 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Ghost Hunters International
- Syfy
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Truth is out there, but it may be scary for kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that while this reality show doesn't have any violence or gore, it's still pretty eerie. The investigators visit real locations that are alleged to be haunted and try to find evidence of actual paranormal activity, often by spending an entire night in very spooky surroundings, which can be scary even for older viewers. Graphic descriptions (words, no images) of how people died are frequent. And, because much of the show is shot at night, often in underground dungeons or catacombs, the producers use night-vision cameras that only heighten the creepy factor.
What's the story?
GHOST HUNTERS INTERNATIONAL, a spinoff of the Ghost Hunters series, exports the same model overseas. The team of daring investigators is briefed on the history of a haunted location. Often it comes with a particularly gruesome story, perhaps involving torture or murder, that could have prompted a spirit to remain in the area. The team then sets up their equipment and tries to find a ghost.
Is it any good?
If there really are spirits out there, the Ghost Hunters will find them. These adventurous investigators spend their days and nights -- mostly their nights -- wandering through deserted dungeons, old torture chambers, creepy castles, and any other site rumored to be haunted, using high-tech tools to hopefully capture evidence of the paranormal.
The history lessons are always interesting, but the show's flaw is the actual investigation. Though watching the team wander through these creepy old buildings, usually in the middle of the night, can be nerve-wracking, it's hard to get away from the fact that not much is actually happening. Occasionally the team spots something strange, something that'd difficult to explain rationally. But most of the footage ranges from the tedious to overly dramatic, with the producers using editing and music to create excitement out of empty rooms.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about ghosts. Do you believe in ghosts? Why or why not? The investigators use high-tech gear to try to capture evidence of paranormal activity. Do you think ghosts will really show up on such devices? Why are shows about real-life spirits so popular? Do viewers want to see signs that ghosts may be real? Do you think any of the show might be faked? Why would producers do that?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Not As Good
So, my husband and I were SO excited for this to start, but walked away a bit disappointed. It's the same format as the regular program, so I'd be cautious with easily spooked kids--we don't always let our 11 year old watch. We REALLY don't like the new lead investagator--maybe he'll grow on us, but he's definately NOT Grant and Jay. I'm sure we'll watch regularly, but now, we really can't wait for the new season of the regular Ghost Hunters to begin in March!
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AGE
Hopeful
I'm excited for TAPS going International. I currently do not like Robb, but I'm willing to give him a chance. Maybe he'll loosen up as the series progresses. He seems very uncomfortable and is stiff in front of the camera. Also, He really isn't "leading" the group. But you can see that he and the others are at least trying to find their footing. On a personal level, he just plain creeps me out. The whole show I felt like he was barely holding it together and that he was going to snap at any time. He seemed to keep his distance from the group throughout the whole show, except when necessary, and only appears to relax when he's in actual investigation mode. Even then he's kinda wacky, but in an amusing way. He does appear to be a good debunker. Personally, I think Andy would have made a better lead. I still look forward to future episodes and hope that Barry will be in more of them.
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AGE
Easily Scared
I think this is the most eerie out of the three Ghost Hunters shows. It has more crazy investigations including one where the group goes to a location where the Devil was spotted. Anyone under 12 will easily be scared by these investigations.
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AGE
Not worth time, find an educational show to watch.
Hate It! How phoney and boring can a show get? A waste of tv time. I tried to watch it twice, I kept falling asleep. That should tell you how exciting the show is. Don't waste your time.
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AGE
Far from the Original...
The most annoying of the TAPS crew have formed their own group. They come across as unprofessional. Their approach seems to contradict the most credible one of "disproving" hauntings. It was as though every little sound or movement was a spirit to them. Their behavior on investigations and during reviews seemed too emotional to be objective. In the off chance that they actually catch something on video or EVP, it makes it watchable. The cast themselves are smug and annoying.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | Syfy |
| Cast: | Andy Andrews, Donna LaCroix, Robb Demarest |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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