Ghost Hunters! Paranormal in reality TV

I figured we couldn't have a supernatural tv class without talking about a more recent phenomenon to hit the tube, and that would be the merging of the paranormal with reality television.  There have been quite a few examples of this, but one of the most popular (especially by this poster) has been the SciFi Channel hit, Ghost Hunters.  For those unfamiliar with the show, the two founders of T.A.P.S. (The Atlantic Paranormal Society), Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, lead their group of paranormal investigators to locations that are believed to be "haunted."  

At their location of interest, the thoroughly investigate, interviewing people who live/work there, research the history of the location, and use electronic equipment that is thought to detect paranormal activity.  TAPS's equipment includes things like digital thermometers, electromagnetic field detectors, infrared and night vision cameras, and digital audio recorders.  

The evidence they find is usually minimal.  Their MO is usually to go into a location to debunk or disprove claims of a haunting.  Jay and Grant's "day job" as Roto Rooter plumbers (which is referenced to every single friggin episode, though its hilarious) gives them the knowledge of all sorts of odd plumbing issues that apparently are often misinterpreted as a ghost.  Because when I hear a gurgling toilet, I think ghost.  Although there have been a good handful of investigations that have turned up some interesting evidence, both audio and video (including a case where a pissed off ghost apparently picked up and threw the sound guy on the production team).

Now there have been other shows that are very similar in nature, but most, if not all, match the awesomeness that is Ghost Hunters.  One of which is Paranormal State, which I've caught a few episodes of.  They try to do the same as TAPS, but ultimately fail.  First off, the members remind me of a few trekies between conventions that have nothing else to do so they decide to hunt ghosts.  They also like to find everything paranormal to be some sort of evil demon, and rely heavily on religion as a means to remediate the "problem." Which bring about a interesting point.  According to the  entertainment world, if you find yourself to be possessed, unless you believe in the power of Christ, you're screwed.  It's something that might be worth looking more into.  Also I have yet to see some evidence out of that show.  Entertaining?  Maybe.  Real?  I think not.

Personally, I'll be sticking to Ghost Hunters.  I'll be watching Ghost Hunters International tonight, and can't wait for season 4 next month!