| |
Ghost Whisperer is an American television drama-fantasy-thriller that premiered on CBS September 23, 2005. The show was developed by Spiritual medium James Van Praagh and created by John Gray. It currently stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, David Conrad, and Camryn Manheim and Jamie Kennedy. Formerly Aisha Tyler and Jay Mohr were part of the regular cast. Ghost Whisperer airs Friday nights at 8/7c. CBS renewed Ghost Whisperer on 5 March 2009, ensuring a fifth season. It is rumoured that Hilary Duff will be made a series regular after her appearance in the show's fourth season.
as CBS Productions' final series before folding into CBS Paramount Television with the merger of Paramount Television for the second season in 2006 (the CBS Productions name would be re-activated in 2008 when 90210 premiered).
The show's title is a reference to the main character Melinda Gordon (portrayed by Jennifer Love Hewitt), who lives in the town of Grandview, New York with her husband Jim (David Conrad), a medic from Mercy Hospital, and who has the ability to see and communicate with the dead.
Discussion
Ask a question about 'Ghost Whisperer' Start a new discussion about 'Ghost Whisperer' Answer questions from other users |
Quotations
Andrea:
Either I have a fever or I'm seeing ghosts now too.
Andrea:
Please, we saw The Ring together, you stayed under your seat.
Andrea:
to Melinda, about Jim Sexy, sensitive and indestructable. I've got to get me a man like that.
Jason:
to Melinda Waiting in line is worse than being dead.
Jim:
I feel like I'm living in a John Carpenter film.
Melinda:
I just figured it out. It's not me not liking Lou. I don't like who you are around him.
Encyclopedia
Ghost Whisperer is an American television drama-fantasy-thriller that premiered on CBS September 23, 2005. The show was developed by Spiritual medium James Van Praagh and created by John Gray. It currently stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, David Conrad, and Camryn Manheim and Jamie Kennedy. Formerly Aisha Tyler and Jay Mohr were part of the regular cast. Ghost Whisperer airs Friday nights at 8/7c. CBS renewed Ghost Whisperer on 5 March 2009, ensuring a fifth season. It is rumoured that Hilary Duff will be made a series regular after her appearance in the show's fourth season.
Production
It was CBS Productions' final series before folding into CBS Paramount Television with the merger of Paramount Television for the second season in 2006 (the CBS Productions name would be re-activated in 2008 when 90210 premiered).
The show's title is a reference to the main character Melinda Gordon (portrayed by Jennifer Love Hewitt), who lives in the town of Grandview, New York with her husband Jim (David Conrad), a medic from Mercy Hospital, and who 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 NBC show Medium, and canceled shows Joan of Arcadia, Tru Calling, 1-800-Missing, Wonderfalls and Afterlife.
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. CBS officially renewed the show for a third season placing it in its regular Friday 8 p.m. time slot. (Eastern US Time) The third season premiered September 28, 2007. Due to the writers strike 12 episodes were completed before the strike. However, once the strike ended, CBS has announced that the show would return April 4, 2008 with 6 episodes. On February 15, 2008, CBS renewed Ghost Whisperer for a fourth season.
Ghost Whisperer will be broadcast in reruns, not only on ION Television, but also on Sci Fi and WE TV.
It was announced on June 12, 2008 that Jamie Kennedy would join the cast as psychology professor Eli James for the fourth season of Ghost Whisperer and Jay Mohr would be leaving after appearing in the first episode in season four as his character Professor Rick Payne takes a sabbatical. Previously recurring cast member Christoph Sanders also joined the regular cast at the start of the fourth season. The fourth season of Ghost Whisperer premiered on Friday, October 3, 2008 and will consist of 26 episodes.
Plot Synopsis
Ghost Whisperer is an episodic series that follows the life of Melinda Gordon, a young woman who has the ability to see and communicate with the dead. 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. Crossing over is when a spirit leaves earth and goes to heaven (however this can't be confirmed as she herself stated she doesn't know what is on the other side).
Despite the episodic structure of the show, plot lines that span two or three episodes (normally during season openers and finishers) develop and progress 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. Her best friend Andrea Moreno 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 third season begins with Melinda realizing that she may have a brother with the same ability she has but not with the same intentions. As Melinda begins uncovering and encountering dark secrets and ghosts, she gets closer and closer to learning the truth of why her father left her and her mother during her childhood. Ultimately, Melinda learns that her father may not be who he appears to be.
