''Paranormal Witness'' is an American

paranormal Paranormal events are purported phenomena described in popular culture, folk, and other non-scientific bodies of knowledge, whose existence within these contexts is described as being beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding. No ...

documentary

television series A television show – or simply TV show – is any content produced for viewing on a television set which can be broadcast via over-the-air, satellite, or cable, excluding breaking news, advertisements, or trailers that are typically placed ...

made by a

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production company which described itself as "true tales of supernatural hauntings and explanation-defying paranormal experiences, which are brought to life through recreations". The series premiered on September 7, 2011, on Syfy in the U.S. It is also shown in the UK on

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, W, and

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. Ranked as one of the top 10 new original series, it was renewed for a 12-episode second season which premiered on August 8, 2012. Based on the high ratings of the first three episodes of season two, ''Paranormal Witness'' was renewed for a 20-episode third season which premiered on June 5, 2013. Although Syfy did not announce the series' renewal following its third-season finale, it was reported that a fourth season had begun filming. On October 29, 2014, the series was officially renewed for a 13-episode fourth season, which premiered on August 26, 2015, under the new title ''Paranormal Witness: True Terror''. On November 18, 2015, Syfy renewed the series for a 13-episode fifth season, which premiered on August 3, 2016.

Reception

While

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writer Mark Rappleye characterized the show as "full of mind-numbing creepiness", he said that the show "will likely appeal more to believers and less to the even mildly skeptical". According to Rappleye, "Paranormal Witness” simply tells the story, insinuating that everyone should simply believe it as having actually occurred the way it is presented. This leaves little, if any, room for intellectual challenge or edification".

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reviewer Neil Genzlinger criticized the show, saying, "It doesn't bother hunting for hard evidence; it simply uses first-person testimony and re-enactment to sell the idea that someone has had a psychic encounter". Reviewing the show's "Long Island Terror" episode, science writer

Sharon A. Hill Sharon A. Hill is an American science writer and speaker known for her research into the interaction between science and the public, focusing on education and media topics. Hill's research has dealt mainly with paranormal, pseudoscience, and st ...

said, "Paranormal Witness, is not what I would consider a fair documentation. It is not wise to take TV shows at face value. People put forth their story as they perceive it but it may not be how others perceive it or how it actually occurred. Saying there is a demon and Satanic activity associated with the house is a steep claim. Evidence is suggested but without verification we can't go anywhere with this story".

Series overview

Episodes

Season 1 (2011)

Season 2 (2012)

Season 3 (2013)

Season 4 (2015)

Season 5 (2016)

References

External links

Official website
* * {{Syfy Shows Alien abduction in television Demons in television Television series about ghosts Television about werewolves Witchcraft in television Paranormal reality television series 2010s American documentary television series 2011 American television series debuts 2016 American television series endings 2010s American reality television series English-language television shows Syfy original programming UFO-related television