PSI Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal 

A science team that works for the Office of Scientific Investigation and Research (O.S.I.R.) investigates the reports of supernatural phenomena.

Creators:

Peter Aykroyd, Christopher Chacon

Stars:

Dan Aykroyd, Nancy Anne Sakovich, Barclay Hope

1 win & 5 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Dan Aykroyd	...	Himself / ... 88 episodes, 1996-2000
Nancy Anne Sakovich	...	Lindsay Donner 87 episodes, 1996-2000
Barclay Hope	...	Peter Axon 85 episodes, 1996-2000
Colin Fox	...	Professor Anton Hendricks 70 episodes, 1996-2000
Matt Frewer	...	Matt Prager 49 episodes, 1997-1999
Soo Garay	...	Dr. Claire Davison / ... 37 episodes, 1996-2000

Storyline

A team of scientific researchers belonging to a scientific group that investigates reports of paranormal phenomena. A procedural format that follows a hand-full of characters on their assigned cases, the investigations would either be determined to have rational/explainable causes or be determined to be paranormal in-nature. Loosely inspired by a real-life organization and true-events.

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Plot Keywords:

native american ruins | paranormal | paranormal activity | paranormal phenomenon | paranormal investigation team | 

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Genres:

Drama | Fantasy | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 February 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

Psi Factor

Filming Locations:

Stouffville, Ontario, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Alliance Atlantis Communications,Atlantis Films,First Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min (88 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

As a scientific think-tank based out of northern California, the organization was prominently featured in several high-profile news and documentary programs in the early 1990s, including NBC Network News and Japanese NIPPON News, both highlighting a rare behind-closed-doors look into the operations and ongoing research of the private firm.

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Quotes

Matt Praeger: Between doing her hair in ponytails and swooning over the Backstreet Boys, it seems my daughter's been dabbling in witchcraft. But apparently it's okay, see, because it's the good kind.

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Connections

Referenced in Witchouse II: Blood Coven (2000)

User Reviews

Badly focused, but still somehow very entertaining

Much like Dan Akroyd's career, this TV show is all over the place. And yet it remained an enjoyable TV show mostly to the efforts of the core actors.

It purports to tell the case files of the OSIR, a paranormal investigation group, In reality, even lower budget than Ghost Hunters (before they got a show). In the show, a modern, high budget world class organization with top class personnel and gadgets.

In Season 1, it was played fairly straight, with the OSIR team investigating two paranormal cases or events per show. It was perhaps a bit dry, but each case was interesting in its own right.

In Season 2, apparently to boost ratings, they brought in Matt Frewer (of Max Headroom fame) to replace Paul Miller. They also changed it to one investigation per hour. And the tone shifted from overall paranormal, to more something like the X-files - conspiracies and such (more corporate than government). In came Michael Moriarity, playing a conspiracy expert.

Season 3 scaled back the conspiracy stuff somewhat(and Moriarty's character) but still kept the same sort of focus in terms of what was being investigated. But the focus was also a lot on characterization. But in the season finale, they wrapped up the conspiracy stuff and brought back Michael Moriarty briefly.

In the last season, Season 4, Matt Frewer left the show after a few episodes and the focus changed back to more investigating stuff, not conspiracies. They also brought in a new investigator, a woman that is mostly forgettable. Dan Akroyd also pretty much stopped introducing each episode, instead using a generic one for every one.

So in a way, the show was sort of a trainwreck. Yet at the same time, it was worth watching thanks to the efforts of the core group of actors - Barclay Hope, Nancy Anne Sakovich, Colin Fox, plus the very lovely Soo Garay as a medical examiner and Peter Blais as a cryptozoologist in recurring roles.