Ghost Whisperer
| Ghost Whisperer | |
|---|---|
 Ghost Whisperer title card | |
| Created by | John Gray |
| Starring | Jennifer Love Hewitt David Conrad Aisha Tyler (2005-2006) Camryn Manheim (2006-) Jay Mohr (2006-) |
| Country of origin |  United States |
| No. of episodes | 47 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | John Gray, Ian Sander, Kim Moses, James Van Praagh (Co-executive producer) |
| Producers | Joe Dishner, Jennifer Love Hewitt[2] |
| Running time | 60 minutes (with commercials) |
| Original release | |
| Network | CBS |
| Release | September 23, 2005[1] – present |
Ghost Whisperer is an American television drama-fantasy-thriller that premiered on CBS September 23, 2005.[3] The show was created by John Gray. It currently stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, David Conrad, Camryn Manheim, formerly Aisha Tyler, and in a recurring role, Jay Mohr. Ghost Whisperer airs Friday nights at 8/7c.
The show's title is a reference to main character Melinda Gordon (portrayed by Jennifer Love Hewitt) who lives in the fictional town of Grandview with her husband Jim and has the ability to see and communicate with the dead. The show is also one of several fantasy television programs about young women with gifts for supernatural communication such as the canceled shows Joan of Arcadia and Tru Calling, and the current NBC show Medium.
Season two of Ghost Whisperer premiered on September 22, 2006 and ended on May 11, 2007, again airing Friday nights on CBS during the same timeslot.[4] CBS officially renewed the show for a third season placing it in its regular Friday 8 p.m. timeslot to act as a lead-in for the similarly-themed vampire drama Moonlight. The third season premiered September 28, 2007.
Plot Synopsis
Ghost Whisperer is a highly episodic series that follows the fictional medium Melinda Gordon and her experiences with the dead as a result of her power. Each episode deals with one or more ghosts seeking Melinda's help in relaying a message or completing a task that will put the spirit to rest, and allow them to "cross over" into The Light, a metaphor presented by the show as its conception of Heaven.
Despite the episodic structure of the show, plot lines that span two or three episodes (normally during season openers and finishers) develop and progress in a slow manner throughout the rest of the season. The first season arc introduced the show's first antagonist, Romano, a negative entity in a black hat, who attempted to do the exact opposite of Melinda and gather earthbound souls and bring them to the Dark Side. The story climaxed in the season finale when a plane crashed in Grandview, and Melinda and Romano both attempted to sway the souls to the Light, and staying on earth, respectively. Andrea was killed in the plane crash and, in a story that would carry over to the second season, was being swayed by Romano to stay earthbound.
In the second season, two new characters (Delia Banks and Professor Rick Payne) are introduced, both of whom, by season's end, come to learn of Melinda's power and become survivors that ghosts want messages passed to through Melinda. The second season arc revolves around the thinning "veil" between the living and the dead, evident in certain situations in second season episodes. By the end of the season, a second Ghost Whisperer was introduced. His arrival in Grandview sets the final events of a disastrous prophecy in motion, and the strengthening of the dark side over the Light.
The beginning of each episode normally revolves around Melinda first encountering the ghost(s) that will be crossed over in the episode. In their normally brief appearances, Melinda collects clues she later researches. After gaining a significant piece of information that drives the episode's plot further, the ghost(s) normally open up to her, and tell her how it is she can help them find peace. Often, the messages the ghosts want Melinda to pass are confusing and as a result, she is normally met with questions and skepticism by those she is trying to give the message to- the families, friends and lovers of the ghosts. By the end of each episode, Melinda is usually able to complete her task and cross the ghost(s) from the respective episode over.
Episodes
| Season | Ep # | First Airdate | Last Airdate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 22 | September 23, 2005 | May 5, 2006 |
| Season 2 | 22 | September 22, 2006 | May 11, 2007 |
| Season 3 | 22 | September 28, 2007 | May 16, 2008 |
Ratings
USA TV Ratings
Seasonal rankings (based on average total viewers per episode) of Ghost Whisperer on CBS:
| Season | Timeslot (EDT) | Season Premiere | Season Finale | TV Season | Rank | Viewers (in millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Friday 8:00 PM | September 23, 2005 | May 5, 2006 | 2005-2006 | #47 | 10.2[5] |
| 2 | Friday 8:00 PM | September 22, 2006 | May 11, 2007 | 2006-2007 | #44 | 9.9[6] |
| 3 | Friday 8:00 PM | September 28, 2007 | May 16, 2008 | 2007-2008 |
Production notes
The series is based on the work of Spirit Communicator James Van Praagh,[7] who is co-executive producer[8] and constantly updates a blog about the show through CBS.[9] The stories are also said to be based in part on the work of Spirit Communicator Mary Ann Wintkowski.[10]. Development of the show dates back to at least two years before its premiere.[11] As of March 2007, the show is produced by Sander/Moses Productions in association with ABC Television Studio & CBS Paramount Television.
