Paranormal Cops
Common Sense says
- A&E
- Reality TV
- 2010
Parents say
Kids say
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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 -- in which a group of Chicago police officers spend their evenings investigating alleged paranormal incidents -- has all the creepy components that viewers have come to expect from this kind of show. And it takes the drama a step further by connecting the featured ghostly encounters with Chicago’s historic criminal underworld. Discussions about violent deaths and criminal activity are frequent, and there are occasionally images of people who've been shot. Expect some “bleeped” swear words (“f--k," ”s--t”), cigar smoking, and talk of demons and the devil. Teens who enjoy a good scare may find the series eerily fun, but it's too intense for young kids.
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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: TV-PG
- Available on: Streaming
- Last updated: October 6, 2020
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