Virtusa and Ghost Hunters (TV series): Difference between pages

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{{Infobox Company
{{Infobox Television
| name = [[Virtusa Corporation]]
| show_name = Ghost Hunters
| logo =
| image = [[Image:GHlogo.jpg]]
| type = Public {{nasdaq|VRTU}}
| caption =
| genre =
| format = [[Documentary]], [[Reality television]], [[Docudrama]]
| foundation = 1995 - [[Colombo]], [[Sri Lanka]] {{flagicon|Sri Lanka}}
| picture_format = [[480i]] ([[SDTV]])
| founder = [[Kris Canekeratne]]</br> Tushara Canekeratne
| runtime = 60 minutes (including commercials)
| developer = Pilgrim Films and Television Inc.
| location_city = [[Westborough]], [[Massachusetts]],
| executive_producer = Craig Piligian<br>Tom Thayer
| location_country = [[USA]] {{flagicon|USA}}
| starring = ''See [[#Investigators|Investigators]] below''
| location =
| narrated = [[Mike Rowe (television host)|Mike Rowe]]
| locations =
| area_served =
| country = {{USA}}
| key_people = [[Kris Canekeratne]] (Chairman and CEO)</br>
| network = [[Sci Fi Channel (United States)|Sci Fi Channel]]
| industry = [[Information Technology]] Services
| first_aired = [[October 6]], [[2004]]
| products =
| last_aired = present
| services =
| num_episodes = 70 (as of October 1, 2008)
| website = http://www.scifi.com/ghosthunters/
| market cap = [[United States dollar| $]] {{gain}}182.93 million (As on [[19 August]] [[2008]])<ref>http://finance.google.com/finance?q=VRTU&hl=en</ref>
| imdb_id = 0426697
| revenue = [[United States dollar| $]] {{gain}}165.2 million (FY08)<ref>http://finance.google.com/finance?q=VRTU&hl=en</ref>
| tv_com_id = 7400
| operating_income = [[United States dollar| $]] {{gain}}19.4 million (FY08)<ref>http://finance.google.com/finance?q=VRTU&hl=en</ref>
}}
| net_income = [[United States dollar| $]] {{loss}}17.8 million (FY08)<ref>http://finance.google.com/finance?q=VRTU&hl=en</ref>
| assets = [[United States dollar| $]] {{gain}}180.8 million (FY08)<ref>http://finance.google.com/finance?q=VRTU&hl=en</ref>
| equity = [[United States dollar| $]] {{gain}}155.8 million (FY08)<ref>http://finance.google.com/finance?q=VRTU&hl=en</ref>


:''For other uses of the name, see [[Ghosthunters (disambiguation)]].''
| owner =
'''''Ghost Hunters''''' is a [[reality television]] series featuring [[Jason Hawes]] and [[Grant Wilson]], who work a [[day job]] as [[Roto-Rooter]] [[plumber]]s and investigate places that are reported to be [[ghosts|haunted]].
| num_employees = 4,265 (As on [[31 March]], [[2008]]) <ref>[http://seekingalpha.com/article/78157-virtusa-corporation-f4q08-qtr-end-03-31-08-earnings-call-transcript?page=5 Virtusa Corporation F4Q08 (Qtr End 03/31/08) Earnings Call Transcript - Seeking Alpha<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
| parent =
| divisions =
| subsid =
| homepage = [http://www.virtusa.com/ www.virtusa.com]
| footnotes =
| intl =
}}
'''Virtusa Corporation''' ({{NASDAQ|VRTU}}) is an information technology services company headquartered at Massachusetts, USA. It serves the technology needs of global enterprises and software vendors across communications & technology; banking, financial services & insurance; and media & information industries. Virtusa is ISO 27001 and SEI-CMMI Level 4 certified IT services company.


The show debuted in October [[2004]] on the American [[Sci Fi channel (United States)|Sci-Fi Channel]]. It should not be confused with the original [[1996]] [[Inca Productions]] show ''[[Ghosthunters]]'' produced for the [[Discovery Channel]]. The format was sold to the US to become ''Ghost Hunters''. The only remaining link between the two shows is presenter [[Ian Cashmore]] who anchored the UK/Europe show. Cashmore piloted the U.S. show, but chose not to remain part of the US venture after he filmed the promos.
Founded in 1996, Virtusa has offices and technology centers in U.S., U.K. and Asia.


==Episode format==
== Corporate History ==
=== 1995 – 1998 Software Solutions ===
Virtusa was founded as ‘Software Solutions’ in 1995 by Kris Canekeratne. In this period Microsoft released Windows 3.51 and there was a shortage of Windows NT engineers and Software Solutions was established to fill this need. The company started in one of the back rooms of Kris Canekeratne’s residence, No. 9 Horton Place, Colombo 7, with just three engineers and a board of five directors. By 1996 the company had grown to 18 employees.
=== 1998 – 2000 Technology Providers International ===
In 1997, Software Solutions was renamed as ‘Technology Providers International’ and were a leading supplier of outsourced object-oriented software design and development services. The company gained BOI status (Advanced Technology) and the international success of the company was acknowledged locally. And they opened head office in Main Street, Westborough, Massachusetts in 1998 marked a significant milestone and the company was known in the United States as Technology Providers Inc.
=== 2000 – 2002 eRUNWAY™ ===
With the eCommerce era in the year 2000, the company changed its vision and mission and adapted to the changing needs of the Internet era. Technology Providers International was renamed ‘eRUNWAY Inc.’ and became a leading eBusiness, Internet software development and systems integration services company. the company was divided into three Strategic Business Units namely eHRVC (Human Resource Venture Capital), eNterprise and eBusiness. During this time eRUNWAY’s third area office was inaugurated in Hyderabad, India and was named the India Advanced Technology Center.
=== 2002 onwards Virtusa ===
eRUNWAY was re-launched as ‘Virtusa Corporation’ on April 22, 2002. The name Virtusa is derived from the Latin "virtus" meaning excellence.


Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, along with other team members who belong to the group they founded, [[The Atlantic Paranormal Society]] (TAPS), investigate locations of interest by using electronic equipment which they believe is capable of detecting [[paranormal]] activity. TAPS' equipment includes digital thermometers, EMF ([[electromagnetic field]]) scanners, [[infrared]] and [[night vision]] cameras, handheld digital video cameras, digital audio recorders, and [[laptop]] computers.


