Ghostly Encounters (2005–2011) User Reviews

Review of "Ghostly Encounters"

[ksmorris-1 · 7/10 · 27 August 2007]

I find "Ghostly Encounters" to be very smart television entertainment. The show's producers use an empty, paint-peeling loft space (well lit natural light permitted by by large floor to ceiling windows typical of most loft space) as a setting for the host's narratives and probably also where the sit-down interviews with Ontarians who have had ghostly encounters takes place. The setting is cost-effective for production, and it works for the content. Very smart. In addition to production cost savvy, the program sells itself to viewers by emphasizing content over special effects or other "boogy boogy" factors that make other programs of the same genre unbearably boring. The program's producers seem to be able to locate credible Ontarians who are willing to go on air and tell the story of their experiences in a credible, rational manner. The producers seem to be very effective in screening out "experiencers" who may have psychological problems. I've only seen one story teller(experiencer) on "Ghostly Encounters" who I thought might have a psychological issue. What's interesting about these experiences, in general, is that rational people have them. And, in this instance, the events are occurring fairly close to home. I actually happen to meet someone in a bank queue who was personally familiar with the haunting prolems people had reported in Vaughn near the Indian burial grounds. That "in Ontario" factor makes the show particularly interesting. "Ghostly Encounters" reports the experiences (whatever make actually be causing them) in an unembellished narative format that is smart in that it counts on the content being unique enough to hold a viewer's interest. It usually is. The host's narrator (Laurecne Chau) puts a very sober and intelligent face on the program. Is it my imagination, or does Laurence Chau's demeanor seem a lot like that of Rod Serling? It's a shame the program doesn't seem to be attracting enough production money to have done more than 2 season's worth of shows. It's refreshing and relaxing entertainment.

very interesting, good watch

[bearsfaneva · 8/10 · 20 February 2015]

I love most things paranormal. Especially if it doesn't put me to sleep. This is one of the better paranormal shows out there. Not only is it entertaining, it also has an educational side to it. I'm just a little confused about them advertising a new season on Destination America. I looked for new episodes and all I see is episodes from past seasons as far back as 2010. Is their really new episodes or not? Did they just change the network and call it new? I do hope they will come out with more seasons. Too many good shows get cut these days. I watch many paranormal shows. This ranks about number 2 or 3 in my top 10 favs.

From the perspective of a psychic.

[sallyd651 · 10/10 · 12 February 2014]

I enjoyed this series because it reflects "everyday" encounters with spirits. Contrary to the expectation raised by horror stories, most people who have extrasensory experiences do not have scary ones, & I appreciate that the series reflects that. These are ordinary, sensible people who happen to have had paranormal experiences, like a relative returning from The Other Side to help them. Perhaps the selection of the stories is part of the screening process, as I noticed that psychologists & religious experts were listed as consultants. My family has had many psychic experiences, & my mother trained many of the kids to control their psychic abilities & use them responsibly. There were no horror stories in our family lore, & it was seen as an extra sense that helped us understand things more deeply or help others. A spirit returning to deliver a message was not automatically something to fear, any more than a surprise visit from a cousin.

True

[tsimm97 · 10/10 · 20 April 2008]

I so agree with your opinion. It is presented very bare bones, with little explanation. Much better than the other voyeuristic ghost hunting shows. Well worth watching. I read some comments from some who believe they have the 'scientific' explanation to what these people experienced, such as with the 'Hag' story. I was thinking also that she probably was experiencing sleep paralysis until she mentioned her roommate telling her about the/a spirit with her telling the roommate. I would not classify myself necessarily a True Believer or nonbeliever. I try to look at the situation with an open but rational mind, not being bound to my world view. I would just say, things are sometimesnot as easily classified and explained as we would like.

Everything about the story telling is perfect

[christophermartin-83082 · 10/10 · 23 September 2023]

It's clear that all involved in this show were obsessed with doing an excellent job. What a great job they do with the re-enactments and videography. Lawrence Chau does an awesome job of lifting it up. Often a host will bring a good story down by being a distraction.

The fact that the story tellers are the ones that experienced the story being told is what make it so compelling and believable. The simple recipe of hearing from the individual telling their own story makes great story telling. This is definitely one of my favorite shows. When I watch it I am entertained and intrigued by true supernal stories.

75 "Lost Children of the Halifax Explosion"

[clanced · 1/10 · 10 February 2012]

started off on the wrong foot with stock footage of a fishing village standing in for Halifax, the largest community in the province. Purported to tell the story of 'Veith House' a former orphanage in the north end of Halifax, the show used some unknown generic building that has zero resemblance to the actual site, at least look for some stock pictures, there are plenty online. Veith house is a community centre, it stands on the site of the Protestant Orphanage destroyed in the 1917 Halifax Explosion, it is rumoured to be a 'haunted location' because of the staff and children killed when the house was destroyed. The presentation of The details of the Halifax Explosion and the link to the location were scant and inaccurate. Presented in the first person about the speakers experiences in the house, acceptable. The inaccuracies not acceptable. As a lifelong resident of the area portrayed, having spent countless hours in and around the location, I have to say this is One of the worst episodes yet.

Canadian ghosts just aren't very scary

[morganshs99 · 3/10 · 15 August 2009]

I've watched G.E. many times, hoping for a nice scare. I'm always disappointed. The format consists of sitting a nice Canadian down in a chair in an empty studio and just letting them talk about their "ghostly encounters" which, frankly, seem kind of boring. I think it might be better if they edited the monologues to be shorter, and add more dramatization. Maybe have 3 stories per episode instead of 2, and move things along a little faster. If you've ever seen the show "I Survived", that has a similar format: sitting real people down and letting them talk. But "I Survived" is absolutely riveting compared to "Ghostly Encounters", and doesn't even involve ghosts.

It is always on WNetwork when nothing else is on.

[meganisis · 1/10 · 14 March 2007]

Contains a Spoil of how the Show works! :O This particular show is one that I personally find annoying. They put people of all ethnicities and walks of life into a room with a spotlight shining on them and then ask them to tell the camera about their 'Ghostly Encounters'.

Sometimes the encounters are rather interesting, but no matter what there are usually ways to disprove the stories, an inconsistency in the story itself or a medical explanation can be provided.

Not to say that ghosts and spirits don't exist by no means, but the show is not the greatest to help prove that case.

Often the show has re-enactments to obviously make it a little more interesting. These re-enactments are really well done usually, very complete with full details of the surroundings.

I wouldn't recommend watching this show all the time but once and a while when there is not a single thing on TV most likely the WNetwork will have it playing.

Garbage TV

[zane-darkstar · 3/10 · 15 February 2015]

I love investigation of mysterious and spooky phenomena. But, if there's not a hint of realism to it, then it puts me off.

This show is pure garbage. The back stories are slightly interesting and then, this hokey "psychic" shows up to make it all a big steaming pile of ............ you know.

I would put this show into the same category as "Finding Bigfoot", in which everything that makes a noise in the woods is quickly identified as a "SQUATCH!" Hokum.

There are a proliferation of shows such as this, so apparently many people are like me and interested in the paranormal. It's a shame there are more quality shows out there. This show does not rate as quality.

I won't bother turning this crap on again. It's terrible.