I started watching the show to see where in Los Angeles they traveled. For me, the show is interesting because I live there. I work in Hollywood in a building that overlooks the Hollywood sign. The Hotel Roosevelt, which was featured in their Marilyn Monroe episode, is five blocks north of my building. After seeing that episode, I have seen the hotel in a different light. I walked up to the building, which I would have never done before seeing the show, and took a look around during one of my lunch breaks. The hotel looks hideous from the outside, but inside it is so glamorous. I got to see the Marilyn mirror and where she stayed during her visit. So, for me, the show has given me things to do, during my lunch breaks, around Hollywood. Gail Porter. I love Gail Porter. I think she really adds the skeptical look. She is always willing to do things I would never have the guts to do. She really has a lot of talent. I used to be a grip during college as well, so I know what she has gone through. Chris Fleming, the psychic investigator, has me questioning him sometimes. I don't know if he is acting or if he really does feel an energy. Unfortunately, we will never know. I think that he does know a lot about what he is doing. He sells himself very well. The show. I think it had a lot of potential, but unfortunately it can't keep a story line. For some reason, they will pick an actor and then look for other ghosts that I really could care less about. I was watching the Lucille Ball Episode, and they went to explore the Queen Mary. Lucille had nothing to do with the ship. I couldn't understand why they chose this. I do think they could have done an entire show about the boat. I have been to this ship and there is a ton to cover that is not seen in the episode. Also, the psychics used during the séances seem to reiterate what we already know about the ghost. For example, with Marilyn Monroe they said that she was very sad. Well yes, we know this already. This is why she killed herself. In the end, the show is great for showing me the haunted places in Hollywood, but bad, because I am often frustrated by the end of the show. I don't know what happened, why the story changed its course, or why the end of every show comes up with the same conclusion.
12 Reviews
The show is missing a skeptical person if you ask me.
Twinster98330 September 2006
In some of the posts, I see people saying that "They don't freak out at the slightest sounds." We must be watching different shows. One of the biggest problems that I see in this show is Gail "The skeptic" hears a slight creek in the place they're investigating, she screams, and runs. Even leaves the shoot to go back to her motel on occasion. If she's a "skeptic" would she run? Or investigate the noise and explain it as non-paranormal. This is where the show doesn't work. Gail Porter is not a skeptic. I like her, she seems very cool. She's a great narrator, but she's far from a skeptic. It's true, Chris's ego does show itself often. Even Jim Morrison recognized it in the episode where they were searching for him. (That was a hilarious moment) I like the show okay, if there's nothing else on. But it would be better if they had three people on the show. Chris the sensitive, A skeptic, and Gail the frightened little narrator.
It's like watching a bad car accident...
Firebird747821 December 2005
Warning: Spoilers
...You know it's bad, but you have to watch, anyway. I'm totally into ghosts, paranormal stuff, past lives, etc. so the theme of the show is what really holds my interests. However, being in the broadcasting industry, this is one of the most poorly produced shows I've ever seen. This show has two camera persons, plus the mini-DV or HI-8 cameras that Gail and Chris carry with them. However, they never catch any activity! It's always, "Did you see that?!", while the cameras are trained on our hosts, not the subject matter. Case in point, while searching for Jayne Mansfield, they go to an old plantation. Chris exclaims that a door handle is moving, but 4 cameras don't pick it up? In that same episode, a door opens on its own. There is a camera with a wide-angle lens in the room where the door opens into, yet they never show what happens from that perspective.
I find interesting their choice of locations. Why go to Shea Stadium to search for John Lennon? He played there twice. Why go to a bar where Alfred Hitchcock once ate while filming a movie? Because Houdini was an escape artist, they naturally choose Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. Houdini never went there. So why should they? There are bad location decisions, bad camera work, bad narrative writing. All the computerized special effects do not make up for any of this. But, for some strange reason, I keep watching. It's not "Ghost Hunters", which is more entertaining, but like I said, you have to stop and look at the wreck, even though you know it is bad.