The show is filmed on the Universal Studios back lot in Hollywood.[12] One area on the lot is Courthouse Square from the Back to the Future trilogy, though it has been drastically modified to portray Grandview. For example, the clock tower present in Back to the Future has been completely covered up. Cast and crew members also believe that the set gets visits from real spirits. [13]
Sound effects are completed at Smart Post Sound[14] and special effects at Flash Film Works. [15]
After the season one finale, John Gray, the show's creator, signed a two-year contract with CBS, which would all but guarantee a third season.[16] Season three is also supposed to bring about new executive producer P.K. Simonds.[17]
Afterlife in Ghost Whisperer
There are two places in afterlife. The Light and the Dark Side. These two places are one of the main points of the show.
The Light
Melinda helps ghosts see a bright light. The Light is identified with Heaven. The Light is invisible to viewers and shown few times in episodes such as in episodes; The Vanishing, The One, Giving up the Ghost, (briefly) and The Gathering. Almost all the spirits in the show crossed over in this light.
The Dark Side
Not all spirits crossover into the Light. Some cross over to the Dark Side. The Dark Side is identified with Hell. Spirits who are trapped in this Limbo are exposed to hate and anger such as Professor Payne's dead wife.
Awards and nominations
Won
- Saturn Awards
- Best Actress in a Television Program or Series for Jennifer Love Hewitt, 2007[18]
Nominated
- Primetime Emmy Awards
- Outstanding Main Title Awards, 2006[19]
- Outstanding Music Composition For A Series (original Dramatic Score), 2007[20]
- People's Choice Awards
- Favorite Female TV Star for Jennifer Love Hewitt, 2006[21] and 2007[22]
- Teen Choice Awards
- TV- Choice Breakout Show, 2006[23]
- Kids' Choice Awards
- Favorite Television Actress for Jennifer Love Hewitt, 2006[24]
- Saturn Awards
- Best Actress on Television for Jennifer Love Hewitt, 2006[25]
- SyFy Genre Awards
- Best Actress-Television for Jennifer Love Hewitt, 2006[26]
Internet promotion
The Other Side
A series of webisodes entitled Ghost Whisperer: The Other Side have been released on the Ghost Whisperer website.[27] A total of eight webisodes were produced and extras (such as trailers and behind the scenes) are available for viewing. The story follows Zach (played by Mark Hapka), a young delivery boy who dies while delivering a package. He soon learns how to do things in the spirit world, and gets revenge on Danny, the man he thinks killed him, and his former best friend. Melinda from the television series doesn't appear in the internet series as it takes place entirely in the spirit world. However, ghosts from the television series have appeared in some webisodes.
In the second season finale of Ghost Whisperer, one of the characters from The Other Side, Mark, made an appearance while trying to get help from Melinda before being taken into the Dark Side leaving the internet series in its own cliffhanger.
It is unknown whether or not more webisodes will be produced or when they will air.
andshamethedevil.net
It has been recently discovered that andshamethedevil.net [28] is a site linked to Ghost Whisperer. The site is mentioned in the Season 3 Premiere. If you visit the site and click on the word bloody, it leads to another site rubloodymary.com
Also, recently discovered: If you click on the star in the upper right hand corner, the site appears to crack into pieces. Those pieces can be removed by dragging, revealing this message:
"Meet Me In The Underworld"
Also in really tiny letters at the bottom read the words: "bloody mary. bloody marry. bloody mary."
rubloodymary.com
Another site discovered to be a part of Ghost Whisperer. rubloodymary.com is mentioned in episode 302 - "Don't Try This At Home" - which prominently features the Bloody Mary Urban Legend. When visiting [29] if you click and hold down anywhere on the main page and scrub you can erase the image, revealing another image underneath that reads "...until she is trapped underground." Above that there is a countdown timer that, doing the math, counts down to Friday, October 26th, 2007, episode 305 of Ghost Whisperer airs that night.
Other features: There is a stories link that takes you to a book with a Bloody Mary tale in it. The very last line reads "I hope she doesn't go in the church."
Finally, there is an email address to connect to, and several links, some to the Ghost Whisperer Myspace page and ghostwhisperer.com and one that links back to [30] which is another secret Ghost Whisperer site.
