Skeptic investigations show being pitched

LadyShea · #1 08-22-2009, 05:16 AM

If you have cable or DTV you have probably seen the multiple paranormal shows airing....the plumbers-by-day-ghosthunters-by-night guys, the show about psychic kids, 2 or 3 hosted by the little person from Poltergeist and Picket Fences, all manner of UFO and hauntings etc. I admit it, I am a sucker (hey the interest started in childhood) and I have always thought it would be cool if their was a skeptical investigation show as well (okay yeah I thought it would be cool to DO skeptical investigations and get paid for it).

Anyway, new show being pitched around the networks. They have assembled a rather impressive cast of actual scientists and doctors. They need some support though by way of emails and comments

The Skeptologists

viscousmemories · #2 08-22-2009, 12:47 PM

Interesting concept. I'm somewhat familiar with (and appreciative of) the work of Phil Plait and Michael Shermer. I just hope they hire someone with entertainment experience, 'cause if I were a network exec I wouldn't even open a document titled "Skeptologists".

LadyShea · #3 08-22-2009, 01:53 PM

Read the bios, it appears they all have a following of some kind, some through podcasts. And, look at how many people read Pharyngula!

These two have TV experiences as well:

You Man Chan: He gained instant popularity when he became a contestant on Survivor: Fiji (finishing 4th) and was voted favorite Survivor. His popularity prompted CBS to invite him to participate on Survivor: Micronesia.

Mark Edward: He has performed as a psychic entertainer at the Hollywood hot spot Magic Castle as well as world-class venues, nightclubs and corporate events. His television appearances include A & E's Houdini the Great Escape, NBC's The other Side, two episodes of TLC's Exploring the Unknown, Emmy nominated, Penn & Teller: Bullshit! Talking to the Dead, and most recently he was the guest Medium on the season finale of Last Comic Standing.

viscousmemories · #4 08-22-2009, 02:21 PM

Yeah that's all good and well but really, "Skeptologists"? That has to be the dumbest name in the history of television.

LadyShea · #5 08-22-2009, 02:26 PM

Totally agreed vm. The name sucks. Also, though those people may have a following, I think they needed to throw an everyman/woman into the mix...someone a little less loftily degreed anyway to connect with a larger range of viewers. A skeptic B-list celebrity to host, maybe?

You know, those TAPS guys (the plumbers) appeal to people because they're regular schmoes.

viscousmemories · #6 08-22-2009, 02:39 PM

Truth. They could probably collaborate with the Mythbusters guys too.

livius drusus · #7 08-22-2009, 03:12 PM

They should get that hot guy from The Mentalist.

BrotherMan · #8 08-22-2009, 04:50 PM

Scarlett Johansen

Natalie Portman

Both not religious. Both considered somewhat attractive (though one could use a sandwich - oh, I know! That hot guy from Mentalist).

(I was going to write something allegedly smart or insightful but it kept turning out negative. I'll just stick to humor this morning.)

:wave:

viscousmemories · #9 08-22-2009, 06:59 PM

"Somewhat attractive"?

:halftroll:

Ensign Steve · #10 08-22-2009, 07:03 PM

"considered somewhat attractive" even

viscousmemories · #11 08-22-2009, 07:17 PM

It's outrageous. I would kill everyone on this forum for five minutes with either of those women.

Megatron · #12 08-22-2009, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viscousmemories

It's outrageous. I would kill everyone on this forum for five minutes with either of those women.

Not if I kill you first... for the same reason of course :twisted:

Ymir's blood · #13 08-22-2009, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viscousmemories

Yeah that's all good and well but really, "Skeptologists"? That has to be the dumbest name in the history of television.

Manimal?

Dingfod · #14 08-23-2009, 01:09 AM

How about "O RLY!" instead?

BrotherMan · #15 08-23-2009, 01:16 AM

Or just the symbol. :orly:

Demimonde · #16 08-24-2009, 09:55 PM

Actually the CFI, Shermer's group, has had many entertaining members over the years. Bill Nye was on the board. Neil de Grasse Tyson of Nova Science Now is a member. Any waaaaaay back the the day the late, great Steve Allen was one of the charter founders of CSICOP.

If that sounds familiar it's because lil' davy mabus is always yammering about CSICOP.

Caligulette · #17 08-26-2009, 07:15 PM

I Object to the CFI being referred to as Shermer's Group.

Anne Druyan should be involved in this if she isn't already.

trientalis · #18 08-27-2009, 12:43 AM

This is good news. I haven't heard of any particularly skeptical programs since the short-lived Critical Eye series on Discovery Channel (I think) a few years back. I rather enjoyed that show.
I used to enjoy Penn and Teller as well but then it got a tad...er...libertarian for my taste.

Let's hope this one goes well.

viscousmemories · #19 08-27-2009, 12:52 AM

I saw an ad for Destination Truth the other day. That looks like it might be skepticalish.

Demimonde · #20 08-27-2009, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caligulette

I Object to the CFI being referred to as Shermer's Group.

Anne Druyan should be involved in this if she isn't already.

You are correct there. Paul Kurtz's group is far more accurate. But Shermer has been there since the begining of the CFI incarnation, and I believe many years under CSICOP. (Also, I realize Kurtz's group.)

I agree that he is not the best poster child, but he and Gardner make up most of the public face these days IMO.

Clutch Munny · #21 08-27-2009, 01:55 AM

"Rational Response TV"?

Ensign Steve · #22 08-27-2009, 02:02 AM