George Anderson to have own special on ABC

[Pam]

ABC psyched up for ``Contact'' special
By Josef Adalian

HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - ABC is crossing over into the dead people business.

The network has pacted with psychic medium and bestselling author George Anderson for ``Contact,'' a one-hour primetime special that also will double as a ``backdoor'' pilot for a possible series or specials franchise. ABC is the first broadcast network to jump into the burgeoning market for mediums who claim an ability to talk with the deceased, a trailed blazed by ``Crossing Over'' star John Edward.

``He's the guy with the real sixth sense,'' said Andrea Wong, senior VP of alternative programming for ABC. ``We think he is legitimate.''

While ``Contact'' is the first confirmed project of its kind set up at a major network, it is unlikely to be the last. NBC is in the early stages of production on an hourlong special featuring veteran psychic James Van Praagh.

The ABC entry will differentiate itself from other spiritual shows by having Anderson attempt to contact individuals with whom the general public might be familiar -- either celebs or those who've been involved in headline-making events. It'll likely avoid a studio audience.

``We want to deal with situations people care about,'' Wong said.

Insiders said the NBC special will also be celeb-focused, with Van Praagh possibly contacting dead celebs or helping celebs talk to deceased loved ones. He'll also travel around the country to help relatives of deceased folks involved in headline-grabbing events.

Van Praagh is also developing a psychic talker with syndicator Tribune Entertainment, while CBS will tell his life story in a four-hour miniseries starring Ted Danson.

Edward's Sci Fi Channel series has been a hit for the cable channel; a syndicated version launched last week.

Mediums such as Anderson and Van Praagh have generated controversy in some circles, with critics questioning their ability to talk to dead people. Wong, however, is convinced that Anderson's skills are real.

``I think this guy is the real deal,'' she said. ``I wouldn't do (the special) if I didn't think he was legitimate.''

Anderson, 49, is the author of the New York Times bestseller ``Lessons From the Light.''

NBC declined comment on its development.

Reuters/Variety REUTERS

[Jude]

Oh, no! And just when I thought we might be making some headway!

I wouldn't mind if Van Praagh and Anderson were going to do some specials or even television series, but WHY celebrities and headline-grabbing events? Not only are they leaving themselves wide open for the skeptics, but it sensationalizes the whole process and that is NOT what it's about. I wonder what JE thinks of this news?

While referring to how the "ABC entry will differentiate itself from other spiritual shows", the statement, "We want to deal with situations people care about," seems to imply that most people are eager to see and/or hear about celebrities and headline-making events, and that they don't care about the "regular guy."

As a person who watches Crossing Over daily, has been to three of John's seminars, and got a reading at one of those, I take offense at that statement. I do not think I'm alone in saying that I thorougly enjoy watching other average people's readings. I think we all take comfort in those messages because we can so easily identify with them.

Oh, dear! Am I being too sensitive? I just don't want any of this to have a negative effect on John Edward. Bless him!

[ksdust]

but this is amazing! the other side is seeing the light of day, so to speak. bringing communication with those gone on into Prime Time is BIG! it's one thing to have some people believe such a thing is possible. it's another to present it to the television world as fact. it's a change in consciousness, I think, and it's possible the world will never be the same.

now we, of course, think our boy John is the best. and though he doesn't want this to be "about him" it's important who the messenger is. he has the dedication, the energy, the nice physical appearance, the personality, the openness and honesty--and humor!--to present the work that he and others do in a way that's interesting and thought-provoking.

those like Anderson and Van Praagh that seem to be riding on his coat-tails are actually the ones that paved the way for him. I just hope they do this work justice on their upcoming tv shows.

I repeat, this is BIG!

[Jude]

I agree with you regarding George Anderson, although I've only seen him on television. JVP, I know nothing about.

But, see? Here we have Lisa Marie Presley already making public statements about what she's hoping to hear and from whom -- isn't this exactly what we DON'T want to do??

How can anyone be objective after that?

[ksdust]

I don't blame the network people for wanting to do a celebrity thing--after all, their job is to get viewers and high ratings. the danger, as we see it, is for Elvis to come through with "Hi-ya baby girl. sure you go ahead and marry that fellow. 'course he ain't nothin' but a hound dog. I'm with my mama and my brother Jesse. hey, do you still have my blue suede shoes? "

But the interesting idea is: can a medium just call up any person they want? if Lisa Marie shows up is it a given that Elvis will be there, too, and ready to speak out? maybe he has other things to do. even when you call someone on the phone you don't know if they will be there or answer even if they are.

I wonder if Elvis has an an answering machine. he should at least have caller i.d.

[ceceoh]

Originally posted by Pam
ABC psyched up for ``Contact'' special
By Josef Adalian

``He's (George Anderson) the guy with the real sixth sense,'' said Andrea Wong, senior VP of alternative programming for ABC. ``We think he is legitimate.''