DVD Releases
| Season | Specifications | Special Features | Release dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1[31][32] |
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| 2[33] |
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| 3[34] |
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Season 2 DVD
Ghost Whisperer Season 2 DVD was released on September 18th. Along with such Special Features as the Ghost Whisperer Crystal Ball, Melinda's Closet, Ghostly Visions, The Other side Webseries, Jennifer Love Hewitt Speed Painting Video, the DVD also came with Limited Edition Tarot Cards. These physical Tarot Cards have a hidden message on them when placed next to each other in a certain order. The message reads "GhostWhispererTarot.com". When typed in a web browser, GhostWhispererTarot.com leads you to a virtual Tarot Card Online Game. At the end of this game, Ghost Whisperer fans are given a secret.
It reads: On disc one in the Ghost Whisperer Season 2 DVD box set, go to the main menu and keep your eye on the bee resting atop the Ghost Whisperer title. Press RIGHT twice on your DVD player remote control. Watch as the bee lights up with a secret from the Spirit World. Now, press ENTER to unlock it!
This unlocks a secret music video featuring Jennifer Love Hewitt.
U.S. Broadcast History
- September 23, 2005 - present -- Fridays 8:00pm/7:00pm central
International Broadcasters
| Country | Alternate title/Translation | TV Network(s) | Series Premiere | Weekly Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States |
CBS Television | September 23, 2005 | ||
 Canada |
CTV and CBS | Fridays at 8:00 PM | ||
 Australia |
Seven Network | November 29, 2005 | Thursdays at 7:30pm | |
 Austria |
ORF 1 | Mondays at 0:20 AM | ||
 Belgium |
PlugTV | Saturdays at 8:00 PM | ||
 Bosnia and Herzegovina |
OBN | Wednesdays at 8:00 PM | ||
 Brazil |
Sony Entertainment Television | November 7, 2005 | Thursdays at 8:00 PM | |
 Bulgaria |
Шепот от отвъдното (Whisper from beyond) |
bTV | June 12, 2007 | 9:00 PM |
 Chile |
Sony Entertainment Television | |||
 Croatia |
Šaptačica duhovima | HRT 2 | Saturdays at 11:20 PM | |
 Denmark |
Kanal 4 | Wednesdays at 8:55 PM | ||
 Finland |
Aavekuiskaaja | Nelonen | September 11, 2006 | Mondays at 7:00 PM |
 Fiji |
Fiji One | |||
 France |
Melinda entre deux mondes (Melinda between two worlds) |
TF6 and TF1 | Tuesday at 8:55 PM | |
 Germany |
Ghost Whisperer - Stimmen aus dem Jenseits (Voices from the other world) |
Kabel 1 | August 2 2006 | Fridays at 8:15 PM |
 Hong Kong |
靈感應 (Spirit induction) |
ATV World | June 7, 2007 | Thursdays at 10:00 PM |
 Iceland |
Draugahvíslarinn | Stöð 2 | Wednesdays at 9:20 PM | |
 India |
Star World | Tuesdays at 9:00 PM | ||
 Jakarta, Indonesia |
Jak-TV - Local TV | Sunday at 8:30 PM | ||
 Ireland |
RTÉ One | |||
 Israel |
הלוחשת לרוחות (The Ghost Whisperer) |
yes stars 2 | Mondays at 9:30 PM | |
 Italy |
Ghost Whisperer - Presenze (Presenze = Presences) |
FOX Life Rai Due |
March 1, 2006 June 28, 2007 |
Tuesdays at 9:00 PM Thursdays at 9:00 PM |
 Jordan |
Showseries 2 (Showtime Network) MBC 4 |
|||
 Malaysia |
8TV | February 6, 2006 | Mondays at 9:30 PM (Season 1), Tuesdays 9.30pm (Season 2) | |
 Mexico |
Almas Perdidas: Ghost Whisperer (Almas Perdidas = Lost Souls) |
Azteca 7 and Sony Entertainment Television (Latin America) |
July 11, 2006 | Tuesdays at 9:30 PM Thursdays at 8:00 PM (Rep: Saturdays at 11:00 AM) |
 The Netherlands |
SBS 6 | Thursdays at 8:30 PM | ||
 New Zealand |
TV 2 | Mondays at 9:30 PM | ||
 Norway |
TVNorge | Wednesdays at 8:45 PM | ||
 Pakistan |
Star World | September 25, 2007 | Tuesdays at 10:00 PM | |
 Philippines |
Studio 23 | Nov. 4, 2007 | Sundays at 09:15 pm | |
 Peru |
Sony Entertainment Television | |||
 Poland |
Zaklinacz duchów (Conjurer of spirits) |
FOX Life | January 5, 2007 | |
 Portugal |
Entre Vidas (Between Lives) |
FOX Life and SIC | Thursdays at 9:00 PM Saturdays at 4:55 PM | |
 Romania |
