SyFy Ghost Hunters!

Ghost Hunters is an American paranormal reality television series that premiered on October 6, 2004 on the SciFi Channel now called Syfy. The program features paranormal investigators Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson who investigate places that are reported to be haunted. The two originally worked as plumbers for Roto-Rooter as a day job while investigating locations at night. Since the show’s success, the series now takes precedence in their lives, but they are still honorary employees with the company and continue to do jobs for them if time permits.

The show should not be confused with the original 1996 Inca Productions show Ghosthunters produced for the Discovery Channel. The format was sold to Pilgrim Films & Television in the United States 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 U.S. venture after he filmed the promos.

Syfy categorizes the show as a docu-soap. In addition to the investigative aspect, the show highlights personal conflicts and relationships among members of the TAPS team. Portions of some episodes portray Jason and Grant involved with their plumbing job or personal lives, but this varies by episode and is not always included. As the series has progressed the “behind the scenes” and “docu-soap” aspects have been reduced and the 5th season, currently airing as of September 2009, has so far focused primarily on the investigations with virtually none of the docu-soap material that characterized early episodes.

On October 23, 2008, TV Guide reported that Syfy will launch a spin-off of the show called Ghost Hunters, College Edition, which will feature co-eds in the ghost hunter roles. The name was later revealed to be Ghost Hunters Academy. It will be led by Steve Gonsalves and Dave Tango and will feature college students. The Show will start airing on Nov 11 2009 at 10 Pm.

The show is about “a group of college students, led by seasoned TAPS investigators Steve Gonsalves and Dave Tango, who search for the paranormal in haunted hotspots around the country and around the world.”

Tonight at SyFy.com/Ghosthunters the 2009 SyFy Ghost Hunters Live Halloween Special. SyFy.com/Ghosthunters presents Ghosthunters Live Halloween countdown online hosted by Destination Truth’s Josh Gates.