Other gear not typically shown on screen are an [[Ion|Ion Generator]] — a device that charges the air with electricity and theorized to help spirits manifest, and the [[White noise machine|White Noise Generator]] — an audio device that makes a static background noise and theorized to act as a catalyst for assisting entities in making [[electronic voice phenomenon|EVPs]].<ref>[http://www.scifi.com/GhostHunters "Steve's Gear Guide" Video Blog on SciFi.com]</ref>
===Timeline===
* [[2003]]: Awarded the [http://www.pegasystems.com/ Pegasystems] Partner Excellence Award at Pegasystems annual customer and partner conference, PegaVISION 2003<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2003/06/15/bus05.html | title = Virtusa recognised by leading BPM provider | accessdate = 2007-02-26}}</ref>
* [[2003]]: Recognized by [[Bank One]] as one of their Top IT Suppliers <ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2003/06/15/bus05.html | title = BankOne Awards Top IT Suppliers | accessdate = 2007-02-26}}</ref>
* [[2004]]: Spearheaded the design and development of an [[open source]] system for disaster relief, [[Sahana]] in the wake of the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake|2004 Asian Tsunami.]] Sahana received the biggest award so far, the Free Software Foundation's award for the social benefit on the 24th of March 2007.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.sundaytimes.lk/050227/ft/24.html | title = Local disaster management solution applauded | accessdate = 2007-03-02}}</ref> The awards ceremony at the annual FSF meeting, held at MIT in U.S.A, where they received the award from the founder of the FSF, Richard Stallman. The award, which is only one of two awards given by the FSF each year, was inspired by Sahana a year ago. The recipient of last year's award was Wikipedia, and Sahana follows in its footsteps this year.
* [[2005]]: Bagged the Hyderabad Software Exporters' Association (Hysea) award for `Best established offshore development centre'<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/03/09/stories/2005030900320501.htm | title = Virtusa bags Hysea award | accessdate = 2007-02-26}}</ref>
* [[2006]]: Named to [[Deloitte]]’s New England Technology Fast 50<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.deloitte.com/dtt/press_release/0,1014,cid%253D129531,00.html | title = Litle & Co., LLC Tops Deloitte’s New England Technology Fast 50 at 33,683% Revenue Growth | accessdate = 2007-02-26}}</ref>
* [[2006]]: Named to Silicon India Top 100, which is an annual listing of the top 100 technology companies founded and managed by Indians in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.siliconindia.com/si100_2006/si_100_services.html | title = si100 2006 top 100 Indian founded and managed tech companies in US | accessdate = 2007-02-26}}</ref>
* [[2007]]: Announces pricing of its upcoming Initial Public Offering. <ref>{{cite news
| url = http://in.biz.yahoo.com/070803/138/6j3wp.html
| title = Virtusa Announces Pricing of Initial Public Offering}}</ref>
* [[2007]]: On August 8,2007 the IPO for Virtusa began with an initial price per share of $14.00 <ref>{{cite web | url= http://biz.yahoo.com/e/080212/vrtu10-q.html | title= Summary of Virtusa}}</ref>
* [[2007]]: Virtusa was ranked 80 in FinTech 100, an annual international listing of the top technology vendors that derive more than one third of their revenue from the financial services industry. <ref> {{cite web | url= http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/11/14/stories/2007111451480400.htm | title= Virtusa ranked 80th in FinTech 100}} </ref>
* [[2008]]: Bagged Gold award at Sri Lanka's HRM awards (2007) <ref> {{cite web | url= http://www.nation.lk/2008/03/16/busi6.htm | title = VIRTUSA wins gold for excellence in HR Management}} </ref>
* [[2008]]: Virtusa ranked # 252 on the 2008 VARBusiness 500 list. The VARBusiness 500 awards acknowledge the top-placed firms in North America that help corporations and institutions best apply IT strategies and systems. <ref> http://www.virtusa.com/aboutus/awards.asp </ref>
* [[2008]]: Finalists 2008 U.S. Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) <ref> http://www.state.gov/e/rm/2008/109122.htm</ref>


The team has also experimented, in at least one episode, with a [[geiger counter]] during their investigation to see if it would register any anomalous readings. In more recent episodes, the team has used the K-II EMF detector<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArzVZ11yXsQ K-II meter modification demo]</ref> which uses a series of [[LED]]s to meter the strength of an energy field instead of a numerical [[LCD]]. During the Manson Murders investigation in particular, the team used a K-II meter in an attempt to get "yes" and "no" responses to verbal questions posed to a supposed entity in a room.


When investigating a location, TAPS team members first survey the property with its owners, who describe their experiences at the site. Next, the team sets up electronic equipment in the apparent paranormal "hot spots." The TAPS team then spends several hours taking EMF and temperature readings, recording audio for EVPs, and filming with digital video cameras. Many times, they will even try to verbally coax the "ghosts" into responding, while recording. Afterwards, the team spends several hours analyzing all of the data for signs of possible paranormal activity.
== Clients ==
Virtusa partners with some of the world’s largest financial services, communications services and media & information companies, as well as leading software companies. Most of clients are Global 1,000 members from following industries,
* Banking & Financial Services
* Insurance
* Communications and Technology
* Media and Information


A few days after reviewing the information, Hawes and Wilson discuss their findings with the location site owners, offer suggestions for dealing with any apparent activity, and answer any questions the owners may have.
== Management Team ==
=== Executive Officers ===
* Kris Canekeratne - ''Chairman and Chief Executive Officer''
* Thomas R. Holler - ''Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer''
* Roger Keith Modder - ''Executive Vice President and Managing Director Asian Operations''
* T. N. Hari - ''Senior Vice President and Global Head of Human Resources''
=== Senior Leadership Team ===
* Jim Francis - ''Senior Vice President and Head of Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI) Business Unit''
* John Gillis - ''Executive Vice President of Client Services and Business Development''
* Marc Hebert - ''Chief Marketing Officer''
* Santanu Paul - ''Senior Vice President and Head of Global Delivery Operations''
* Raj Rajgopal - ''General Manager, Head of Communications, Content, and Technology (CCT) Business Unit''


Since the show began airing, TAPS has recorded thousands of hours of audio and video data. Most investigations, according to TAPS, turn up cold with very little, if any, paranormal activity occurring. The ghost hunters claim to have several good recordings of strange mists, odd lights, moving objects, and shadowy figures that manifest before the camera and disappear quickly - all highlighted at the end of the show.
=== Board of Directors ===
* Kris Canekeratne - ''Chairman and Chief Executive Officer''
* Izhar Armony - ''Partner, Charles River Ventures''
* Robert Davoli - ''Managing Director, [[Sigma Partners]]''
* Andy Goldfarb - ''Executive Managing Director, Globespan Capital Partners''
* Ronald T. Maheu - ''Director, Charles River Associates''
* Rowland T. Moriarty - ''Chairman, Charles River Associates''
* Martin Trust - ''Chairman, Brandot International''


TAPS does not believe every piece of evidence gathered is proof of the [[paranormal]]. To lend credibility to their investigations, the team tries to [[debunk]] what they find and look for reasonable explanations for things such as "cold spots" (that may be drafty windows), "moving objects" (that may have been accidentally bumped or tugged), "phantom lights" (that may be reflections of light from a passing vehicle), and "strange noises" (that may be a thumping branch or vermin in the walls).
=== Advisory Board ===
* Tushara Canekeratne - ''Co-Founder''
* R. Stephen Cheheyl
* Kevin Laracey
* Allyn C. Woodward, Jr.


In addition to the investigative aspect, the show highlights personal conflicts and relationships among members of the TAPS team, which may be why the Sci-Fi Channel categorizes the show as a [[docu-soap]]. In earlier episodes, part of the hour showed Jason and Grant during their plumbing job or personal lives but that has diminished since then. Jason and Grant are Executive Producers of "Ghost Hunters" now. Since their departure as plumbers for Roto-Rooter, they are spokesmen for the company, and use the equipment to advertise their sponsors.
== Offices ==
* ''Corporate Headquarters'' - located in [[Westborough]], MA, USA
* ''Other [[USA]] '' - Silicon Valley Office, Sunnyvale, CA; New York Office, Park Avenue, New York, NY
* ''[[United Kingdom]] '' - Reading Office, Reading, Berkshire; London Office, Old Bailey,London
* ''[[India]] '' - Chennai Office -1, Thiru-Vi-Ka Industrial Estate; Chennai Office -2,Phase-C, DLF IT PARK ;Hyderabad Office-1,My Home Tycoon Building, Begumpet, Kundanbagh; Hyderabad Office - 2, White House,Begumpet, Kundanbagh; Hyderabad Office - 3, Cyber Gateway, Hitec City, Madhapur
* ''[[Sri Lanka]] '' - Trans Asia Office, [[Colombo]] 02; Vogue Building, [[Colombo]] 03; Cyntex Building; [[Colombo]] 09


== References ==
==Success and growth==
{{reflist|1}}


''Ghost Hunters'' has garnered some of the highest ratings of any Sci-Fi Channel network programming.<ref>[http://www.thefutoncritic.com/pr.aspx?id=20051020scifi0 SciFi Network Ratings Release]</ref> From the start, the show has found an audience for its mix of paranormal investigation and interpersonal drama. It has since been syndicated on [[NBC Universal]] sister network [[Oxygen (TV network)|Oxygen]].
==External links==
*[http://www.virtusa.com/ Virtusa]
*[http://finance.google.com/finance?q=VRTU&hl=en/ Google Finance Profile]


In the early shows, TAPS was headquartered in a trailer located behind Jason Hawes' house, and they drove one white van to investigations. Within one season, they had moved the entire operation to a storefront in downtown [[Warwick, Rhode Island|Warwick, RI]], and acquired several new TAPS vehicles equipped with surveillance instrumentation.