Mesaje De Dincolo (Message From Beyond) |
PRO TV | Sundays at 5:15 PM | |
 Saudi Arabia |
Showseries 2 (Showtime Network) | |||
 Singapore |
MediaCorp TV Channel 5 | Season 1 Completed
Season 2 on Fridays, 10pm-11pm | ||
 Slovenia |
TV3 | Saturdays at 8:50 PM | ||
 South Korea |
OnStyle | Wednesdays and Thursdays at 4:00 PM | ||
| Southeast Asia | Star World | May 20, 2007 | Sundays 9:00 pm (THAI/WIB Time) 10:00 pm (HK/SIN Time) | |
| May 20, 2007 (rest of Southeast Asia) | ||||
 Spain |
Entre fantasmas (Between ghosts) |
Cuatro and FOX | Wednesdays at 10:00 PM Fridays at 9:30 PM | |
 Sweden |
TV4 and TV400 | May 4 2006 | ||
 Switzerland |
TSR | Sundays at 4:50 PM | ||
 Thailand |
Star World | May 20, 2007 | Sundays at 9:00 PM | |
 Turkey |
CNBC-e | Mondays at 8:00 PM | ||
 United Kingdom |
E4 (Season 1, first run), ABC1 (Season 1, re-runs) and Living (season 2-) |
July 11 2006 | Tuesdays at 9:00 PM | |
 Venezuela |
Voces del más allá - Ghost Whisperer (Voces del más allá = Voices from Beyond) |
Televen and Sony Entertainment Television (Latin America) | Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 PM (TLVN) / Thursdays at 9:00 PM, Friday at 1:00PM, Saturdays at: 11:00AM and 4:00PM (SET) | |
 Vietnam |
Lời thì thầm của những bóng ma - Ghosts' Whisper | VTV3 Star World |
Monday-Sunday at 6:30 AM |
References
- ^ http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/ghost-whisperer/192254
- ^ http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001140222
- ^ http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/ghost-whisperer/192254
- ^ http://www.tv.com/ghost-whisperer/show/33483/episode_guide.html?season=2&tag=season_dropdown;dropdown;1
- ^ "2005-06 primetime wrap". May 26, 2006.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|source=ignored (help) - ^ "Hollywood Reporter: 2006-07 primetime wrap". May 25 2007.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Unknown parameter|source=ignored (help) - ^ http://www.etonline.com/tv/35533/index.html
- ^ http://www.vanpraagh.com/Ghost_CBS.cfm
- ^ http://www.cbs.com/primetime/ghost_whisperer/blog.php
- ^ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8423881/
- ^ http://www.cbs.com/primetime/ghost_whisperer/archive_blog.php
- ^ http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/vi_news.html
- ^ http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=1&id=40876
- ^ http://mixonline.com/post/features/audio_ghost_whisperer/
- ^ http://www.flashfilmworks.com/d-ghost.htm
- ^ http://scifi.about.com/blhail340.htm
- ^ http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=1&id=41131
- ^ http://www.geekmonthly.com/news/2007/05/11/superman-heroes-dominate-saturn-awards/
- ^ http://www.emmys.org/downloads/images/2006emmys/PrimetimeNoms.php
- ^ http://www.emmys.org/awards/2007pt/59thnominations.php
- ^ http://www.etonline.com/celebrities/35689/index.html
- ^ http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2006/11/33rd-annual-peoples-choice-awards.html
- ^ http://www.realitytvmagazine.com/blog/2006/06/teen_choice_awa.html
- ^ http://www.tv.com/drake-and-josh/show/11005/story/3687.html
- ^ http://www.mania.com/50679.html
- ^ http://www.syfyportal.com/news422701.html
- ^ http://www.cbs.com/ghost
- ^ http://www.andshamethedevil.net
- ^ rubloodymary.com
- ^ andshamethedevil.net
- ^ http://tvshowsondvd.com/releaseinfo.cfm?ReleaseID=5945
- ^ http://www.sanity.com.au/product/product.asp?sku=2091262
- ^ http://tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=7393
- ^ http://tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=7393
External links
- Official CBS website, including Van Praagh's blog
- Official Myspace
- Official fan page
- "Ghost Whisperer" at Yahoo! TV
- Ghost Whisperer at TV.com website
- Official CTV website
- Ghost Whisperer Fan Site Template:It icon
- House of Ghost Whisperer
- The Melindaverse
- Ghost Whisperer
- Ghost Whisperer/Mary J Blige Online Comic
- Music from Ghost Whisperer
- Ghost Whisperer @ TV Megasite