Ghost Hunters Academy

Ghost Hunters Academy is a fascinating reality television series that aired on the Syfy Channel in 2009. The show adopts a form of a competitive reality TV show that combines the elements of the supernatural world and the thrill of hunting it down, offering an engaging viewing experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

Ghost Hunters Academy is a spin-off from Syfy's original series "Ghost Hunters", a highly popular paranormal reality television series. In Ghost Hunters Academy, talented young recruits arrive to be trained with the aim of becoming professional paranormal investigators. Here, they'll learn the ropes from a team of seasoned professionals, familiar faces from the "Ghost Hunters" series.

In Ghost Hunters Academy, Ghost Hunters’ lead investigators, Steve Gonsalves and Dave Tango handpick a group of aspiring ghost hunters. The recruits are put through an in-depth Paranormal Investigation 101, covering the gamut of ghost hunting techniques, equipment handling, the history of paranormal and ghost theories. The recruits then test their newly acquired knowledge on the field, investigating each case in the most notorious haunted locations across the United States. This unique blend of education and hands-on experience gives the show a distinctive edge and appeal.

Haunted locations provide the backdrop, with each episode set in places steeped in dark histories and imbued with energy. This includes locations such as the sprawling Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, Kentucky, known for its ghostly sightings, and the frightening West Virginia State Penitentiary, known for its dark past. The chilling atmosphere of these locations adds an extra layer of suspense to each investigation.

Throughout the show, the apprentices are constantly under review. Their aptitude for the craft, team work, trustworthiness, knack for critical thinking, bravery, and dedication to discovering the truth are all assessed and evaluated routinely. There are no gimmicks - success is based purely on each recruit's ability to conduct professional and effective paranormal investigations.

As the series progresses, underperforming members are eliminated, leading to an intense competitive atmosphere. In a twist that makes the Ghost Hunters Academy more than a simple ghost hunting show, the academy format introduces elements of a reality competition program. Every passing investigation paves way for judgement day where recruits can be expelled for poor performance or attitude, creating a survival-of-the-fittest type of experience.

Steve Gonsalves and Dave Tango bring years of experience, credibility and a no-nonsense approach to the proceedings. Their intense devotion to their field makes them the perfect mentors to guide the rookies through the world of the paranormal. They set standards high and expect no less from the prospective Ghost Hunters. These mentors offer insights beyond the basic readings of ghosts and paranormal activities, exploring topics like the psychology of fear, methods of debunking common misconceptions, and of course, how to maintain calm in terrifying situations.

The young investigators-in-training come with a strong passionate curiosity about the world beyond what the eyes can see. They learn not just about the technology and science of ghost hunting, but they learn about themselves as they confront fear, skepticism, and belief. Viewers grow attached to the recruits as they transform from rookies to confident investigators throughout the show, rooting for them as they excel or get weeded out in each investigation.

Ghost Hunters Academy brings together the thrill of ghost hunting, the education of a how-to guide, and the competition of a reality show. It takes viewers inside haunted locations and gives them a glimpse of what it's like to hunt the supernatural. Engaging, suspenseful and educational, Ghost Hunters Academy is more than just a supernatural adventure. It is a comprehensive look into the world of paranormal investigation, weaving together elements of reality-television and a critical exploration of the unseen, all within a competitive format that hooks viewers in for the journey.

Whether you are a fan of paranormal activities, reality shows, or just looking for a unique viewing experience, Ghost Hunters Academy definitely offers a spine-chilling and captivating watch.