I came across a Ghost Hunters marathon on SyFy by accident over the holiday break and then watched a season of GHI International as well on Netflix (can you tell I quickly became addicted to this train wreck). As evidenced by the fact that I continued to watch, the show clearly has entertainment value, just not for the right reasons. As far as actual ghost hunting goes, the it's absolutely hilarious that the show claims to base any of it's conclusions in science. In the spirit of Dave Damesheck's "Shame Report" Series on NFL.com, I'm debuting BigD's Shame Report: Special Reality TV Edition:5.) What the hell is up with all the distracting closeups, obnoxious camera angles and over the top soundtrack during the so called "investigations?" Was that mysterious creaking noise coming down the hallway or was that the most annoying soundtrack ever? As a viewer I can't ever tell when something was happening during the investigation or was added for effect later (go figure). Maybe because without all the added effects, this turns into hide-and seek in the dark with a bunch of townies. SHAME!4.) Why are there always two people on an "investigation" yet it's almost always the case that even though they are standing right next to each other, the other person NEVER hears or sees what the other person saw or heard? "Did you hear that really creepy, definitely ghost-like sound?" "Huh, what - where?"Isn't the point of the buddy system here to provide another confirmatory witness to the supposed paranormal activity? These have to be the dummest, non-observant, buddies int he history of reality TV. Oh, and how about you use your "inside ghost hunting voice" when you are talking to your investigator buddy so that, you know, you don't actually miss an actual creak or creepy piano bar coming down the hall from an actual ghost. SHAME!3.) What credentials do you need to be an "investigator" on this show, anyway? I get the technical guy, because he actually has to know a little bit about lighting, camera, and audio equipment (Best Buy training manual - check) but the other dolts look like they rolled out of "name your favorite sports bar" in "Anytown USA". How do these clowns qualify as "investigators?" Have they gone to "investigator' school? Do they have an "investigator" certificate from an accredited "investigator" program (or otherwise). Is there an "investigator" app they downloaded?By the standard of the show, all they need to be able to do is fumble around in the dark with a flashlight and a tape recorder and gamely throw a hissy-fit at the slightest creak or shadow. SHAME!2.) Can someone explain to me why ghosts only come out when all the lights are turned off? The "ghosts" in question are often times (if not most of the time) reported as being seen in the day by the ...wait for it...people on location who have actually seen them. Yet, in order for their "investigations" to happen, all the lights have to be turned off and the scary night-vision cameras turned on. Last time I checked, audio can still be recorded during the day, and thermal imaging isn't bothered by daylight either. And how do you see a "shadow" in total darkness anyway (which seems to be the case in every episode)? Wouldn't your flashlight create a shadow, everywhere you looked? Maybe it's because at night, when you are fumbling around in the dark, any little sound or spec of light in the distance is magnified by your brain because, you know - it's creepy and dark?Here's a suggestion - turn on the lights! How are you going to catch a ghost in total darkness anyway? You don't know where you are, we (the viewers) don't know where you are. Nobody can see dick - it's like hunting with Ray Charles! SHAME! 1.) Hey ghost - can you touch me now? So the lights are off, the cameras are rolling - hey baby, time to get it on! Why are ghosts obligated to be touchy feely on the first date? It's always the same line (or variation) during the investigation: "if you want to let us know you are here - touch one of us. Say your name, baby..." If a ghost takes a while to manifest themselves to the people actually living in the house, why would they let you get to first base in the span of a few minutes? These are so-called investigations, not lap dances! If somebody barges into your house asking you to touch them and say your name, would you oblige, or call the cops? Can you say stranger danger!?...SHAME!!And here is your special "ghost hunting edition" white plastic bag of shame to wear.....

This show is probably the best professional ghost hunting show out there. It's realistic and believable, and the guys on screen aren't constantly swearing and shouting. Comparing this to one of its more prolific counterparts, Ghost Adventures, I'd say this one takes the cake. Unlike the former, the Ghost Adventures team is very professional. I see too many shows where the investigators yell crude things and are rude to the spirits to generate a response. For the most part, I find the TAPS team to be respectful and kind to the spirits. Realism factor aside, the show itself is well set up and thought out. At times it can genuinely creep you out. A nice little blood-chiller with plenty of spooky music and low strings in the background that set the mood quite nicely. The one quarrel I have with this is minor. The camera seems to focus a lot on the actual reactions of the team members, rather than the paranormal events themselves. After it captures one person going, "Woah, did you see that?" Then it will whip around to the area of focus and the event will be long over. This is mostly just frustrating at times, not really agonizing and not enough to make me want to stop watching.Like I said, I think this show is the best of it's kind, maybe just not exactly what everyone is looking for. For now I will continue to happily watch this show while I await the 'perfect' ghost show, the one I think we are all desperately craving.

From the first time I saw this show, I knew this is the job I wanted. Chasing ghosts in dusty, dirty old buildings - that has got to be a hoot! I like how the cast makes each of their paranormal stories seem so para-serious - but you know that once the cameras are turned off - they are popping the caps off brews and having a good ole time - that - in itself is scary-fun. Now this show is not as fast paced as their closest competitors. They are not running around saying stuff like, 'What in the hell was that?' or 'That was a disembodied __________(fill in the blank). But, to their credit, they actually take out a real spectrum analyzer from time-to-time - instead of some small box with blinky-lights that mysteriously demodulates and produces disembodied 'voices', from disembodied 'supernatural entities', who's existence is very much in question. That is part of their audience appeal - come-on now - and that is why these shows are on TV all the time, it's the, 'Show me the Ghost Factor'. Ghost Hunters has a more likable cast than that 'other show', and they do dispel much of what they see or hear. Their attempt at objectivity is commendable, and they do explain other possibilities for questionable occurrences. In any case - I am full of envy every time I watch this show (or the competitor's) and wish I was decked out in a T.A.P.S. t-shirt hunting ghosties and ghoulies. Keep up the good work guys!

This show is simply offensive to any and all paranormal investigation agencies out there. I, myself being a paranormal investigator think that shows like this toy with the average viewer with obvious camera tricks and just rude investigations. Not to mention that the agency for whom they choose to follow are some of the most unprofessional acting people I've had to see investigate. I've met some pretty amazing agencies with upwards of 50 members, all professional and actually courageous people who know the difference between a paranormal abnormality, and just someone who's filming accidentally hitting something. Sometimes they DO get some decent footage, but hey, with this sort of thing its a needle in a haystack.