In addition to their successful television venture, TAPS operates a website where they share their stories, photographs, and [[ghost hunting]] videos with an ever-growing membership list. Because of the popularity of the show, TAPS cast members have signed contracts with at least two talent agencies, Escape Artistry and GP Entertainment, to manage their appearances at lectures, conferences and public events.

In addition to the success of the television show, TAPS have ventured into the venue of radio broadcast hosting a 3 hour weekly show called "''Beyond Reality''". New episodes are broadcast every Saturday from 7 - 10pm EST, though sometimes may skip a week with possibilities of the hosts being busy with other ventures. The radio show goes into topics in a vast array of areas such as cryptozoology, spiritualism, UFO's, and ghosts. The show is hosted by Grant Wilson & Jason Hawes and includes guest appearances from other TAPS members and special guests like John Zaffis, Rosemary Ellen Guiley, Chris Fleming and others which specialize in certain fields.

==Criticism==
''Ghost Hunters'' has attracted various critics and skeptics, such as [[Joe Nickell]] who has criticised their methodology in the Skeptical Inquirer. Many other authors, such as Joe Nickell and Lynne Kelly<ref>Kelly, Lynne, The Skeptic's Guide to the Paranormal, Basic Books 2005, ISBN 978-1560257110</ref> question the scientific validity of the investigations conducted by the TAPS team, its methodology, and particularly its use of instrumentation, as there is no scientifically-proven link between the existence of ghosts and (for example) cold spots or electromagnetic fields (which Hawes and Wilson say are not necessarily paranormal). As Grant and Jason say "If you set out to prove a haunting, anything will seem like evidence. If you set out to disprove it, you will end up with only those things you cant explain away.".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/shady-science.html | title = Reality Check: ''Ghost Hunters'' and ‘Ghost Detectors’ | accessdate = 2007-03-22 | last = Radford | first = Benjamin | date = [[2004-11-12]] | publisher = [[Committee for Skeptical Inquiry]] }}</ref> Others, such as Allison Smith contend that the show's claimed evidence of the paranormal could be easily hoaxed<ref>{{cite news | first = Alison | last = Smith | title = TAPS vs. SAPS: The Atlantic Paranormal Society meets the Skeptical Analysis of the Paranormal Society | url = http://www.skeptic.com/eskeptic/06-08-10.html | work = eSkeptic | publisher = [[The Skeptics Society]] | id = {{ISSN|1556-5696}} | date = [[2006-08-10]] | accessdate = 2007-03-22 }}</ref>. With each new season, critics of ''Ghost Hunters'' continue to publish skeptical analysis and theories on the Internet, often employing frame-by-frame analysis of episode footage which they believe debunks the show's findings. <ref>{{cite news | first = Alison | last = Smith | title = TAPS vs. SAPS: The Atlantic Paranormal Society meets the Skeptical Analysis of the Paranormal Society | url = http://www.skeptic.com/eskeptic/06-08-10.html | work = eSkeptic | publisher = [[The Skeptics Society]] | id = {{ISSN|1556-5696}} | date = [[2006-08-10]] | accessdate = 2007-03-22 }}</ref>

==Spinoff series==
===''Ghost Hunters International''===
{{see main|Ghost Hunters International}}
A spin off series which premiered Wednesday, [[January 9]], [[2008]] and features investigators Robb Demarest, Shannon Sylvia, Barry Fitzgerald (who appeared in the Summer 2007 Ireland episodes of ''Ghost Hunters''), Andy Andrews, [[Brian Harnois]], and Donna La Croix.<ref>[http://www.the-atlantic-paranormal-society.com/abouttaps/members.html Current list of TAPS members]</ref> The format is similar to ''Ghost Hunters'' but features investigations in various locations around the world. In mid season one, Donna, Brian and Shannon have departed the show and have been replaced by Dustin Pari and newcomer Brandy Green.

===''UFO Hunters''===
{{see main|UFO Hunters (Sci Fi Channel)}}
''Ghost Hunters'' producers Craig Pilligan and Tom Thayer released another paranormal investigation series titled ''UFO Hunters'' which first aired on [[January 30]], [[2008]], however the show only aired one episode and the series appears to have been shelved for the time being. The show followed New York Strange Phenomena Investigators (NY-SPI) co-founders Oliver Kemenczky and Ted Davis, along with paranormal researcher Dennis Anderson, as they investigate claims of alien encounters and UFO sightings. The format was similar to ''Ghost Hunters'' with most of the program dedicated to the investigation and wrapped up with a review of findings and evidence that was gathered.<ref>[http://www.scifi.com/ufohunters/ "UFO Hunters" on scifi.com]</ref> This series should not be confused with the [[UFO Hunters (The History Channel)|History Channel series]] with the same name.

==Investigators==
{{seealso|The Atlantic Paranormal Society#Known members (present)}}
*[[Jason Hawes]] - Producer, Lead Investigator/TAPS Founder
*[[Grant Wilson]] - Producer, Lead Investigator/TAPS Co-founder
*[[Steve Gonsalves]] - Technical Manager/Evidence Analyst
*Dave Tango - Investigator/Evidence Analyst
*Kris Williams - Investigator/Evidence Analyst/Historical Researcher/Case Manager
*Heather Drolet - Investigator/Case Manager
*Mike Dion - Investigator/Director
*Kristyn Gartland - Investigator/Case Manager
*Jen Rossi - Investigator
*Joe Chin - Investigator-in-training
*Dustin Pari- Investigator/Film tech

==Credited Crew==

*[[Jason Hawes]] - Producer, Lead Investigator/TAPS Founder
*[[Grant Wilson]] - Producer, Lead Investigator/TAPS Co-founder
*Craig Piligian - Executive Producer
*Tom Thayer - Executive Producer
*Rob Katz - Co-Executive Producer

==List of ''Ghost Hunters'' episodes==
===Season One===
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background-color:#DC143C; color:#FFFFFF;"
|'''Ep#'''
|'''Original Airdate'''
|'''Episode Title'''
|'''Investigation'''
|-
|101
|[[October 6]] [[2004]]
|Altoona Tantrum
|[[Altoona, Pennsylvania|Altoona, PA]] - private home
|-
|102
|[[October 13]] [[2004]]
|Mishler Theatre
|[[Altoona, Pennsylvania|Altoona, PA]] - [[Mishler Theatre]] and [[Railroaders Memorial Museum|Railroad Museum]]
|-
|103
|[[October 20]] [[2004]]
|The Lighthouse Inn
|Connecticut - Lighthouse Inn and [[Ashland, Massachusetts|Ashland, MA]] - John Stone Tavern
|-
|104
|[[October 27]] [[2004]]
|Race Rock Lighthouse
|[[New London, Connecticut|New London, CT]] - [[Race Rock Light]]
|-
|105
|[[November 3]] [[2004]]
|Eastern State Penitentiary
|[[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia, PA]] - [[Eastern State Penitentiary]]
|-
|106
|[[November 10]] [[2004]]
|The Converted Church
|Upstate New York - converted church/private home
|-
|107
|[[November 17]] [[2004]]
|The Armory
|[[New Bedford, Massachusetts|New Bedford, MA]] - armory
|-
|108
|[[December 1]] [[2004]]
|Fortuna & Topton
|[[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia, PA]] - Fortuna Apartment and [[Topton, Pennsylvania|Topton, PA]] - Topton Tavern
|-
|109
|[[December 8]] [[2004]]
|New Boston Inn
|[[Sandisfield, Massachusetts|Sandisfield, MA]] - [[New Boston Inn]]
|-
|110
|[[December 15]] [[2004]]
|The Negative Entity
|[[Albany, New York|Albany, NY]] - two private homes
|-
|}

