Travel Channel announced that a new season of The Dead Files is set to return on June 1. However, this season will see a major casting shake-up. Amy Allan is bidding the series adieu and “passing the torch” to fellow psychic medium Cindy Kaza.
“What about Steve DiSchiavi?” you may be asking.
He’s sticking with the show. Kaza will continue to help him solve cases of unexplained paranormal phenomena.
But what does all this mean? Will it still be the same Dead Files fans have come to know and love? Let’s unpack what else we know about the new season so far.
Amy Allan’s Last Episode
Allan’s final episode will air on Thursday, June 29 on Travel Channel.
Why is Amy Allan leaving?
Allan has partnered with DiSchiavi for over 200 episodes and has been, as Travel Channel put it, “a fundamental part of the team” since the show first premiered in 2011. The pair has helped clients regain control over their lives by making peace with the dead. During that time, they’ve helped hundreds of families and property owners.
However, Allan decided to step down for a personal break. I did a little stalking on her socials to see if she shared any specifics about this decision. I was curious if she mentioned whether her departure was just temporary, if she planned to be back again one day, etc.
I didn’t uncover much, other than she’s recovering from a surgery of some sort. Perhaps foot? I didn’t delve too deep. Just enough to see she’s in a boot, and she has one of those knee scooters to help with getting around post-op.
But for those who may be worried she was forced off the show, that doesn’t appear to be the case. It does seem like the decision was all hers.
About The Dead Files Season 15
First off, is it really season 15? Or Season 16? IMDB has 15 seasons listed for the series, but Wikipedia lists 14 so far. I think the new season premiering on June 1 is season 15, but I may be coming back to correct this post.
Anyway, it will start as all previous seasons have with DiSchiavi and Allan combining their specific skills and perspectives to help solve cases of unexplained paranormal phenomena. They’ll once again each conduct separate investigations to start. DiSchiavi will utilize his detective skills to research the facts around each location. He’ll interview witnesses, experts, and historians about the hauntings, and dig into archives to better understand each property’s history.
Physical medium Allan starts off her investigation with a blind walk-through. She uses her abilities to see and communicate with the dead to identify any entities residing within the properties.
DiSchiavi and Allan don’t divulge their findings to each other. They avoid contact until the end, when they come together to reveal their discoveries to the property owners —and each other.
Cindy Kaza in The Dead Files
But how does Cindy Kaza fit in?
As stated above, Kaza will utilize her psychic medium abilities and take over Allan’s role to partner with DiSchiavi.
Fans of other paranormal TV shows are already familiar with Kaza from her appearances on The Holzer Files, Shock Docs specials, Portals to Hell, The Osbournes: Night of Terror, and Ghosts of Devil’s Perch. But something new I learned about her from the Travel Channel’s press release was that she trained at England’s renowned Arthur Findlay School of Intuitive Sciences.
The Dead Files Season 15 Trailer
For More Info
Visit https://www.travelchannel.com.
Check-In
How do you feel about Cindy Kaza taking over for Amy Allan?
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, and obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. (Yes, really! As explained here.) That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of mystical, to learn how Courtney channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.
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I’m fine with Kaza taking over. She seems like the real deal. I’m just glad Allan is stepping down for what looks like rest and maybe health/recuperation and not that she had a falling out with anyone on the set.
Amy has mentioned before that this sort of work wears her down over time. And in the last few years she’s dealt with cancer and very recently, she stepped wrong off of a walkway and broke some bones, so she needs some serious down time. She also has set up an online shop of interesting goodies.
I do not begrudge her this sabbatical. I am looking forward to seeing how Cindy does working in this format.
I’m with you, Priscilla. Very sorry to hear about Amy’s health problems but so glad it wasn’t a falling out with the network or anything that led to her leaving. Phew! And Kaza always does a good job so she should be fine.
It seems like that would wear on a person with all the disturbing things she sees!!!! I also noticed her shop when I was looking through her socials. SO glad she’s still doing something, and looks like she’s really having a lot of fun doing it too. Wishing her a speedy and true recovery.
Amy had a hysterectomy. She had a dead tooth that needed to be removed and an implant installed. A couple of other things as well. These are medical things which require a lot of time and follow up appointments. She is taking care of her health now. I believe her gynecologist told her to change things up or the stress will end her life early. As for Cindy Kaza, yea she seems legit. But I watched her youtube videos of promoting the BLM psychopaths. That instantly turned me off and now I do not even want to watch the show. I refuse to watch Cindy Kaz and I hate her buddy Dave Schrader. That dude has kids all over the place with different women. Allegedly.