I find interesting their choice of locations. Why go to Shea Stadium to search for John Lennon? He played there twice. Why go to a bar where Alfred Hitchcock once ate while filming a movie? Because Houdini was an escape artist, they naturally choose Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. Houdini never went there. So why should they? There are bad location decisions, bad camera work, bad narrative writing. All the computerized special effects do not make up for any of this. But, for some strange reason, I keep watching. It's not "Ghost Hunters", which is more entertaining, but like I said, you have to stop and look at the wreck, even though you know it is bad.
Ver atmospheric
scafell11 August 2018
UI have always thought that thi series was really very well put togather. I think Chris Flemming is very natural and Gail gives constructive critisism (as well as the odd scream!)
They work very well as a team and have that spark that really lights up the 3 series. I know that the places they visit have sometimes very vague connections with the dead celebrity, but that just adds to the interest. The background music is incredible, and also adds that certain something, that always keeps the audience interested.
Its so nice to see Chris again on UK TV, and we have Zak to thank! Would love to see those two in their own show.
If anyone has series 3 of Dead Famous, I would love to see them again, as it has only been shown once
They work very well as a team and have that spark that really lights up the 3 series. I know that the places they visit have sometimes very vague connections with the dead celebrity, but that just adds to the interest. The background music is incredible, and also adds that certain something, that always keeps the audience interested.
Its so nice to see Chris again on UK TV, and we have Zak to thank! Would love to see those two in their own show.
If anyone has series 3 of Dead Famous, I would love to see them again, as it has only been shown once
Dead Famous same old stuff
tamstrat16 May 2006
I wanted to like this show, and the hosts are a likable pair, but the show is the same show over and over. Never any real proof of a haunting anywhere they go. Just some photo's of orbs (most paranormal researchers don't consider orbs paranormal) and Chris contorting and making weird noises, sorry Chris but I can do the same thing if I wanted to. Also the choice of locations leave a lot to be desired. If you want to catch a ghost's spirit you should go to actual places they lived, not a restaurant they went to at some point in their lives....
I like Gail Porter, she is cute and perky, even after losing her hair I think she is awesome, but they show just doesn't deliver the goods. However, it can be entertaining as long as you know you aren't going to see a haunting.
I like Gail Porter, she is cute and perky, even after losing her hair I think she is awesome, but they show just doesn't deliver the goods. However, it can be entertaining as long as you know you aren't going to see a haunting.
A New Take on Paranormal Investigations
johnandleah10 May 2006
The reason this show works so well is that unlike certain other ghost hunting shows it is not full of believers. There are only 2 presenters, Chris Fleming and Gail Porter. Chris is the 'sensitive' with the gift of being able to communicate with, feel and 'see' the dead. He has been developing his talent since he was a young boy and is definitely one of the best I have seen. Gail Porter on the other hand is a skeptic and needs a bit on convincing. Together they travel America looking for the spirits of the 'Dead Famous'. They are both rational and don't freak out at the slightest little noise which is where I think a lot of paranormal shows are going wrong at the moment. They are willing to admit when they don't find anything and this makes the show refreshing and unfake! An excellent show.
Dead Boring
thih1 May 2006
This show could actually have good potential. Unfortunately I think it's a bad misfire. Gail Porter does do a good job as a presenter, but I think I would have believed more in Chris Flemmings paranormal abilities if he hadn't gotten information about the places they went beforehand and gotten the some of the stories as he was walking through the places. There are a lot of shows in this paranormal category which I think are much better than this one and I could name the British Most Haunted and A Haunting which is shown on Discovery Channel. The thing about this one is that it seems to present no skeptics to come up with an alternative to the findings of Chris and Gail! The funniest thing about the show is the X-Files rip-off theme, which is so alike the original that it's shameless!