===Season Two===
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background-color:#0000FF; color:#FFFFFF;"
|'''Ep#'''
|'''Original Airdate'''
|'''Episode Title'''
|'''Investigation'''
|-
|201
|[[July 27]] [[2005]]
|Myrtles Plantation
|[[St. Francisville, Louisiana|St. Francisville, LA]] - [[Myrtles Plantation]]
|-
|202
|[[August 3]] [[2005]]
|Cranston & Grafton
|[[Cranston, RI]] and [[Grafton, Massachusetts|Grafton, MA]] - private homes
|-
|203
|[[August 10]] [[2005]]
|The Red Room
|[[New Orleans, Louisiana|New Orleans, LA]] - [[Brennan's|Brennan's Restaurant]] and a private home
|-
|204
|[[August 17]] [[2005]]
|Mordecai House
|[[Wilmington, North Carolina|Wilmington, NC]] - [[USS North Carolina (BB-55)|USS ''North Carolina'']] Museum and [[Raleigh, North Carolina|Raleigh, NC]] - [[Mordecai House]]
|-
|205
|[[August 24]] [[2005]]
|The Playhouse & The Firehouse
|[[Putnam, Connecticut|Putnam, CT]] - Bradley Playhouse and Firehouse
|-
|206
|[[August 31]] [[2005]]
|The Ledge Lighthouse
|[[New London, Connecticut|New London, CT]] - [[New London Ledge Light|Ledge Light]] and [[New York City]] - [[Merchants House Museum]]
|-
|207
|[[September 7]] [[2005]]
|Two Houses
|[[Springfield, Massachusetts|Springfield, MA]] - Tanguay House and Sutcliffe House
|-
|208
|[[September 14]] [[2005]]
|Beechwood Mansion & Garden State
|[[Newport, Rhode Island|Newport, RI]] - [[Beechwood (mansion)|Astor Mansion]] and a private home in New Jersey
|-
|209
|[[September 21]] [[2005]]
|Dave Tango & Rolling Hills
|[[Bethany, New York|Bethany, NY]] - [[Rolling Hills Asylum]] and Worthington home in New Hampshire
|-
|210
|[[September 28]] [[2005]]
|Return to Eastern State
|[[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia, PA]] - [[Eastern State Penitentiary]] (revisited), and vacation house
|-
|211
|[[October 5]] [[2005]]
|R.M.S. Queen Mary
|[[San José, CA]], [[Winchester House]] and [[Long Beach, CA]], [[RMS Queen Mary|RMS ''Queen Mary'']]
|-
|212
|[[October 12]] [[2005]]
|The Lizzie Borden House
|[[Fall River, Massachusetts|Fall River, MA]], [[Lizzie Borden|Lizzie Borden's Home]] and [[Mansfield, Ohio|Mansfield. OH]], [[Ohio State Reformatory|Mansfield Reformatory]]
|-
|213
|[[October 19]] [[2005]]
|The Crescent Hotel & Dr. Ellis
|[[Eureka Springs, Arkansas|Eureka Springs, AR]] - Crescent Hotel
|-
|214
|[[March 29]] [[2006]]
|Waverly Hills
|[[Louisville, Kentucky|Louisville, KY]] - [[Waverly Hills Sanatorium]]
|-
|215
|[[April 5]] [[2006]]
|Ghostly Grace & The Palladium
|[[Holliston, Massachusetts|Holliston, MA]] - private home, and Palladium Theatre investigation
|-
|216
|[[April 12]] [[2006]]
|Red George & Valentown Museum
|[[Canandaigua (city), New York|Canandaigua, NY]] - TAPS investigates two cases in Jason's home town
|-
|217
|[[April 19]] [[2006]]
|Two Brothers & Willard Library
|[[Evansville, Indiana|Evansville, IN]] - Willard Library's "Grey Lady" ghost and a private home in Massachusetts
|-
|218
|[[April 26]] [[2006]]
|Hartford Conservatory
|New Jersey - private home, and [[Hartford, Connecticut|Hartford, CT]] - [[Hartford Conservatory]] music school
|-
|219
|[[May 3]] [[2006]]
|St. Augustine Lighthouse
|[[St. Augustine, Florida|St. Augustine, FL]] - [[St. Augustine Light]]
|-
|220
|[[May 10]] [[2006]]
|Domani's & The County Jail
|New Jersey - Domani's Restaurant, and [[St. Augustine, Florida|St. Augustine, FL]] - [[Old St. Johns County Jail]]
|-
|221
|[[May 17]] [[2006]]
|The Stone Lion
|[[Guthrie, Oklahoma|Guthrie, OK]] - Stone Lion Inn, and Massachusetts - private home
|-
|222
|[[May 24]] [[2006]]
|The Best of Ghost Hunters
|Recap of the 20 best season one and two investigations
|-
|223
|[[May 31]] [[2006]]
|The Stanley Hotel
|[[Estes Park, Colorado|Estes Park, CO]] - [[The Stanley Hotel]] (which inspired [[Stephen King]]'s novel "[[The Shining (novel)|The Shining]]")
|}

===Season Three===
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background-color:#008000; color:#FFFFFF;"
|'''Ep#'''
|'''Original Airdate'''
|'''Episode Title'''
|'''Investigation'''
|-
|301
|[[October 11]], [[2006]]
|Tombstone
|[[Tombstone, Arizona|Tombstone, AZ]] - [[Bird Cage Theatre]]
|-
|302
|[[October 18]],[[2006]]
|OK Corral
|[[Bisbee, Arizona|Bisbee, AZ]] - Copper Queen Hotel, and [[Tombstone, Arizona|Tombstone, AZ]] - [[Gunfight at the O.K. Corral|O.K. Corral]]
|-
|303
|[[October 25]],[[2006]]
|Shadow People
|[[Chester, Vermont|Chester, VT]] - private home, and [[Moundsville, West Virginia|Moundsville, WV]] - [[West Virginia State Penitentiary]]
|-
|304
|[[November 1]], [[2006]]
|Whispers & Voices
|[[Gardner, Massachusetts|Gardner, MA]] - Victorian mansion and [[Washington, Massachusetts|Washington, MA]] - Bucksteep Manor
|-
|305
|[[November 8]], [[2006]]
|Best of the Stanley Hotel
|Review of [[The Stanley Hotel]] 2006 Halloween Special
|-
|306
|[[November 15]], [[2006]]
|Attack of the Irish Elemental
|[[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] - [[Leap Castle]]
|-
|307
|[[June 6]], [[2007]]
|Irish Ruins
|Ireland - Lisheen Ruins, and [[London]], [[England]] - Viaduct Tavern
|-
|308
|[[June 13]], [[2007]]
|Hellfire Caves
|[[Buckinghamshire]], England - [[Hellfire Caves]]
|-
|309
|[[June 20]], [[2007]]
|Nightmare Noises
|Private homes in Rhode Island and Massachusetts
|-
|310
|[[June 27]], [[2007]]
|Toys of Terror
|[[Chesapeake, Virginia|Chesapeake, VA]] - Keffer Home and [[Charlestown, Rhode Island|Charlestown, RI]] - General Stanton Inn
|-
|311
|[[July 11]], [[2007]]
|U.S.S. Lexington
|[[Corpus Christi, Texas|Corpus Christi, TX]] - [[USS Lexington (CV-16)|USS ''Lexington'']] and [[Warwick, Rhode Island|Warwick, RI]] - Warwick City Hall
|-
|312
|[[July 18]], [[2007]]
|Manson Murders
|[[Hollywood, California|Hollywood, CA]] - [[Charles Manson|Manson Murders]] and [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles, CA]] - [[The Jim Henson Company|Jim Henson Studios]]
|-
|313
|[[September 26]], [[2007]]
|Lost Souls
|[[Sedro-Woolley, Washington|Sedro-Woolley, WA]] - Northern State Hospital and [[Seattle, Washington|Seattle, WA]] - [[Seattle Underground|Seattle Underground Tunnels]]
|-
|314
|[[October 3]], [[2007]]
|Spirits of San Francisco
|[[San Francisco, California|San Francisco, CA]] - [[Presidio of San Francisco|The Presidio]] and Lullaby Lane Baby Store
|-
|315
|[[October 10]], [[2007]]
|Ghostly Houseguest
|[[Sammamish, Washington|Sammamish, WA]] - Gibbons House and Seattle WA, [[Moore Theatre (Seattle, Washington)|The Moore Theatre]]
|-
|316
|[[October 17]], [[2007]]
|Houses of the Holy
|[[Prosser, Washington|Prosser, WA]] - St. Matthew's Church and [[Cranston, Rhode Island|Cranston, RI]] - [[Gov. William Sprague Mansion|Sprague Mansion]]
|-
|317
|[[October 24]], [[2007]]
|Salem Witch
|[[Salem, Massachusetts|Salem, MA]] - Lyceum Restaurant and Hawthorne Hotel
|-
|318
|[[November 7]], [[2007]]
|Sanatorium Live Results
|Review of the [[Waverly Hills Sanatorium]] 2007 Halloween Special and [[Athol, Massachusetts|Athol, MA]] - private home
|-
|319
|[[November 14]], [[2007]]
|Revelations
|Special TAPS Q&A Session with host [[Joshua Gates]]
|}

===Season Four===

''Season four is currently airing and the information below is subject to change.''