Well, Justine, personal lives are none of my business, and I don’t judge when comparing someone’s personal life to their business life. Those are two totally different things. I appreciate what Dave brings to the table as an investigator, and I always have, Cindy, as well. Admittedly, I am a multi-gun-owning, mid-America, ghost-hunting conservative, and I despise the BLM charade, and as far as Dave goes, his “kids” thing is merely what you suggested, rumors, which are subjective points of view and carry no merit.
All that being said, it brings me to a question I would like to ask Courtney. Courtney, what does Cindy’s appearance on The Dead Files do to the comeback of The Holzer Files? Have you heard any news on that front? I have been waiting anxiously for some info on its launch date. And with this news, it sounds like it may have been canceled again. 🙁 Anything, my friend?
Well between the hysterectomy and her foot surgery…yikes. That’s quite a lot and definitely requires time off work to heal from. And then with everything else you mentioned…sounds like she needed Amy time in a big way and that might interfere with filming time so better to replace her than push the shooting schedule. That, and maybe she just had enough and wanted to go a different direction. That happens too. Kaza is really the only other high profile psychic Travel Channel works with consistently. There have been some others on some of the other shows but no one like Amy or Cindy. And with Dead Files done, it made sense to push Cindy in that slot.
Oh and one other thing…as far as Dave, he’s always been gracious when I’ve interviewed him but I lost a lot of respect for him when he did the Lizzie Borden shock doc. Bad acting from him and Baltrusis during the seance. Didn’t think he’d stoop to those kinds of theatrics. Little disappointing.
Hey Troy, I hope you’re able to see replies to my comments because you asked this before and I’ll say what I said then: Holzer Files is over. Not coming back. Canceled. The stars have moved on to find other shows to do.
Such a shame Amy is leaving. I think she’s a way more talented medium than Kaza.
Courtney, I am not being notified through email again for some reason, and I AM clicking the box at the bottom of the post. Who knows? Technology … the more advanced it gets, the worse it gets, it seems.
As far as Holzer Files goes, strange, that. Because it was gone, then Dave said it was coming back, and now it’s gone again. What a bummer. 🙁 Also, I never saw the Lizzie Borden thing you’re talking about. I wish I could have seen it. Is there a rerun anywhere I could access? Do you know what the show was called? I have software that can pull from Travel Channel. What in the world did he do?
As far as the Dead Files go, there was one thing I found extremely strange … consistently, on every single show, and this is why I stopped watching it. There was never, EVER any balls of light, any shadow figures, any disembodied voices, any footsteps, any moving doors, any cold spots, any poltergeist activity in the slightest, ANYTHING paranormal, whatsoever, at all, in any houses, in any of her walkthroughs, in any show, from any season. I found that so odd and so off-putting, that it made it all feel as if everything was as fake as fake could be. I could understand that without communication devices and the intent to communicate, that much of the time, maybe even the majority of the time, without said attempt to communicate, (which kind of takes most of the fun out of it anyway), they would get nothing. But some places, being as haunted as Amy claimed them to be, would simply be overflowing with activity, and they NEVER were … even a teeny-tiny bit. Didn’t anybody ever think that weird?
Hey Troy, Did you check your spam folder? It might be flagging email notifications as spam?
And ah ha! Now I understand why you thought it Holzer Files might be coming back.
Oh and it was Shock Docs that Dave was in. The Curse of Lizzie Borden. Hope that helps you find it. Curious what you think of it if you watch it.
I think the Dead Files structure is just different. Not really a ghost hunting show as much as…I don’t know what you’d call it. Investigation in a way, but anything where you can’t show me cold hard facts like what Steve digs up is just stories. I think it appeals to a certain portion of the population who wants to believe in psychics. Steve’s findings tend to corroborate Amy’s visions. The format seems to work and is popular so…until that changes, I think it’ll stick around. But not all shows are for everybody for sure. I know from previous comments you do have some other shows you really like so it’s good they do have variety to hit what appeals to different folks.
Idk if it was her choice. She made a Facebook post saying what a rough time she’s going thru ” lost my job” is how she put it,going through another divorce & moving to Arizona
This is one of those times I wish I had emoji capabilities in my comments. This calls for the hands on the face with the open mouth. I’d be so sad to learn it turned out it wasn’t her choice to exit the show. She’s one of the stars I’ve never gotten to speak with, but if I ever do…this will for sure be something I’d ask about! Thanks for leaving a comment.