Issues with Gayle
xmodsquad20 September 2021
Gayle's attitude of skeptic is valid. Chris abilities as sensitive are valid. She says she doesn't believe but in every investigation she cannot be left alone anywhere. She gets angry if he doesn't run to her every scream. Also, he allows her to remain a skeptic. She gets aggressive with Chris on the supernatural possibilities that are presented to her. At times, she discredits his abilities. Even though she has been touched on many occasions and runs out of any dark room.
Brilliant, refreshing change to most paranormal entertainment shows. Fresh new approach and presentation
erin-15710 February 2005
I found and find Dead famous to be a top show. It's very different from the usual paranormal shows you see where everyone screams at the slightest sound. Gail's sceptical attitude mixed with Chris' ability and outlook certainly make compelling viewing through their disagreement or even if Gail thinks something is amiss - its good to see.
I'm glad this show hasn't followed the similar routes in which other shows follow just to keep gullible viewers watching. Recently an episode was displayed where not a great deal happened and other than one comical moment that was it - Most shows would of just faked something. But not dead famous. This is why I feel it is refreshing to see.
Chris is seriously enthusiastic about his paranormal research rather than in it for the bucks and Gail is quite a brave young lady for taking on what she does. Also having a "target spirit" is quite intriguing, Chances of finding that spirit may be very slim but it certainly makes i more interesting than just hitting a location and hoping to find SOMEONE, and that be the end of it.
I'm afraid I have no idea why anybody would have a negative view of this show - It's very appealing on many many different views. With brief history of locations, history and talks about the celebrity who is being researched and of course the paranormal aspect of the show. Not to mention the lovely view for both the men and the ladies ;)
I'm glad this show hasn't followed the similar routes in which other shows follow just to keep gullible viewers watching. Recently an episode was displayed where not a great deal happened and other than one comical moment that was it - Most shows would of just faked something. But not dead famous. This is why I feel it is refreshing to see.
Chris is seriously enthusiastic about his paranormal research rather than in it for the bucks and Gail is quite a brave young lady for taking on what she does. Also having a "target spirit" is quite intriguing, Chances of finding that spirit may be very slim but it certainly makes i more interesting than just hitting a location and hoping to find SOMEONE, and that be the end of it.
I'm afraid I have no idea why anybody would have a negative view of this show - It's very appealing on many many different views. With brief history of locations, history and talks about the celebrity who is being researched and of course the paranormal aspect of the show. Not to mention the lovely view for both the men and the ladies ;)
Its funny and bad...OK for late nite
rcpitt8 November 2007
As some have already noted. this show can't even do a decent bio on the "ghosts" they try to conjure up (usually in places where the ghost has never been or was only present once!) Well, at least they looked for Lucille Ball at the sound stage where she worked on the first Lucy show in the 50's.
It's not even good on the unintentional comedy scale as the girl in it is a precious cupcake who jumps at every creak. She reminds me of Bob Hope back in the day. These show won't look good on anyone's resume.
Still, I like watching it because of the location shooting. Its interesting to see Hollywood, The Queen Mary and all the other famous spots they film at. The rest is adolescent nonsense. And yes, I believe in ghosts. I just don't believe any self respecting ghosts come within 9 miles of this show. Smart.
It's not even good on the unintentional comedy scale as the girl in it is a precious cupcake who jumps at every creak. She reminds me of Bob Hope back in the day. These show won't look good on anyone's resume.
Still, I like watching it because of the location shooting. Its interesting to see Hollywood, The Queen Mary and all the other famous spots they film at. The rest is adolescent nonsense. And yes, I believe in ghosts. I just don't believe any self respecting ghosts come within 9 miles of this show. Smart.
Ridiculous, mildly entertaining bobbins
Sebastian_Crawford10 February 2005
Unintentionally hysterical paranormal rubbish and occasional psychodrama from wee Ms. Porter. A show so full of biographical errors, random locations, "orbs" and the like that it makes you wish you could hide on set and jump out screaming at a crucial moment and see Gail Porter become the unofficial spokeswoman for Tena Lady for the rest of her natural.