The fourth season begins with the introduction of a new character, Eli James who, due to a near-death experience, has gained the ability to listen to the dead. Also, Rick Payne takes a sabbatical and leaves Grandview, thereby signaling the exit of Jay Mohr from the show - whether permanently or not, remains to be seen. Also, Melinda suffers a huge personal loss, placing everything that she holds dear in her life in jeopardy - Jim gets shot and "dies". Yet, everything may not be at a loss and Melinda might still get a second chance at love - stay tuned to see if it happens.
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 scepticism 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 over the ghost(s) from the respective episode.
Episodes/U.S. Ratings
US Seasonal rankings (based on average total viewers per episode) | # Eps | Timeslot (EDT) | Season Premiere | Season Finale | Rank | Viewers
(in millions) |
|---|
| Season 1 | 22 | Friday 8:00 PM | September 23, 2005 | May 5, 2006 | #41 | 10.2 |
|---|
|
| Season 2 | 22 | Friday 8:00 PM | September 22, 2006 | May 11, 2007 | #44 | 9.9 |
|---|
|
| Season 3 | 18 | Friday 8:00 PM | September 28, 2007 | May 16, 2008 | #64 | 9.3 |
|---|
|
| Season 4 | 26 | Friday 8:00 PM | October 3, 2008 | May 29, 2009 | | *10.5 |
|---|
Note: * as of 3/6/09.
Cast
- Rick Payne (Jay Mohr) (Season 2-3; Guest 4)
- Ned Banks (Christoph Sanders) (Recurring Season 3; Season 4- )
Main Crew
Production notes
The series is based on the work of "Spirit Communicator" James Van Praagh, who is co-executive producer and constantly updates a blog about the show through CBS. The stories are also said to be based in part on the work of "Spirit Communicator" Mary Ann Winkowski.. Development of the show dates back to at least two years before its premiere.
The show is currently produced by Sander/Moses Productions in association with CBS Paramount Network Television (originally CBS Productions in season one) and ABC Studios (originally Touchstone Television in the first two seasons).
The show is filmed on the Universal Studios back lot in Hollywood. 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.
Sound effects are completed at Smart Post Sound and special effects at Flash Film Works.
The hair stylist for the show’s protagonist, Melinda Gordon (played by Jennifer Love Hewitt), was five-time Emmy Award-nominated hair designer Michael Reitz.
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. Season three is also supposed to bring about new executive producer P.K. Simonds.
Afterlife in Ghost Whisperer
There are two places in afterlife, when the ghosts "cross over": The Light and the Dark Side. These two places are one of the main points of the show.
The Light
When Melinda helps ghosts cross over, they see a bright light. The Light is invisible to viewers and shown only a few times such as in episodes The Vanishing, The One, Giving up the Ghost (briefly) and The Gathering. Almost all the spirits Melinda helps in the show cross over into the light.
The Dark Side
Not all spirits cross over into the Light. Some cross over to the dark side. Spirits who are trapped in this Limbo are exposed to hate and anger.
However, some ghosts remain earthbound, whether because of an evil force, or unfinished business. Some do not even know they are dead. These spirits can reside above the surface (such as ghosts that haunt people) or in The Underneath (where evil spirits stay).
Awards
| Year | Group | Award | Result | For |
|---|
| 2006 | Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films | Best Actress on Television | | Jennifer Love Hewitt | | Emmy Awards | Outstanding Main Title Design | | | Kids' Choice Awards | Favorite Television Actress | | Jennifer Love Hewitt | | Teen Choice Awards | TV - Choice Breakout Show | | | Young Artist Awards | Best Performance in a Television Series (Comedy or Drama) - Guest Starring Young Actor | | Joseph Castanon | | 2007 | Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films | Best Actress in a Television Program | | Jennifer Love Hewitt | | Emmy Awards | Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score) | | Episode: Love Never Dies | | Teen Choice Awards | Choice TV Actress: Drama | | Jennifer Love Hewitt | | 2008 | Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films | Best Actress on Television | | Jennifer Love Hewitt | | TV Land Awards | Favorite Character from the "Other Side" | | Jennifer Love Hewitt | | Young Artist Awards | Best Performance in a TV Series - Guest Starring Young Actress | | Jenna Boyd | | 2009 | GLAAD Media Awards | Outstanding Individual Episode (in a series without a regular LGBT character) | | For episode "Slam". | |
Internet promotion
The Other Side
A series of webisodes entitled Ghost Whisperer: The Other Side have been released on the Ghost Whisperer website. 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.