{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background-color:#800080; color:#FFFFFF;"
|'''Ep#'''
|'''Original Airdate'''
|'''Episode Title'''
|'''Investigation'''
|-
|401
|[[March 5]], [[2008]]
|Fort Mifflin
|[[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia, PA]] - [[Fort Mifflin]]
|-
|402
|[[March 12]], [[2008]]
|Two to Tango
|[[Mount Holly, NJ]] - Burlington County Jail and [[Norwich, Connecticut|Norwich, CT]] - private home
|-
|403
|[[March 19]], [[2008]]
|Words From Beyond
|[[Belchertown, Massachusetts|Belchertown, MA]] - Clapp Memorial Library and [[North Attleborough, Massachusetts|North Attleborough, MA]] - private home
|-
|404
|[[March 26]], [[2008]]
|The Fear Cage
|[[Cashtown, Pennsylvania|Cashtown, PA]] - The Cashtown Inn
|-
|405
|[[April 2]], [[2008]]
|Ghostly Bounty Hunter
|[[Norton, Massachusetts|Norton, MA]] - private home and [[Trinway, Ohio|Trinway, OH]] - [[Prospect Place]]
|-
|406
|[[April 9]], [[2008]]
|Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
|[[Dayton, Ohio|Dayton, OH]] - Arnold House and Building #70 at [[Wright-Patterson Air Force Base]]
|-
|407
|[[April 16]], [[2008]]
|Ghostly Conversation
|[[North Providence, Rhode Island|North Providence, RI]] - Ruffstone Tavern and [[Bretton Woods, New Hampshire|Bretton Woods, NH]] - [[Mount Washington Hotel]]
|-
|408
|[[April 23]], [[2008]]
|Spirits of the Old West
|[[Goldfield, Nevada|Goldfield, NV]] - The Goldfield Hotel and [[Virginia City, Nevada|Virginia City, NV]] - Old Washoe Club
|-
|409
|[[April 30]], [[2008]]
|Haunted Asylum
|[[Weston, West Virginia|Weston, WV]] - [[Weston State Hospital|Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum]]
|-
|410
|[[May 28]], [[2008]]
|House of Spirits
|[[New Haven, Connecticut|New Haven, CT]] - private home and [[Manchester, New Hampshire|Manchester, NH]] - [[Palace Theatre (Manchester, New Hampshire)|Palace Theater]]
|-
|411
|[[June 4]], [[2008]]
|Widow's Watch
|[[Cape Cod, Massachusetts|Cape Cod, MA]] - Colonial House Inn and [[Moss Beach, California|Moss Beach, CA]] - [[Moss Beach Distillery]].
|-
|412
|[[June 11]], [[2008]]
|Garden State Ghosts
|[[Clinton, New Jersey|Clinton, NJ]] - The Red Mill and [[Perth Amboy, New Jersey|Perth Amboy, NJ]] - Proprietary House
|-
|413
|[[June 18]], [[2008]]
|Fort Delaware
|[[Pea Patch Island|Pea Patch Island, DE]] - [[Fort Delaware]]
|-
|414
|[[September 3]], [[2008]]
|Iron Island
|[[Buffalo, NY]] - Iron Island Museum
|-
|415
|[[September 10]], [[2008]]
|So She Married an Axe Murderer
|[[Pawtucket, Rhode Island|Pawtucket, RI]] - [[Slater Mill Historic Site|Slater Mill]] and [[Simsbury, Connecticut|Simsbury, CT]] - Pettibone Tavern
|-
|416
|[[September 17]], [[2008]]
|The Boy in the Brothel
|[[North Kingstown, Rhode Island|North Kingstown, RI]] - Hoof Fin Feathers Carriage Inn and [[Groton (city), Connecticut|Groton, CT]] - private home
|-
|417
|[[September 24]], [[2008]]
|Speaking With the Dead
|Buffalo, NY - [[Buffalo Central Terminal]]
|-
|418
|[[October 1]], [[2008]]
|Ghosts of the Sunshine State
|[[Ocala, Florida|Ocala, FL]] - Seven Sisters Inn and [[St. Petersburg, Florida|St. Petersburg, FL]] - [[Vinoy Park Hotel|Renaissance Vinoy Resort]]
|-
|419
|[[October 8]], [[2008]]
|Oak Alley Plantation
|[[Vacherie, Louisiana|Vacherie, LA]] - [[Oak Alley Plantation]]
|-
|420
|[[October 15]], [[2008]]
|Bottled Spirits
|[[Dayville, Connecticut|Dayville, CT]] - private home and [[Niagara County, New York|Appleton, NY]] - Upstate New York Wine Trail
|}

Jason Hawes announced on [http://beyondrealityradio.com Beyond Reality Radio] on May 24, 2008 that there will be a total of 27 episodes in season four.

Jason Hawes announced on [http://beyondrealityradio.com Beyond Reality Radio] on August 23, 2008 that there will be a season five in 2009 with a total of 26 episodes.

===Specials===
*'''2005 Halloween Special''' - aired [[October 31]], [[2005]], TAPS went to [[Savannah, Georgia|Savannah, GA]] to investigate the Moon River Brewery and The [[Sorrel Weed House]], a historic museum that conducts Savannah tours.
*'''2006 Halloween Special''' - '''''Ghost Hunters Live''''' - aired [[October 31]], [[2006]] at 11PM EST. It was a six hour broadcast originating from [[The Stanley Hotel]] in [[Estes Park, Colorado]]. [[Extreme Championship Wrestling (WWE)|ECW]] Superstar [[CM Punk]] joined the Ghost Hunters throughout the investigation. The viewing audience was able to interact with the team via PDA/cellphone text messages.<ref>[http://www.projo.com/tv/content/projo-20061020-ghosthunters30.8c99c540.html "Ghost Hunters on the job this Halloween", 2006 TAPS interview at projo.com]</ref>
*'''2007 Halloween Special''' - '''''Ghost Hunters Live''''' - aired [[October 31]], [[2007]] at 9PM EST. It was a six hour broadcast originating from the [[Waverly Hills Sanatorium]] near [[Louisville, Kentucky|Louisville, KY]]. Joining the team was guest [[Extreme Championship Wrestling (WWE)|ECW]] Superstar [[Elijah Burke]]<ref>[http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/news/elijahghosthunters "Elijah Burke goes Ghost Hunting"]</ref>. The episode was hosted by paranormal investigator [[Joshua Gates]] from the show ''[[Destination Truth]]'' who was stationed in an on-site "interactive center" which posted real time photos to SciFi.com. Also employed was a "Panic Button" message feature where viewers could alert the investigators of any strange happenings as they occurred. Simultaneously, SciFi.com ran an online poll, "The Hunt for the Hunter", Where viewers picked the new TAPS member who chosen among three finalists, Patrick Clark, Mark Fusetti, and Deanna Hoffman. Mark Fusetti was picked as the new TAPS member during the review of the Halloween Special on [[November 7]]th.
*'''Return to St. Augustine Light''' - aired [[January 9]], [[2008]]. TAPS conducted a special follow up investigation at [[St. Augustine Light]] in Florida. It aired before the premiere episode of ''[[Ghost Hunters International]]''.
*'''2008 Halloween Special - ''Ghost Hunters Live''''' - will air [[October 31]], [[2008]]. TAPS conducts a seven-hour, live, return investigation of [[Fort Delaware]] with special guest amanda tapping and guest host Joshua Gates of ''Destination Truth''.

