Haunted Collector
Haunted object investigations are informative but spooky.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this reality series -- which focuses on the investigation of hauntings and paranormal activity -- could be too scary for younger viewers or people who are uncomfortable with this kind of material. Expect occasional salty language ("hell" is audible; stronger words are bleeped). There are some interesting historical stories being told here, but the vibe can certainly be creepy.
Community Reviews
Another good paranormal show!
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What's the Story?
HAUNTED COLLECTOR follows paranormal researcher John Zaffis and his team as they travel around the country looking for objects that ostensibly house spirits. With the help of son Chris, daughter Aimee, lead researcher Beth Ezzo, and tech guy Brian, Zaffis sweeps through the homes and workplaces of clients who want help dealing with the supernatural activity that's tormenting them. Using up-to-date technology to record electric voice phenomena ("EVPs"), strange movements, and electromagnetic energy throughout, the team zeroes in on the items that are the source of the spiritual commotion. Time is also spent talking to tenants, researching historical archives, and consulting with experts about found objects. With the owners' permission, the potentially haunted items are relocated to the Zaffis Paranormal Museum in Stratford, Conn., in hopes that the spooky goings-on will calm down.
Is It Any Good?
The series takes a curiously informative approach to understanding paranormal activity, combining the history of communities, buildings, and antique objects. Zaffis' commitment to helping people restore a sense of peace in their lives gives the show credibility, while he also educates both his team members and viewers about the difference between phenomena caused by the dead and what's ultimately created by the living.
Updates about what happens after the supposedly possessed items are removed aren't always offered, leaving viewers to wonder whether Zaffis and his team were actually successful in their efforts. Meanwhile, the show's flair for the dramatic -- which comes in the form of ominous-sounding music and added visual effects -- sometimes makes it seem a little hokey. But folks who like this sort of thing will definitely find it entertaining.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about reality shows that focus on paranormal activity. What's the appeal of these shows? Do you think they're trying to convince viewers of the existence of ghosts and other spiritual things? Or are they trying to spook folks for the sake of entertainment?
Is the study of paranormal activity a science? If not, what is it? How do people become experts in the field?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 1, 2011
- Cast: Aimee Zaffis, Chris Zaffis, John Zaffis
- Network: Syfy
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: October 14, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Ghost Trackers
Fun competition with a few supernatural chills.
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Reality show features bizarre and often morbid collectibles.
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Ghostbusters
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