FACT OR FAKED: PARANORMAL FILES
Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files (aka True Paranormal: Fact or Faked) revolutionized paranormal television programming by uncovering the truth behind supernatural and unexplained occurrences that were allegedly caught on camera. In each episode, the team searched for the most intriguing images, videos, and unnatural phenomenon found online and around the world. After selecting the most compelling cases, they headed into the field attempting to recreate the video, carrying out key experiments and questioning eyewitnesses. The team investigated all the clues and evidence with the most advanced techniques and tools at their disposal. Their objective was to answer the question, “Is this real?”
Fact or Faked aired for 3 seasons, premiering on the Syfy Channel in the U.S. beginning in 2010 and spanning to 2012. Officially, Season 3 was officially listed as Season 2.5. However it’s counted, in the end there were 3 Seasons with 12 episodes each (36 total). The series reached an audience through television networks in dozens of countries and subsequently showed in reruns on multiple channels, including Destination America. As the lead host and investigator, Ben Hansen lead the young team of 5 intrepid investigators who convened to dissect the latest unusual images and decided whether they merited further investigation. Grainy videos were brought to life as the team conducted thorough and elaborate experiments in an attempt to recreate the phenomena. Ben made the final choice as to which cases required a trip into the field.
Once an investigation was underway, the team talked to witnesses, carried out experiments using the latest in high-tech detection devices, collected physical samples, and determined whether a case should be debunked, or whether it was a baffling paranormal mystery that might even put the team in danger. The show was often described as a paranormal Myth Busters.
On a larger scale, the show paved the road for other TV series that followed suit with a focus on recreating and debating viral videos. The series also exposed the difficulties in vetting alleged video evidence and claims in the YouTube video age which was just beginning at the time. Although Ben was not credited as a producer on the show, much of the original show concept was created by him and his father “Doc” who also shares an affinity for the supernatural.
Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files Fans is the largest and most comprehensive organization for followers of the show. Created by and maintained by Christiane Elin – the show’s first, greatest, and hardest working fan. The group has been in existence since July 2010 (when Season 1 premiered).
Christiane met Austin and Ben at Comic-Con in San Diego while dining with her family at the Hard Rock Cafe. A true friendship formed and she proposed the idea of creating a website and social networking system for FOF followers. In addition to being a full-time mother, Girl Scout leader, and loving wife, Christiane spends countless hours running the Fact or Faked Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FactOrFakedFans/, Twitter account @factorfaked, doing prize giveaways, and organizing radio interviews and fan meet-ups. She has never received, nor has she asked for any monetary compensation for her efforts! The Fact or Faked team owes a debt of gratitude to Christiane and her family for absolute amazing support and encouragement. Thank you Christiane!