==DVD releases==

*''Best of Ghost Hunters Vol. 1''
*''Best of Ghost Hunters Vol. 2''
*''Ghost Hunters - The Complete First Season'' - (3 DVD set)
*''Ghost Hunters - Season 2 Part 1'' - (4 DVD set)
*''Ghost Hunters - Season 2 Part 2'' - (4 DVD set)
*''Ghost Hunters - Season 3 Part 1'' - (3 DVD set)
*''Ghost Hunters - Season 3 Part 2'' - (3 DVD set)
*''Ghost Hunters - Season 4 Part 1'' - (4 DVD set)
*''Ghost Hunters - Stanley Hotel 2006 Halloween Special''
*''Ghost Hunters - Waverly Hills Sanatorium 2007 Halloween Special''

==Notes==

* The Stanley Hotel episode is notable for reaching #2 in ratings for its time slot that night. [http://www.tapsforums.com/index.php?topic=48349.0 Ratings Note]
* The building that was featured at the end of the show's opening sequence and throughout the end credits along with a number of advertisements and other related materials through Season 3 was the Race Rock Lighthouse, which was investigated in the first season, viewed from the dock.
* It is no longer shown in any episode's end credits, following Season 4's format of running credits alongside the final minute of the episode

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==See also==
*[[Ghost Hunters International]]
*[[The Atlantic Paranormal Society]]
*[[List of U.S. paranormal guides]]
*[[Ghost]]
*[[Haunted house]]
*[[Haunting]]
*[[Paranormal]]
*[[Paranormal Investigation]]
*[[Taps Para Mag]]

==External links==
<!-- IF YOU ADD A LINK TO YOUR SITE, IT WILL BE REMOVED. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT AN ADVERTISING SERVICE -->
* {{imdb title | id = 0426697 }}
*[http://www.the-atlantic-paranormal-society.com The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) Official Website]
*[http://www.scifi.com/ghosthunters/ ''Ghost Hunters'' official website at SciFi.com]
*[http://www.pilgrim-films.com/index_gh.html Pilgrim Films Ghost Hunters Website]
*[http://www.dv.com/features/features_item.php?articleId=196603608 DV magazine behind-the-scenes story on making the show]


==Interview links==
*[http://www.skapunkandotherjunk.com/interview.php?rv=115 Interview with Grant Wilson of ''Ghost Hunters'']
*[http://www.southcoasttoday.com/daily/01-05/01-02-05/c01li011.htm Interview with Steve Gonsalves of ''Ghost Hunters'']
*[http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=7399 ''Jim Reaper'' comic features ''Ghost Hunters'' Brian Harnois]


==Independent examination links==
[[Category:Companies established in 1996]]
*[http://www.skepticalviewer.com/ The Skeptical Viewer. Independent review of television footage.]
[[Category:Software companies of the United States]]
[[Category:international information technology consulting firms]]


[[Category:Paranormal television]]
[[Category:Pseudoscience]]
[[Category:Sci Fi Channel shows]]
[[Category:American reality television series]]
[[Category:Documentary television series]]


[[fr:Les Traqueurs de fantômes]]
{{IT giants}}
[[sv:Ghost Hunters]]

Revision as of 08:17, 13 October 2008

Ghost Hunters
File:GHlogo.jpg
Developed byPilgrim Films and Television Inc.
StarringSee Investigators below
Narrated byMike Rowe
Country of origin United States
No. of episodes70 (as of October 1, 2008)
Production
Executive producersCraig Piligian
Tom Thayer
Running time60 minutes (including commercials)
Original release
NetworkSci Fi Channel
ReleaseOctober 6, 2004 –
present
For other uses of the name, see Ghosthunters (disambiguation).

Ghost Hunters is a reality television series featuring Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, who work a day job as Roto-Rooter plumbers and investigate places that are reported to be haunted.

The show debuted in October 2004 on the American Sci-Fi Channel. It should not be confused with the original 1996 Inca Productions show Ghosthunters produced for the Discovery Channel. The format was sold to the US to become Ghost Hunters. The only remaining link between the two shows is presenter Ian Cashmore who anchored the UK/Europe show. Cashmore piloted the U.S. show, but chose not to remain part of the US venture after he filmed the promos.

Episode format

Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, along with other team members who belong to the group they founded, The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS), investigate locations of interest by using electronic equipment which they believe is capable of detecting paranormal activity. TAPS' equipment includes digital thermometers, EMF (electromagnetic field) scanners, infrared and night vision cameras, handheld digital video cameras, digital audio recorders, and laptop computers.

Other gear not typically shown on screen are an Ion Generator — a device that charges the air with electricity and theorized to help spirits manifest, and the White Noise Generator — an audio device that makes a static background noise and theorized to act as a catalyst for assisting entities in making EVPs.[1]

The team has also experimented, in at least one episode, with a geiger counter during their investigation to see if it would register any anomalous readings. In more recent episodes, the team has used the K-II EMF detector[2] which uses a series of LEDs to meter the strength of an energy field instead of a numerical LCD. During the Manson Murders investigation in particular, the team used a K-II meter in an attempt to get "yes" and "no" responses to verbal questions posed to a supposed entity in a room.

When investigating a location, TAPS team members first survey the property with its owners, who describe their experiences at the site. Next, the team sets up electronic equipment in the apparent paranormal "hot spots." The TAPS team then spends several hours taking EMF and temperature readings, recording audio for EVPs, and filming with digital video cameras. Many times, they will even try to verbally coax the "ghosts" into responding, while recording. Afterwards, the team spends several hours analyzing all of the data for signs of possible paranormal activity.

A few days after reviewing the information, Hawes and Wilson discuss their findings with the location site owners, offer suggestions for dealing with any apparent activity, and answer any questions the owners may have.

Since the show began airing, TAPS has recorded thousands of hours of audio and video data. Most investigations, according to TAPS, turn up cold with very little, if any, paranormal activity occurring. The ghost hunters claim to have several good recordings of strange mists, odd lights, moving objects, and shadowy figures that manifest before the camera and disappear quickly - all highlighted at the end of the show.

TAPS does not believe every piece of evidence gathered is proof of the paranormal. To lend credibility to their investigations, the team tries to debunk what they find and look for reasonable explanations for things such as "cold spots" (that may be drafty windows), "moving objects" (that may have been accidentally bumped or tugged), "phantom lights" (that may be reflections of light from a passing vehicle), and "strange noises" (that may be a thumping branch or vermin in the walls).

In addition to the investigative aspect, the show highlights personal conflicts and relationships among members of the TAPS team, which may be why the Sci-Fi Channel categorizes the show as a docu-soap. In earlier episodes, part of the hour showed Jason and Grant during their plumbing job or personal lives but that has diminished since then. Jason and Grant are Executive Producers of "Ghost Hunters" now. Since their departure as plumbers for Roto-Rooter, they are spokesmen for the company, and use the equipment to advertise their sponsors.

Success and growth

Ghost Hunters has garnered some of the highest ratings of any Sci-Fi Channel network programming.[3] From the start, the show has found an audience for its mix of paranormal investigation and interpersonal drama. It has since been syndicated on NBC Universal sister network Oxygen.

In the early shows, TAPS was headquartered in a trailer located behind Jason Hawes' house, and they drove one white van to investigations. Within one season, they had moved the entire operation to a storefront in downtown Warwick, RI, and acquired several new TAPS vehicles equipped with surveillance instrumentation.

In addition to their successful television venture, TAPS operates a website where they share their stories, photographs, and ghost hunting videos with an ever-growing membership list. Because of the popularity of the show, TAPS cast members have signed contracts with at least two talent agencies, Escape Artistry and GP Entertainment, to manage their appearances at lectures, conferences and public events.

In addition to the success of the television show, TAPS have ventured into the venue of radio broadcast hosting a 3 hour weekly show called "Beyond Reality". New episodes are broadcast every Saturday from 7 - 10pm EST, though sometimes may skip a week with possibilities of the hosts being busy with other ventures. The radio show goes into topics in a vast array of areas such as cryptozoology, spiritualism, UFO's, and ghosts. The show is hosted by Grant Wilson & Jason Hawes and includes guest appearances from other TAPS members and special guests like John Zaffis, Rosemary Ellen Guiley, Chris Fleming and others which specialize in certain fields.

