning of season 10, Nick was fired for unknown reasons - this has always been a great mystery - and replaced by 2 other crew members, Jay Wasley and Billy Tolley. Gradually the tone of the series changed: it became darker and more serious. Still, Ghost Adventures is going strong; they have just finished 19 seasons.
What I regret the most is that the nature of the investigations sometimes changes as well. In some episodes, the team tries to help a family to get rid of a particularly nasty demon. This is where they cross a border in my view since none of them are exorcists. And to be honest, some of these families seem to be struggling with depression or another mental condition and need to see a psychologist or psychiatrist instead of a paranormal team.
Travel Channel does not have a YouTube channel with all the episodes of Ghost Adventures. But with a bit of research, you can spend many an evening with Zak and the others. A nice channel, for example, is Gacgal, which features some of the best early episodes like Eastern State Penitentiary and Sloss Furnace. Look around and you'll find excellent episodes from more recent seasons such as Twin Bridges Orphanage, Stone Lion Inn, The Domes and Return to Winchester House.
Are you a fan of Ghost Adventures as well? Or other paranormal series? Let me know in the comments!
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