Investigative Journalism Meets the Supernatural
If you’re interested in exploring the paranormal, check out The Dead Files, a popular TV show that has gained attention for its unique blend of investigative journalism and paranormal research. This article introduces the show’s origins, premise, and increasing popularity among audiences.
We’ll delve into the methods and techniques used by the show’s hosts, Steve DiSchiavi, a former NYPD homicide detective, and Amy Allan, a physical medium, and how they work together to uncover the truth behind each case they investigate.
The show was created by Rob Sharenow, the executive vice president of programming for the Travel Channel at the time. The Dead Files’ unique premise and combination of paranormal research and criminal investigation quickly drew in audiences, and it has now been on the air for over a decade.
The production gained a loyal following, with viewers tuning in to watch new weekly episodes. Join us on this journey into The Dead Files, where fact and the supernatural collide.
The First Air Date
The first episode of The Dead Files is titled “Evil in Erieville” and aired on September 23, 2011. In this episode, paranormal investigators Amy Allan and Steve DiSchiavi travel to a haunted barn and farmhouse in Erieville, New York, to investigate a murderous past.
Creation and Production
The Dead Files is not just another paranormal TV show. It’s a gripping and unique program that has taken the genre to a new level. The show’s hosts include Steve DiSchiavi and Amy Allan. In each episode, viewers are transported to some of the most haunted locations in America.


- Amy Allan — A physical medium who communicates with the dead and can feel their energy.
- Steve Dischiavi — A 21-year veteran of the NYPD who uses his investigative skills to research the history of the location being investigated.
Their investigations are spine-tingling and incredibly insightful as they uncover hidden truths and reveal the stories of the spirits that haunt these locations. Combining Steve’s investigative skills and Amy’s psychic abilities creates a dynamic duo that brings a fresh perspective to paranormal investigations. Its success can be attributed to its fascinating investigations, captivating storytelling, and talented hosts.
The show’s production crew includes:
- Jim Casey (Executive Producer)
- Rob Rosen (Executive Producer)
- Maria Awes (Showrunner, Executive Producer)
The show’s approach to investigating the paranormal is unique in combining both psychic abilities and traditional investigative methods.
The TV show has left an indelible mark on the paranormal genre, setting a high bar for others to follow. The Dead Files is a must-watch for anyone interested in the paranormal or seeking an intense and captivating TV experience.
Primary Focus of the Show
The show primarily focuses on cases of haunted houses, where families have reported experiencing unexplainable paranormal activity. Amy and Steve bring their own unique skills to the investigation, with the two working together to discover the history of the property and the spirits that inhabit it.
The show relies heavily on Amy’s psychic abilities to gather evidence regarding tools and techniques. She often conducts walkthroughs of the property and communicates with the spirits she encounters.
On the other hand, Steve uses more traditional investigative methods, such as researching property records and interviewing local historians and residents. The investigators carefully approach each case with an open mind and remain objective throughout.
Overall, The Dead Files has become popular for its unique method of probing the paranormal and its ability to uncover the history and mysteries surrounding haunted properties. The show’s success can also be attributed to its ability to create suspense and intrigue through its storytelling.
The show’s producers use various techniques to build tension and engage the audience. For example, the show often employs a “reveal” moment, where Amy and Steve share their findings with the property owners and reveal what they have uncovered about the spirits haunting the property. This moment is often accompanied by dramatic music and close-up shots of the property owner’s reactions, adding to the overall suspense of the show.
Additionally, the show’s dramatic re-enactments and interviews with witnesses and experts help to bring the story to life and create a more immersive experience for viewers.
Another reason for the show’s success is the likeability and relatability of the hosts, Amy and Steve. Their unique skills and personalities make them an entertaining and engaging duo to watch on screen. Amy’s psychic abilities and Steve’s detective skills complement each other well, and their banter and interactions make for an enjoyable viewing experience.
The hosts are also relatable in that they approach each case with empathy and compassion for the families affected by the hauntings. They often offer emotional support and guidance to the property owners, which helps to humanize the show.
The Dead Files Impact on the Paranormal Community
The Dead Files has gained a reputation for its unique and innovative approach to investigating haunted properties. Steve DiSchiavi and Amy Allan combine psychic abilities and traditional investigative methods to examine each location more holistically.
This unique approach has garnered praise from many, as it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the supernatural events occurring in each property. The show has also significantly impacted pop culture, with many viewers becoming fascinated by the paranormal and seeking out their own investigations.
The Dead Files has inspired a renewed interest in the supernatural and has been credited with bringing the paranormal into the mainstream.
Even with the show’s popularity, reviews have been mixed. While some praise the hosts’ skills and approach, others criticize the show’s reliance on psychic abilities and lack of scientific evidence. Additionally, some accuse the show of being scripted or staged, which has caused controversy among some viewers.