The second season of The Other Side premiered on the CBS website on January 18, 2008.
andshamethedevil.net
andshamethedevil.net is a site linked to Ghost Whisperer. The site is mentioned in the Season 3 premiere. By visiting the site and clicking on the word 'bloody', it leads to another site rubloodymary.com
By clicking on the star in the upper right hand corner, the site appears to crack into pieces. Those pieces can be moved by dragging, revealing this message: "Meet Me In The Underworld". Small type at the bottom of the page read the repeated words: "bloody mary. bloody mary. bloody mary."
rubloodymary.com
rubloodymary.com is mentioned in episode 302 - "Don't Try This At Home" - which prominently features the Bloody Mary Urban Legend. When visiting rubloodymary.com 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 26, 2007, episode 305 of Ghost Whisperer aired 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 andshamethedevil.net which is another secret Ghost Whisperer site.
penthius.info
In the series, the Penthius site is often used by Melinda to look up information about the families and ghosts that she is investigating in Grandview. A real world version of this site has been up since February 2008. The site description reads: "Penthius.Info is a free search engine and video super site based on the search engine in the television series The Ghost Whisperer with Jenifer Love Hewitt." It was first mentioned in a post on TV.com by misscalais, a fan who created the site to promote the show.
DVD Releases
The Region 1 DVD releases are distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment/CBS DVD, while releases in all other regions are distributed by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment (formerly Buena Vista Home Entertainment).
| Season | Specifications | Special Features | Release dates |
|---|
| 1 |
- 22 episodes
- 6 discs
- Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1 Aspect Ratio
- Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
- No subtitles
| Audio Commentaries Blooper Reel Deleted Scenes Two featurettes Virtual tour: Grandview Ghost Whisperer Mythology Scare Tactics |
Region 1
- October 31, 2006
Region 2
- July 9, 2007 (Europe)
April 23, 2008 (Japan)
Region 3
- May 29, 2007 (Hong Kong)
June 19, 2007 (Korea)
Region 4
- May 23, 2007
| | 2 |
- 22 episodes
- 6 discs
- Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1 Aspect Ratio
- Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
- Close captioned
| Audio Commentaries Behind-the-scenes featurettes The Other Side webseries Tarot Cards Music Video |
Region 1
- September 18, 2007
Region 2
- February 25, 2008
Region 3
- April 8, 2008 (Hong Kong)
July 26, 2008 (Korea)
Region 4
- April 2, 2008
| | 3 |
- 18 episodes
- 5 discs
- Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1 Aspect Ratio
- Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
- Close captioned
| Audio Commentaries Behind-the-scenes featurettes The Other Side II web series Interactive games- Interactive Haunted House
- Interactive Mash up
- Melinda's Haunted Diary
|
Region 1
- September 2, 2008
Region 2
- April 6, 2009
Region 3
- N/A
Region 4
- March 12, 2009
|
- Ghost Whisperer Season two DVD was released on September 18, 2007 in the US. 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.
Books
Novels
| Title | Author | Summary | Corresponding Season |
|---|
Revenge
(September 30, 2008) | Doranna Durgin | A ghost brings his killer upon Melinda, but can the ghost stop the person before it is to late? | Season 2+ | The Haunted
(October 15, 2008) | Carrie Smith, Becca Smith | A ghost claiming to be the Egyptain God Osiris arrives in Grandview with the intent of creating darkness which would prevent Melinda from helping other ghosts. | Season 2+ | Plague Room
(November 25, 2008) | Steven Piziks | Melinda has trouble crossing some ghosts over into the light, enter new Ghost Whisperer Wendy King. Melinda becomes upset when she learns of that Wendy requires fees and traps the ghosts forcing them into the light against their will. Andrea is featured in the novel, making it before the finale events of season one. | Season 1+ | Ghost Trap
(March 31, 2009) | Doranna Durgin | Has not yet been released | Season 2+ | |
Guide Books
| Title | Author | Summary |
|---|
Spirit Guide
(November 25, 2008) | Kim Moses,
Ian Sander | A guide to communicating with ghosts in the real world as well as a guide to the show. Includes interviews, photos, and an episode summary. | |
International
External links
|