The ABC entry will differentiate itself from other spiritual shows by having Anderson attempt to contact individuals with whom the general public might be familiar -- either celebs or those who've been involved in headline-making events. It'll likely avoid a studio audience.

``We want to deal with situations people care about,'' Wong said.


Reuters/Variety REUTERS

Gee, however did Sci-Fi manage to come up with a hit show featuring readings for "Joe Six-Pack" and housewives from the Bronx?

I mean, he's only showing us stories of courage, love, faith, and laughter. His show only suggests that a 10,000 year history of belief in the continuation of the human spirit after death just MIGHT be justified. That posterity isn't just reserved for kings and saints, but for everyone. That prayers are heard, and second chances are allowed. How have they gotten by for three years without showing us "situations people care about"? Like celebrities!

Celebrities? Bah! Get a clue, Ms. Wong

[PsyQuestor]

Insiders said the NBC special will also be celeb-focused, with Van Praagh possibly contacting dead celebs or helping celebs talk to deceased loved ones. He'll also travel around the country to help relatives of deceased folks involved in headline-grabbing events.


I am confused a bit, is GA or JVP ( or both ) going to do the celeb based 'theme'? I don't have an opinion yet about the show(s) but think any good exposure could help to bring mediumship into the public eye.

So long as they are tastefully done, I'm OK with it :shrug:

Tammy

[ceceoh]

"He'll (Van Praagh) also travel around the country to help relatives of deceased folks involved in headline-grabbing events."

Tammy, I can only think that when they say "headline-grabbing events" they are speaking of school shootings, plane crashes, natural disasters causing massive loss of life, etc. Mr. Praagh will then show up and offer to contact the lost children, spouses, friends of the grief stricken survivors, as long as they do it in front of the camera. Respectfully, how can they do this "tastefully"?

Now it could be that Mr. Van Praagh will be headed for the next global summit, where he will stroll up to President Putin and say, "Hey, wanna hear what Brezhnev has to say about all this?" But I'm not putting money on it.

In my humble opinion, just from reading what the approach will be on these shows, they deserve to sink like a rock into "one season" oblivion, and I hope they do. And I'd be saying this whether I'd ever seen John Edward's show or not.

[Fairiedust]

If Ms. Wong got a clue, she'd lose her livelyhood.

[Yardbird]

http://www.themelee.com/smilies/s/otn/sad/nea.gif

You know, I really hate to compare apples to oranges, but I remember when Judge Judy was the only court-type show in syndication. Then there were 18 on in one season. Now a handful have survived. It really doesn't matter what Mr. Anderson or Mr. VanPraagh are pitching to networks- the key factor to any good TV show is quality over quantity. I highly suggest that everyone do check out those other shows. You'll figure out which you'd prefer watching very quickly.

Just let me know when one attempts to "contact" Kurt Cobain. Would love to see that- just don't think they can unless they want to brave Courtny Love.... http://www.themelee.com/smilies/s/otn/evil/laghost.gif Yardbird

[PsyQuestor]

Originally posted by ceceoh
"He'll (Van Praagh) also travel around the country to help relatives of deceased folks involved in headline-grabbing events."

Tammy, I can only think that when they say "headline-grabbing events" they are speaking of school shootings, plane crashes, natural disasters causing massive loss of life, etc. Mr. Praagh will then show up and offer to contact the lost children, spouses, friends of the grief stricken survivors, as long as they do it in front of the camera. Respectfully, how can they do this "tastefully"?



Oh, I agree Cece. I would wish it to be otherwise though. I think if everyone was agreeable to it, then it could benefit people. BUT if these readings were spontaneous, and without prior consent, it could be disasterous.

I wasn't really thinking along those lines, being that I am used to watching JE, and we know how caring he is. I don't have a very formed opinion of the other mediums, so bear with me.

Tammy

[ceceoh]

Originally posted by PsyQuestor
...being that I am used to watching JE, and we know how caring he is - Tammy

Oh, I know what you're saying. He got it right (with a little help from his "friends".) These TV producers are trying to come up with another angle. They basically want the same thing, only different.

But I feel there's only one way you can do this right, and J.E. and his wonderful producers have it. The gallery members are there of their own choice. So are the spirits who come to contact them. No one is trying to control or stage the process.

I'd like to be optimistic about this, but I think these new shows will only trivialize the subject, and could cause actual conflict. They just feel "wrong"!

[Luna]

I recently read two books by GA. They are "Our Children Forever" and "We Don't Die".
They helped me alot in a situation I'm dealing with. I do believe that GA is a legitimate medium, but I have never actually seen him "in action".
I'm guessing that his TV show will just cause alot of people to be more skeptical than they already are, unless they show him doing readings for "regular" people.
I doubt that it will hurt JE's show, because there are just too many of us that know, without a doubt, that JE is the real thing.

[JBannister]

Well,
It is too bad about the celeb angle, and I've never hid my
mistrust and dislike of JVP, but I am fine with George Anderson
trying out a show. I think he's a good medium. If he comes off
credible, I believe it will help, not hurt JE.

Julie