Despite these criticisms, the show’s popularity has only grown over the years, with numerous positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The Dead Files continues to captivate viewers with its unique blend of paranormal research and investigative journalism, making it a staple in the world of paranormal entertainment.
The Dead Files Seasons and Episodes
The Dead Files has aired numerous seasons, with the number of episodes making up each season varying from between 8 to 36. Some of the show’s most popular episodes have featured investigations into notoriously haunted locations and historic landmarks.
One of the best episodes featured an investigation into a haunted hotel, where the team encountered several unexplained occurrences and paranormal phenomena. Another popular episode involved an investigation into a derelict hospital, where the team used their psychic abilities to communicate with the spirits that still resided within the property.
Famous Guest Appearances
The show does not rely on guests or experts in the paranormal field but instead focuses on the work of the show’s two main investigators.
Together, they conduct separate investigations and present their findings to each other at the end of the episode. This format allows the show to provide a fresh and unique perspective on paranormal investigations without relying on outside expertise.
This approach has increased the show’s popularity and helped establish it as one of the most well-regarded paranormal TV shows.
Controversies and Criticisms of the Show
Paranormal TV shows have always been surrounded by controversy, and this show is no exception. The Dead Files has been accused of fakery and fraud, with critics claiming that the show’s investigators use fabricated evidence to support their claims of paranormal activity. Additionally, some viewers have accused the show of sensationalizing the paranormal, which can contribute to misunderstandings and misconceptions about the field.

In response to these criticisms, the show’s producers have defended their methods and have asserted that all evidence presented on the show is genuine. They have emphasized that the show’s investigators are trained professionals who use a combination of psychic abilities and traditional investigative methods to uncover the mysteries behind the hauntings.
Despite the show’s response, these controversies have undoubtedly impacted the show’s reputation and audience. Some viewers have lost faith in the show’s authenticity, while others continue to tune in for entertainment value.
Others have pointed out that the show’s results and conclusions seem predetermined and scripted. Additionally, some have accused the show of exploiting vulnerable people who are experiencing real-life paranormal phenomena for entertainment purposes.
The show has also faced criticism for the methods used by the hosts, particularly their reliance on psychic mediums, which some view as unscientific and unreliable. While these controversies may have caused some viewers to question the show’s credibility, The Dead Files remains popular.
Paranormal television shows have been a popular genre for many years, and The Dead Files is just one of many examples of this type of programming. While the show has faced its fair share of controversies and criticisms, it remains a well-known and well-watched program with a loyal fanbase.
Future Outlook
Fans of The Dead Files have been eagerly awaiting news about the show’s future, but unfortunately, the current status remains unknown. Despite the lack of official announcements regarding new seasons or episodes, the show’s hosts, Amy Allan and Steve DiSchiavi, have remained active on social media and continue interacting with fans. They have shared updates about their personal investigations and have been involved in other paranormal-related projects.
Amy Allan has been busy with her own production company, which focuses on creating content related to the paranormal. She has also been involved in speaking engagements, sharing her experiences and insights with audiences worldwide. In addition, she has continued to use her psychic abilities to help individuals and businesses with paranormal activity.
Steve DiSchiavi has also been involved in other paranormal-related projects, including his involvement in the Travel Channel series Ghost Nation. He has also been active in the real estate industry, using his investigative skills to research properties and uncover potential paranormal activity.
While the future of The Dead Files remains uncertain, fans can take comfort that Amy and Steve continue to share their expertise and passion for the paranormal through various projects and engagements. The show may return in the future, and in the meantime, fans can continue to follow the hosts and stay connected with the show’s community on social media.
The future of paranormal TV shows remains uncertain, but it’s clear that the genre has left its mark on popular culture. Shows like Ghost Hunters, Paranormal State, and Ghost Adventures have introduced many people to the world of paranormal investigations and helped make the paranormal a more mainstream topic of discussion.
These shows have been important in shaping the entertainment industry and inspiring a new generation of paranormal investigators. As for The Dead Files specifically, the show’s legacy will continue to be debated by fans and critics alike.
Some will remember it as an entertaining and engaging program, while others will view it as a controversial and potentially fake show. Regardless of your opinion, it’s clear that The Dead Files has left its mark on the world of paranormal TV shows and will be remembered as a key player in the genre.
Final Thoughts on The Dead Files TV Show
Paranormal TV shows have become popular entertainment, captivating audiences with their eerie and supernatural content. The genre has evolved over the years, and one such show that significantly impacted it is The Dead Files. It has successfully created a unique approach to investigating paranormal activity, and its popularity speaks for itself.
The show’s unique approach to investigating the paranormal and utilizing the science and psychic abilities have made it stand out from other shows in the same genre. It is worth watching if you are fascinated with the paranormal, as it provides an exciting and informative insight into a hidden world. The Dead Files has significantly impacted the paranormal TV show genre, and its legacy is sure to last for years to come.