Criticism

Ghost Hunters has attracted various critics and skeptics, such as Joe Nickell who has criticised their methodology in the Skeptical Inquirer. Many other authors, such as Joe Nickell and Lynne Kelly[4] question the scientific validity of the investigations conducted by the TAPS team, its methodology, and particularly its use of instrumentation, as there is no scientifically-proven link between the existence of ghosts and (for example) cold spots or electromagnetic fields (which Hawes and Wilson say are not necessarily paranormal). As Grant and Jason say "If you set out to prove a haunting, anything will seem like evidence. If you set out to disprove it, you will end up with only those things you cant explain away.".[5] Others, such as Allison Smith contend that the show's claimed evidence of the paranormal could be easily hoaxed[6]. With each new season, critics of Ghost Hunters continue to publish skeptical analysis and theories on the Internet, often employing frame-by-frame analysis of episode footage which they believe debunks the show's findings. [7]

Spinoff series

Ghost Hunters International

Main article: Ghost Hunters International

A spin off series which premiered Wednesday, January 9, 2008 and features investigators Robb Demarest, Shannon Sylvia, Barry Fitzgerald (who appeared in the Summer 2007 Ireland episodes of Ghost Hunters), Andy Andrews, Brian Harnois, and Donna La Croix.[8] The format is similar to Ghost Hunters but features investigations in various locations around the world. In mid season one, Donna, Brian and Shannon have departed the show and have been replaced by Dustin Pari and newcomer Brandy Green.

UFO Hunters

Main article: UFO Hunters (Sci Fi Channel)

Ghost Hunters producers Craig Pilligan and Tom Thayer released another paranormal investigation series titled UFO Hunters which first aired on January 30, 2008, however the show only aired one episode and the series appears to have been shelved for the time being. The show followed New York Strange Phenomena Investigators (NY-SPI) co-founders Oliver Kemenczky and Ted Davis, along with paranormal researcher Dennis Anderson, as they investigate claims of alien encounters and UFO sightings. The format was similar to Ghost Hunters with most of the program dedicated to the investigation and wrapped up with a review of findings and evidence that was gathered.[9] This series should not be confused with the History Channel series with the same name.

Investigators

See also: The Atlantic Paranormal Society § Known members (present)
  • Jason Hawes - Producer, Lead Investigator/TAPS Founder
  • Grant Wilson - Producer, Lead Investigator/TAPS Co-founder
  • Steve Gonsalves - Technical Manager/Evidence Analyst
  • Dave Tango - Investigator/Evidence Analyst
  • Kris Williams - Investigator/Evidence Analyst/Historical Researcher/Case Manager
  • Heather Drolet - Investigator/Case Manager
  • Mike Dion - Investigator/Director
  • Kristyn Gartland - Investigator/Case Manager
  • Jen Rossi - Investigator
  • Joe Chin - Investigator-in-training
  • Dustin Pari- Investigator/Film tech

Credited Crew

  • Jason Hawes - Producer, Lead Investigator/TAPS Founder
  • Grant Wilson - Producer, Lead Investigator/TAPS Co-founder
  • Craig Piligian - Executive Producer
  • Tom Thayer - Executive Producer
  • Rob Katz - Co-Executive Producer

List of Ghost Hunters episodes

Season One

Ep# Original Airdate Episode Title Investigation
101 October 6 2004 Altoona Tantrum Altoona, PA - private home
102 October 13 2004 Mishler Theatre Altoona, PA - Mishler Theatre and Railroad Museum
103 October 20 2004 The Lighthouse Inn Connecticut - Lighthouse Inn and Ashland, MA - John Stone Tavern
104 October 27 2004 Race Rock Lighthouse New London, CT - Race Rock Light
105 November 3 2004 Eastern State Penitentiary Philadelphia, PA - Eastern State Penitentiary
106 November 10 2004 The Converted Church Upstate New York - converted church/private home
107 November 17 2004 The Armory New Bedford, MA - armory
108 December 1 2004 Fortuna & Topton Philadelphia, PA - Fortuna Apartment and Topton, PA - Topton Tavern
109 December 8 2004 New Boston Inn Sandisfield, MA - New Boston Inn
110 December 15 2004 The Negative Entity Albany, NY - two private homes

Season Two

Ep# Original Airdate Episode Title Investigation
201 July 27 2005 Myrtles Plantation St. Francisville, LA - Myrtles Plantation
202 August 3 2005 Cranston & Grafton Cranston, RI and Grafton, MA - private homes
203 August 10 2005 The Red Room New Orleans, LA - Brennan's Restaurant and a private home
204 August 17 2005 Mordecai House Wilmington, NC - USS North Carolina Museum and Raleigh, NC - Mordecai House
205 August 24 2005 The Playhouse & The Firehouse Putnam, CT - Bradley Playhouse and Firehouse
206 August 31 2005 The Ledge Lighthouse New London, CT - Ledge Light and New York City - Merchants House Museum
207 September 7 2005 Two Houses Springfield, MA - Tanguay House and Sutcliffe House
208 September 14 2005 Beechwood Mansion & Garden State Newport, RI - Astor Mansion and a private home in New Jersey
209 September 21 2005 Dave Tango & Rolling Hills Bethany, NY - Rolling Hills Asylum and Worthington home in New Hampshire
210 September 28 2005 Return to Eastern State Philadelphia, PA - Eastern State Penitentiary (revisited), and vacation house
211 October 5 2005 R.M.S. Queen Mary San José, CA, Winchester House and Long Beach, CA, RMS Queen Mary
212 October 12 2005 The Lizzie Borden House Fall River, MA, Lizzie Borden's Home and Mansfield. OH, Mansfield Reformatory
213 October 19 2005 The Crescent Hotel & Dr. Ellis Eureka Springs, AR - Crescent Hotel
214 March 29 2006 Waverly Hills Louisville, KY - Waverly Hills Sanatorium
215 April 5 2006 Ghostly Grace & The Palladium Holliston, MA - private home, and Palladium Theatre investigation
216 April 12 2006 Red George & Valentown Museum Canandaigua, NY - TAPS investigates two cases in Jason's home town
217 April 19 2006 Two Brothers & Willard Library Evansville, IN - Willard Library's "Grey Lady" ghost and a private home in Massachusetts
218 April 26 2006 Hartford Conservatory New Jersey - private home, and Hartford, CT - Hartford Conservatory music school
219 May 3 2006 St. Augustine Lighthouse St. Augustine, FL - St. Augustine Light
220 May 10 2006 Domani's & The County Jail New Jersey - Domani's Restaurant, and St. Augustine, FL - Old St. Johns County Jail
221 May 17 2006 The Stone Lion Guthrie, OK - Stone Lion Inn, and Massachusetts - private home
222 May 24 2006 The Best of Ghost Hunters Recap of the 20 best season one and two investigations
223 May 31 2006 The Stanley Hotel Estes Park, CO - The Stanley Hotel (which inspired Stephen King's novel "The Shining")

