I am not a fan of these type shows but do watch so I may have an educated opinion on them. For me they are pure entertainment since a lot isn’t a true representation of what really goes on anyway.

I believe each show is a little more extreme than the last for entertainment purposes. There is nothing wrong with that. No one believes that Freddy Kruger or Michael Myers is real and I think the majority will see and enjoy these shows for what they are.

I suppose there could be a downside too. A lot of people believe that if they see it on TV it must be true. It’s the Monkey see Monkey do attitude of the naive who believe these shows are the real standard of the community and will mimic them in the field. This could sour people's opinions of good groups. I guess we may just have to do damage prevention so we don't have to do damage control.

However, I do not see any real influence on the serious side of the community. My thought is that no harm will come to the communities good groups unless they take the others seriously. The only drawback might be that the naïve will compare all real groups to the TV groups but most already do.

Oh well, no one is beating down my door for an interview. (sniff) LOL Maybe I should start throwing orb photos around or putting words to the garbles noises I can get on my recorder. The truth is you don't hear of the more serious groups because they are too busy researching the paranormal while the others are researching how to be the next TV show. Then again, does the majority even what the truth? Maybe all they want is the sensational…

Just thought I would add this for quick reference so people won't forget to watch. Then they can comment later. The show synopsis is kind of funny too.

Extreme Paranormal® on A & E

“New Mexico State”

Rated: TV14

Running Time: 60 Minutes

Genre:

Closed Captions: Yes

Upcoming Airings:

Monday, October 19 @ 10pm/9C

Tuesday, October 20 @ 2am/1C

Monday, October 26 @ 11pm/10C

Tuesday, October 27 @ 3am/2C

Search for other upcoming episodes

Unlike other paranormal investigators, Shaun, Nathan, and Jason put themselves directly in harm's way--taunting ghosts, summoning the dead and daring the demonic to attack. The team has developed a bring-it-on mentality when it comes to their explorations. In 1980, the New Mexico State Penitentiary was the site of the worst prison riot in U.S. history. Thirty-three inmates were hacked to death, burned alive and tortured with no remorse. In this hour, the investigators recreate moments of this horrific event--even shedding their own blood--to provoke the violent spirits that still remain in this abandoned maximum-security lockup.

I think this new crop of shows will likely be short lived, as evidenced by their release in the month of October. I'm betting the more ridiculous shows will have a short life and are the network's attempt to cash in on the halloween atmosphere. I could be wrong, though. I do know that "Paranormal Cops" will be airing in mid-december, and after hearing the cast on Darkness radio the other night, I am pretty excited. I think this will be more investigation, less thrills and filler. I hope anyway.

Andy