Merrick here...


I've taken more than a few hits on this site for my strong acceptance of "the paranormal" - ghosts, hauntings, and subjects of that nature.

While I regret that this belief is sometimes seen as ludicrous, improbable, or frothy by folks who haven't lived the experiences I've lived - I do understand why someone might find it so. The truth of the matter is: I didn't used to believe, either. All I knew about ghosts came from the first POLTERGEIST film, which I now realize was fantastical and only moderately informed when compared to the "real" thing.

And once I was exposed, unexpectedly and unwillingly, to "the real thing"? There were no doubts left in mind, and my perceptions of life, beyond life, and the universe as a whole were perpetually, irrevocably, and unapologetically shifted.

Towards this end, I'm a regular viewer of GHOST HUNTERS on the Sci Fi Channel, and feel principal investigators Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson have done more to enhance public awareness/acceptance of "the paranormal" than any number of movies ever could. I've also been following GHOST HUNTERS INTERNATIONAL, a recent spin-off which works well enough...although it lacks the amusing, agreeable, and accessible "everyman" vibe which Jason, Grant, Steve Gonsalves, Dave Tango, and the rest of the original GH posse bring to the table.

I'm bringing up all of this because the SFCl is looking into launching a second GHOST HUNTERS spin-off , GHOST HUNTERS: COLLEGE EDITION. Presumably this is in response to A&E's vastly inferior PARANORMAL STATE (HERE), which also features university-aged investigators.

Tentatively titled "Ghost Hunters: College Edition," the show features a group of students going around the country to seek out paranormal activity.

The students will be guided by an experienced ghost investigator. Producers have not determined if any cast members from the other shows will be involved in the new project.

...says THIS ARTICLE in Hollywood Reporter.