A&E puts a collar on "Paranormal Cops" series

A&E puts a collar on "Paranormal Cops" series
January 6, 2009
By James Hibberd
Reuters

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Who you gonna call? How about 911?

A&E is seeking to one-up Sci Fi's "Ghost Hunters" with a new series that blends paranormal investigation with law enforcement.

"Paranormal Cops," tentatively slated to premiere this year, will feature a group of Chicago police officers who moonlight as ghost chasers at night. Given the team's law enforcement credentials, the concept seeks to add a new layer of credibility to a genre that has featured ghost hunting teams founded by professional plumbers, college students and academics.

The police group includes four officers, two tech assistants and a "medium." The ghost-chasing group existed before the show's producers came along, a network spokesman said, and the officers' respective departments have approved the venture.

The network also announced a third season of its similar show, "Paranormal State," which features a group of Penn State University college students.

The ghost-hunting genre shows no signs of slacking on cable, with ratings continuing to grow for several shows. In addition to A&E's ramp-up, Sci Fi recently ordered a new "Ghost Hunters" spinoff.