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Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files (Syfy)

common sense media says

Experts debunk supernatural video clips in so-so show.


parents & educators say
  • 67% say there are positive messages
  • 33% say there are positive role models

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this reality series -- in which a team of trained investigators examines well-known video clips of UFOs, ghosts, and other unexplained phenomena -- includes plenty of creepy video clips and dangerous reenactments. But the rest of the content is on the mild side, and overall the show is age-appropriate for older tweens and up.

Positive messages: The team evaluates videotapes of supposedly supernatural or paranormal incidents with a skeptical eye. They're willing to believe in the unbelievable, but don’t take anything on faith. There may indeed be forces beyond human understanding, but if so, they want to be able to prove it.
Positive role models: The investigators are open minded but also skeptical. They use rigorous scientific techniques to prove, or disprove, each case.
Violence: Recreating some of the incidents involves dangerous stunts.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the supernatural. Do you believe in ghosts? Do you think any of these tapes document actual encounters with the spirit world?
  • Do you agree with the investigators’ conclusions? Do you think their investigations are thorough?
  • Do you think some of the clips are hoaxes, intentionally made with the intent of deceiving people? Why would people make such films?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Former FBI agent Ben Hansen applies his investigative chops to examining video clips of ghosts, aliens. and other unexplainable encounters in FACT OR FAKED: PARANORMAL FILES. His team of trained skeptics includes a photography expert, a scientist, a stuntman, a special effects wizard, and a journalist, all of whom are willing to be convinced they're seeing real evidence of the unknown -- but only if they can’t prove it’s fake. The group debunks plenty of tapes from their studio, but when they see something that could be the real deal, they hit the road to investigate, often recreating the incident to see if they can figure out what happened.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The Fact or Faked squad was obviously selected for their skills rather than their TV readiness, because they're not especially interesting to watch on camera. They light up when they’re pointing out some tiny detail on the videos, but otherwise they all fade into the background. The dialogue and conversations seem strained, and the recreation sequences sometimes drag as the team members evaluate every possible option.

But the real stars of the series are the well-known video clips, which just might have evidence of ... something. It’s fun to watch when the team shows why a tape is likely fake, and even more interesting when they conclude that a clip could be the real thing.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: NR
Network: Syfy
Cast: Ben Hansen
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: Syfy

This review was written by Will Wade
 
 

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What parents & educators say

14
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 67% say there are positive messages
  • 33% say there are positive role models

Most useful reviews by all members

 
Needs More Fact Checking.
I watch this show along with Destination Truth and Legend Quest, DT the only one I even remotely take seriously. This show's "experts" are no where close to being so. Most of the videos they look into look very fake, more so than the ones they are skeptical of. They pretend to be skeptics while having the same over enthusiasm that Ghost Hunter's has. One case that sticks out in my mind, is that they believed a creature in London to be a Boar/Lion hybrid...that's a basic genetics fail.

factorfakedfan
teen, 13 years old
 
This show is my favorite and I'm 12.There all role models so I say 11 and up cause my sisters a year younger and she loves them so I think tweens would LOVE this show.

xochil
parent of 3 and 3 year old
 
WISH IT WAS ON MORE OFTEN
I LOVE THIS SHOW!! I WISH IT WAS ON MORE OFTEN.. OTHER THAN THAT I CANT WAIT TO WATCH THE NEXT EPISODE. THERE ARE THINGS IN THIS WORLD THAT ARE NOT MEANT TO HAVE EXPLANATIONS

PCgirl
adult
 
I love this show and I am way past 20+. The investigations really keep my attention.

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age