Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Eerie investigation show is too creepy for young kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Paranormal Cops
What's the Story?
PARANORMAL COPS follows four Chicago police officers who spend their nights investigating reported cases of paranormal activity. Cameras follow Sergeant Ron Fabiani, Detective Tom Froelich, Officer Austin Weinstock, and Officer Pete Schleich as they apply their sleuthing and forensic skills to figure out what's allegedly haunting people's homes and businesses. Out in the field, investigative assistant Brian Jones monitors their progress from the mobile C.P.D., while psychic Moriah Rhame helps the team communicate with any ghosts and spirits they may find and videographer Scot Ziarko records their progress for further research.
Is It Any Good?
The series, like many similar shows, uses dim lights, eerie music, and lots of ghost-busting jargon to create an entertainingly creepy experience. What sets Paranormal Cops apart from the crowd is the cast's attempt to connect the alleged paranormal activities with some of Chicago's mafia history and criminal folklore.
Some of the scenes are spooky, but there are also some silly moments -- like when the tough-talking investigators offer detailed descriptions of their investigative techniques to the alleged ghosts in the room. The way the team connects the strange encounters with dead members of Chicago's underworld also seems a little too contrived. But for those who like this sort of thing, the series will probably be very entertaining.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the different ways that the media uses the idea of ghosts and spirits to entertain audiences. How do shows like this one and movies like Ghostbusters, The Exorcist, and The Sixth Sense depict the paranormal?
What's the appeal of choosing to watch things that will frighten you?
How do different cultures define the presence of ghosts and spirits?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 19, 2010
- Cast : Austin Weinstock , Ron Fabiani , Tom Froelich
- Network : A&E
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
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