Season Three

Ep# Original Airdate Episode Title Investigation
301 October 11, 2006 Tombstone Tombstone, AZ - Bird Cage Theatre
302 October 18,2006 OK Corral Bisbee, AZ - Copper Queen Hotel, and Tombstone, AZ - O.K. Corral
303 October 25,2006 Shadow People Chester, VT - private home, and Moundsville, WV - West Virginia State Penitentiary
304 November 1, 2006 Whispers & Voices Gardner, MA - Victorian mansion and Washington, MA - Bucksteep Manor
305 November 8, 2006 Best of the Stanley Hotel Review of The Stanley Hotel 2006 Halloween Special
306 November 15, 2006 Attack of the Irish Elemental Ireland - Leap Castle
307 June 6, 2007 Irish Ruins Ireland - Lisheen Ruins, and London, England - Viaduct Tavern
308 June 13, 2007 Hellfire Caves Buckinghamshire, England - Hellfire Caves
309 June 20, 2007 Nightmare Noises Private homes in Rhode Island and Massachusetts
310 June 27, 2007 Toys of Terror Chesapeake, VA - Keffer Home and Charlestown, RI - General Stanton Inn
311 July 11, 2007 U.S.S. Lexington Corpus Christi, TX - USS Lexington and Warwick, RI - Warwick City Hall
312 July 18, 2007 Manson Murders Hollywood, CA - Manson Murders and Los Angeles, CA - Jim Henson Studios
313 September 26, 2007 Lost Souls Sedro-Woolley, WA - Northern State Hospital and Seattle, WA - Seattle Underground Tunnels
314 October 3, 2007 Spirits of San Francisco San Francisco, CA - The Presidio and Lullaby Lane Baby Store
315 October 10, 2007 Ghostly Houseguest Sammamish, WA - Gibbons House and Seattle WA, The Moore Theatre
316 October 17, 2007 Houses of the Holy Prosser, WA - St. Matthew's Church and Cranston, RI - Sprague Mansion
317 October 24, 2007 Salem Witch Salem, MA - Lyceum Restaurant and Hawthorne Hotel
318 November 7, 2007 Sanatorium Live Results Review of the Waverly Hills Sanatorium 2007 Halloween Special and Athol, MA - private home
319 November 14, 2007 Revelations Special TAPS Q&A Session with host Joshua Gates

Season Four

Season four is currently airing and the information below is subject to change.

Ep# Original Airdate Episode Title Investigation
401 March 5, 2008 Fort Mifflin Philadelphia, PA - Fort Mifflin
402 March 12, 2008 Two to Tango Mount Holly, NJ - Burlington County Jail and Norwich, CT - private home
403 March 19, 2008 Words From Beyond Belchertown, MA - Clapp Memorial Library and North Attleborough, MA - private home
404 March 26, 2008 The Fear Cage Cashtown, PA - The Cashtown Inn
405 April 2, 2008 Ghostly Bounty Hunter Norton, MA - private home and Trinway, OH - Prospect Place
406 April 9, 2008 Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Dayton, OH - Arnold House and Building #70 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
407 April 16, 2008 Ghostly Conversation North Providence, RI - Ruffstone Tavern and Bretton Woods, NH - Mount Washington Hotel
408 April 23, 2008 Spirits of the Old West Goldfield, NV - The Goldfield Hotel and Virginia City, NV - Old Washoe Club
409 April 30, 2008 Haunted Asylum Weston, WV - Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
410 May 28, 2008 House of Spirits New Haven, CT - private home and Manchester, NH - Palace Theater
411 June 4, 2008 Widow's Watch Cape Cod, MA - Colonial House Inn and Moss Beach, CA - Moss Beach Distillery.
412 June 11, 2008 Garden State Ghosts Clinton, NJ - The Red Mill and Perth Amboy, NJ - Proprietary House
413 June 18, 2008 Fort Delaware Pea Patch Island, DE - Fort Delaware
414 September 3, 2008 Iron Island Buffalo, NY - Iron Island Museum
415 September 10, 2008 So She Married an Axe Murderer Pawtucket, RI - Slater Mill and Simsbury, CT - Pettibone Tavern
416 September 17, 2008 The Boy in the Brothel North Kingstown, RI - Hoof Fin Feathers Carriage Inn and Groton, CT - private home
417 September 24, 2008 Speaking With the Dead Buffalo, NY - Buffalo Central Terminal
418 October 1, 2008 Ghosts of the Sunshine State Ocala, FL - Seven Sisters Inn and St. Petersburg, FL - Renaissance Vinoy Resort
419 October 8, 2008 Oak Alley Plantation Vacherie, LA - Oak Alley Plantation
420 October 15, 2008 Bottled Spirits Dayville, CT - private home and Appleton, NY - Upstate New York Wine Trail

Jason Hawes announced on Beyond Reality Radio on May 24, 2008 that there will be a total of 27 episodes in season four.

Jason Hawes announced on Beyond Reality Radio on August 23, 2008 that there will be a season five in 2009 with a total of 26 episodes.

Specials

  • 2005 Halloween Special - aired October 31, 2005, TAPS went to Savannah, GA to investigate the Moon River Brewery and The Sorrel Weed House, a historic museum that conducts Savannah tours.
  • 2006 Halloween Special - Ghost Hunters Live - aired October 31, 2006 at 11PM EST. It was a six hour broadcast originating from The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. ECW Superstar CM Punk joined the Ghost Hunters throughout the investigation. The viewing audience was able to interact with the team via PDA/cellphone text messages.[10]
  • 2007 Halloween Special - Ghost Hunters Live - aired October 31, 2007 at 9PM EST. It was a six hour broadcast originating from the Waverly Hills Sanatorium near Louisville, KY. Joining the team was guest ECW Superstar Elijah Burke[11]. The episode was hosted by paranormal investigator Joshua Gates from the show Destination Truth who was stationed in an on-site "interactive center" which posted real time photos to SciFi.com. Also employed was a "Panic Button" message feature where viewers could alert the investigators of any strange happenings as they occurred. Simultaneously, SciFi.com ran an online poll, "The Hunt for the Hunter", Where viewers picked the new TAPS member who chosen among three finalists, Patrick Clark, Mark Fusetti, and Deanna Hoffman. Mark Fusetti was picked as the new TAPS member during the review of the Halloween Special on November 7th.
  • Return to St. Augustine Light - aired January 9, 2008. TAPS conducted a special follow up investigation at St. Augustine Light in Florida. It aired before the premiere episode of Ghost Hunters International.
  • 2008 Halloween Special - Ghost Hunters Live - will air October 31, 2008. TAPS conducts a seven-hour, live, return investigation of Fort Delaware with special guest amanda tapping and guest host Joshua Gates of Destination Truth.

DVD releases

  • Best of Ghost Hunters Vol. 1
  • Best of Ghost Hunters Vol. 2
  • Ghost Hunters - The Complete First Season - (3 DVD set)
  • Ghost Hunters - Season 2 Part 1 - (4 DVD set)
  • Ghost Hunters - Season 2 Part 2 - (4 DVD set)
  • Ghost Hunters - Season 3 Part 1 - (3 DVD set)
  • Ghost Hunters - Season 3 Part 2 - (3 DVD set)
  • Ghost Hunters - Season 4 Part 1 - (4 DVD set)
  • Ghost Hunters - Stanley Hotel 2006 Halloween Special
  • Ghost Hunters - Waverly Hills Sanatorium 2007 Halloween Special

Notes

  • The Stanley Hotel episode is notable for reaching #2 in ratings for its time slot that night. Ratings Note
  • The building that was featured at the end of the show's opening sequence and throughout the end credits along with a number of advertisements and other related materials through Season 3 was the Race Rock Lighthouse, which was investigated in the first season, viewed from the dock.
  • It is no longer shown in any episode's end credits, following Season 4's format of running credits alongside the final minute of the episode

References

  1. ^ "Steve's Gear Guide" Video Blog on SciFi.com
  2. ^ K-II meter modification demo
  3. ^ SciFi Network Ratings Release
  4. ^ Kelly, Lynne, The Skeptic's Guide to the Paranormal, Basic Books 2005, ISBN 978-1560257110
  5. ^ Radford, Benjamin (2004-11-12). "Reality Check: Ghost Hunters and 'Ghost Detectors'". Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ Smith, Alison (2006-08-10). "TAPS vs. SAPS: The Atlantic Paranormal Society meets the Skeptical Analysis of the Paranormal Society". eSkeptic. The Skeptics Society. ISSN 1556-5696. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ Smith, Alison (2006-08-10). "TAPS vs. SAPS: The Atlantic Paranormal Society meets the Skeptical Analysis of the Paranormal Society". eSkeptic. The Skeptics Society. ISSN 1556-5696. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ Current list of TAPS members
  9. ^ "UFO Hunters" on scifi.com
  10. ^ "Ghost Hunters on the job this Halloween", 2006 TAPS interview at projo.com
  11. ^ "Elijah Burke goes Ghost Hunting"

See also

External links

Interview links

Independent examination links

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