Paranormal State - TV-PG
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: A&E Cast: Ryan Buell, Sergey Poberezhny, Eilfie Music
Genre: Reality TV
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Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this eerie reality series explores alleged paranormal activity affecting both children and adults. The discussions about ghosts, demons, and the occult may be frightening for young kids (and those who just get freaked out by that sort of thing). Expect some use of language like "damn" and "hell" (stronger words are bleeped). The show includes footage of Christian rituals like prayer, sprinkling holy water, and exorcisms.
Families can talk about the different ways that the media uses the idea of ghosts and spirits to entertain audiences. How do movies like Ghostbusters, The Exorcist, and The Sixth Sense depict the paranormal? Why do people purposely choose to watch things that will frighten them? What's the appeal? And what role does the belief in spirits, ghosts, and the paranormal play in our lives and in our culture?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho
PARANORMAL STATE is a docuseries that chronicles the research activities of a team of college students who investigate alleged cases of paranormal activity. It centers on Pennsylvania State student Ryan Buell, whose frightening childhood experience with what he believes to be a supernatural entity prompted him to create the Paranormal Research Society (PRS) in order to help people find explanations for strange things happening around them.
Buell and his senior team members spend hours training students and investigating cases that range from strange noises to alleged demonic possessions. Trained therapists and members of the clergy often join them. The team uses electronic voice phenomena, video cameras, and other technology to monitor visitors from the "beyond." Cleansing rituals -- including the use of holy water, prayer, and exorcisms -- are used to push spirits away and bring peace.
The series attempts to present paranormal research in a way that's both clinical and informative. And Buell tries to sound scientific by keeping a "director's log" (which sounds oddly like something straight out of a Star Trek episode). But the show is more eerie than educational, with viewers watching as the team tries to communicate with the spirit world during "dead time" -- the time of night when paranormal entities are most active.
Furthermore, Buell's frequent discussions about fighting evil make this series darker than other shows that deal with "the other side" and might be too frightening for young and/or more sensitive viewers.
Fans may enjoy other shows that deal with the supernatural, including Lisa Williams: Life Among the Dead, Most Haunted, and (for a more tween-friendly choice) Ghost Hunters.
Rate It!
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ViolenceDiscussions about people being murdered and their spirits coming back. Descriptions of violent acts performed by angry spirits and demons. Very creepy tone overall. |
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LanguageWords like "damn" and "hell" are audible; stronger words are bleeped. |
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Social BehaviorThe series is more creepy than educational and focuses heavily on evil and demonic possession. Buell isn't an ordained minister or therapist but considers himself to be a "warrior" against spirits. Team members have various religious backgrounds, but many Christian rituals are shown. One team member is an occultist. PRS members are Caucasian men and women. |
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