Haunted History

Watch Haunted History

  • 2013
  • 1 Season
  • 8.0  (126)

Haunted History is an eerie, profound, and thoroughly captivating documentary series that aired on the History Channel's H2 network from 1998. Entrenched in the realm between history, mystery, and the supernatural, the show offers a peculiar marriage of significant historical events and suspected ghost stories that have developed over time.

As the name suggests, every episode of Haunted History surveys a specific geography, ranging from American cities like San Francisco, Boston, and New Orleans to entire countries including Ireland and England. Each episode masterfully attempts to thread a needle between past event documentary and ghost folklore. Aided by a striking assembly of historians, authors, and paranormal experts, the narrative strives to strike an equilibrium between historical facts and spectral legends that have been passed down through generations.

The format of the show follows a predictable but entrancing pattern. Each episode unfolds with the presentation of a specific location's background information. This part delves into its geographical, historical, political, and cultural details - providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the location's significance. Once the foundation is laid, the narrative segues into the haunted aspects of the history. Here's where the frisson begins to seep in, as audiences are introduced to the chilling ghost stories, urban legends, and strange happenings associated with each area.

What is unique about Haunted History is the way it approaches these supernatural stories. As opposed to presenting the ghost stories purely as horror tales, the show recontextualizes them as offshoots of the respective location's history. Violence, wars, epidemics, and disasters that had led to a large number of fatalities have often been associated with heightened paranormal activity. By introducing the historic events that might have led to these surges in ghost sightings or strange occurrences, the show provides a more rounded viewpoint, allowing viewers to make the connections themselves.

The host narrates the show with a voice that perfectly matches the show's spooky tone, his grave and resonating enunciation adds an aura of believability to these ghostly tales. Meanwhile, the riveting background score and the realistic dramatic recreations help accentuate the suspense, keeping you hooked to your screen for the full duration of the episodes.

The series also occasionally interviews people who claim to have had personal experiences with these supernatural beings or occurrences. Combining first-hand accounts with a comprehensive research-based narrative, Haunted History aims at providing viewers with a complete picture of the haunted aspects of various locations.

While remaining strictly informative, Haunted History also excels in keeping the viewer's interest piqued with its stunning visuals. The cinematography enhances the spookiness of the series, with shots of abandoned buildings, age-old cemeteries, ghostly forests, and isolated spots. The aesthetic appeal of the series can't be denied and adds an integral part of the viewer experience.

However, a word of caution to potential viewers - Haunted History does not seek to confirm or refute the existence of the paranormal, nor does it shove unsubstantiated claims as facts. Instead, it presents stories as they have been told over the centuries, offering you a piece of local lore that you can either choose to believe or dismiss as myth.

Undeniably, Haunted History is a highly entertaining and enlightening show for both paranormal enthusiasts and history buffs. It offers a unique way of learning about significant historical locations from a slightly chilling perspective. By interweaving fact and folklore, the series uncovers a facet of our past that is often overlooked, presenting history through an uncannily intriguing lens.

In conclusion, Haunted History is not just a documentary about ghosts, but a series that encourages us to look closer at the narratives we construct about our past. Whether or not you believe in the paranormal, this series is an absolute must-watch if the idea intrigues you, or if you're simply looking for a different take on history.

Haunted History is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (9 episodes). The series first aired on June 30, 2013.

Haunted History
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Seasons
Katrina Cannibal
8. Katrina Cannibal
September 6, 2013
New Orleans, Louisiana has a storied spiritual history, and is considered by many to be the most haunted city in America. In August of 2005 a tragic event occurred that would change the city forever--Hurricane Katrina. But how did this affect the spirit world? One local couple would soon find out. Zack Bowen and Addie Hall decided to remain as "holdouts" in the French Quarter. Then, in October of 2006, Zack committed suicide by jumping from the top floor of a local hotel, just a little more than a week after he committed a heinous and shocking act: he strangled his Addie and dismembered her corpse. The crime sent shockwaves through New Orleans as the locals searched for answers. Did Zack's experience in the Iraq War years before cause him to do the unthinkable? Or, as some locals speculate, was Zack the victim of a demonic possession brought on during the aftermath of Katrina...creating the perfect storm of hungry spirits and vulnerable prey?
Primal Fear
7. Primal Fear
October 27, 2008
Doctors, historians, psychologists, and scientists examine the roots of our greatest fears and examine how fear has been manipulated to create mass hysteria.
Salem Witch Trials
6. Salem Witch Trials
August 23, 2013
In 1692, America witnessed the most horrific acts of injustice when 19 innocent people were hanged and one was pressed to death for the practice of witchcraft. Today, Salem Massachusetts is famous for its numerous accounts of paranormal activity.
The Torso Murders
5. The Torso Murders
August 16, 2013
Investigating the serial killings in Ohio in the 1930s allegedly at the hands of the Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run.
A Deadly Possession
4. A Deadly Possession
August 9, 2013
Exploring the history of a haunted wine box.
Lost Souls of Pennhurst
3. Lost Souls of Pennhurst
August 2, 2013
In 1908 Pennhurst Asylum in eastern Pennsylvania was built to house and care for epileptic, disabled and "feeble-minded" patients. But with too many patients, and not enough staff, abuse, neglect and horrific conditions resulted. Today the spirits of the patients and abusive employees remain.
Murder Castle
2. Murder Castle
July 26, 2013
The 1893 Chicago World's Fair was a triumph of architecture and technology that offered millions a preview of the 20th century. But a mere mile down the road from the fair, one man, H.H. Holmes, was plotting to build a hotel designed for murder, which would later be known as "The Murder Castle."
Ghosts of Gettysburg
1. Ghosts of Gettysburg
July 19, 2013
Hundreds of witnesses have encountered the paranormal in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania making it one of the most haunted towns in America.
Season 1: Sneak Peek
0. Season 1: Sneak Peek
June 30, 2013
Catch a FREE sneak peek of Haunted History, before it premieres on Friday, July 12.
Description
Where to Watch Haunted History
Haunted History is available for streaming on the H2 website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Haunted History on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Hulu, Vudu, History Vault, Apple TV and Pluto TV.
  • Premiere Date
    June 30, 2013
  • IMDB Rating
    8.0  (126)