Best way to watch this show is with a bottle of wine already sunk, the lights off and poltergeist activity of your own on the landing outside your bedroom - you may then be a little scared (or levitating surrounded by Fisher Price toys, depending on your mood).
I wish I could think of something genuinely positive. There have been moments when I've wanted to hug Gail and do v. bad things to her male co-host in one of the rooms at the Roosevelt Hotel but they generally pass. I did actually really appreciate the way Chris could be channelled by a v. p'd off Joan Crawford and yet his hair remained perfect the whole time. Hmmm, maybe it was her.
Anyway, if you find yourself a bit tipsy of a Tuesday evening do watch this show.
Best way to watch this show is with a bottle of wine already sunk, the lights off and poltergeist activity of your own on the landing outside your bedroom - you may then be a little scared (or levitating surrounded by Fisher Price toys, depending on your mood).
I wish I could think of something genuinely positive. There have been moments when I've wanted to hug Gail and do v. bad things to her male co-host in one of the rooms at the Roosevelt Hotel but they generally pass. I did actually really appreciate the way Chris could be channelled by a v. p'd off Joan Crawford and yet his hair remained perfect the whole time. Hmmm, maybe it was her.
Anyway, if you find yourself a bit tipsy of a Tuesday evening do watch this show.
Dead funny at times
sebpopcorn29 June 2009
Perky girl next door Gail Porter struggles to carry this show on her wee shoulders. Together with the least convincing medium I've ever seen (including Uri Gellar!) she investigates paranormal activity relating to dead celebrities.
Even Gail can't fully go along with the medium because he's so ridiculous. "Stop being weird" she says to him during one investigation and not without good reason. Everywhere he goes he wanders around like a tourist before screwing his face up and wobbling his mouth and making horse noises in a weird way. Then he has a revelation that is to say the least bleeding obvious or falls into a trance where he froths at the mouth and snarls out messages. If Gail should dare to ask him any details he turns incredibly defensive and pissy about the whole thing which is funny, though you can't help but feel a bit sorry for her stuck with that pantomime act.
The best moments are when he is allegedly deep in communication with spirits and there's an unexplained noise, he squeals and panics and any pretence that he's got any spooky powers vanishes. Funny stuff. I cheered every time it cut his lame possessions short.
It's still kind of interesting if you want a short history of famous Hollywood people who have crashed and burned in various was. There's Gail too, who could present a documentary on how doorknobs are made and would probably make it seem fairly interesting. I like ghost shows but I don't think there's really much material to work with, I've never heard any really good celebrity ghost stories beyond the ones spun by people hoping to play up the connection between their business or home and a celebrity.
It's not great but it's still worth a watch, if only to chuckle at that medium who makes Derek Acorah look convincing. They do visit some interesting places and some of the stars might be of interest to you as well.
Even Gail can't fully go along with the medium because he's so ridiculous. "Stop being weird" she says to him during one investigation and not without good reason. Everywhere he goes he wanders around like a tourist before screwing his face up and wobbling his mouth and making horse noises in a weird way. Then he has a revelation that is to say the least bleeding obvious or falls into a trance where he froths at the mouth and snarls out messages. If Gail should dare to ask him any details he turns incredibly defensive and pissy about the whole thing which is funny, though you can't help but feel a bit sorry for her stuck with that pantomime act.
The best moments are when he is allegedly deep in communication with spirits and there's an unexplained noise, he squeals and panics and any pretence that he's got any spooky powers vanishes. Funny stuff. I cheered every time it cut his lame possessions short.
It's still kind of interesting if you want a short history of famous Hollywood people who have crashed and burned in various was. There's Gail too, who could present a documentary on how doorknobs are made and would probably make it seem fairly interesting. I like ghost shows but I don't think there's really much material to work with, I've never heard any really good celebrity ghost stories beyond the ones spun by people hoping to play up the connection between their business or home and a celebrity.
It's not great but it's still worth a watch, if only to chuckle at that medium who makes Derek Acorah look convincing. They do visit some interesting places and some of the stars might be of interest to you as well.
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