Troy: The Curse of Lizzie Borden is available on the Discovery + and MAX apps if you have access to either of those, and you are right Courtney, Dave Schrader’s performance was over the top in that one. He always seems a little overly dramatic to me.
I never liked Kaza on the Holtzer show I have always thought that she was and is crazy and a fruit loop that needs a head exam. Amy is okay but she’s just as crazy in my book if not more. Steve him I like better than the two of them. But, I like cops. I can remember two episodes where they spoke before the reveal.
So glad you weighed in with where to watch the Lizzie Borden Shock Docs, Frank. Thanks for doing that. And also glad to know I’m not the only one who thought Dave reached a bit in that doc. lol
I agree with you, Zoe. Steve is super likable. If he left the show, it’d be over. No replacing him.
I don’t know if Cindy will be able to SEE what and how Amy did. Having feelings is different that describing what she was actually seeing, then having a pic drawn..
Excellent point, Judy. Amy and Cindy do have different styles. I’m really curious to see if Cindy keeps hers or tries to adapt Amy’s more for the show.
While I’m really glad that Amy is taking time that she well deserves to focus on her health (if it is her choice to leave), I’m selfishly very sad that she’ll no longer be on the show. She’s been such a fixture in my life for so long. TDF IS Steve and Amy, imo the show should end and Steve and Cindy should do a spin-off (unless continuing TDF earns Amy royalties). I’ve always felt that its often tacky when something like this happens, or an original member of a band leaves, and the remaining members continue tour on the name, and the like. It can be done tastefully if it is a mutual decision to part ways, but it’s not like there’s any shortage of opportunities for new “spooky” shows. I think it could be interesting and fun if they did it that way and started fresh.
Also, as far as I know Dave had never made any mystery of his 9 or so kids? He talked about them pretty regularly on his old podcast. Though not sure of parentage I am pretty sure they all live, or have lived, with him and his wife. It’s not like he’s got secret families all over the place.
Also also, I appreciate the author’s tact in avoiding the political comments. Keep letting people show their behinds, it makes it a lot easier to get my grain of salt ready with which I should take their opinions. Lol
Hi Billy!
You brought up an AWESEOME point that I thought of but didn’t express –or would’ve expressed so eloquently. It IS always weird when someone leaves a show or band like you said but then it just continues on without them, no name change or anything. Sometimes it’s in honor of a member who died and that often makes sense/works. But when one leaves…there have been smooth transitions but also sometimes it’s awkward because the people are tied so closely together. Like in the case of TDF. Amy and Steve seemed like a team, not exchangeable parts. I was shocked they didn’t end the show and start it up as something new.
But I guess because it’s one of the successful “brands” they’ll try to work with it?
I don’t know. That landscape (producing shows) is so mystifying. But I sure do love you take the time to share your thoughts and leave a comment. Thank you!
Courtney – thanks for responding!! And right, like the way lynyrd skynyrd has continued on sort of as a living tribute to the members that passed in the plane crash, I get it. It’s obviously tougher when the member that leaves is a primary song writer (nirvana) but there’s certainly plenty of acts that continue to tour for decades without putting out new music. When it’s the original members (ie Rolling Stones) it’s like, sure, you earned it. But when it’s a few or just one member, even if they do put out new stuff (ie misfits/Jerry only) it can feel like a cash grab or capitalizing on the name. I don’t think that’s what they’re doing here but it’s like you say, Amy and Steve were such a solid team with such good chemistry. I’m sure the basic idea could be successful with any combination of researcher/medium but we’ve had over a decade of being a part of this team along with them.
And you’re right, I’m sure the landscape of putting shows together seems easier on our end! But it does seem like once you’ve been on even a semi-successful paranormal show, it’s not impossible that you could get paired up with another paranormal “free agent” for a future gig if you so desired.
Also, very much agree with the “brand” idea. It’s got to be easier to keep all but one piece in place and continue on than to start from square 1.
We’ll definitely continue watching, and try to keep an open mind. Let’s hope it’s more of a fresh prince post original aunt viv situation than an x files post mulder situation where the focus stays tight and the change isn’t distracting!
Damn, Billy! I want you on my trivia team. You know your music and shows! You’re analogies/comparisons were FIRE!!!! Bravo!!!! I’m so impressed!
Here’s hoping The Dead Files will still be enjoyable in its new form. Love that you’re trying to keep an open mind too. I hope others give it that fair shot too.
People are just people and psychics of all types are a special breed..lol. They all seem to be different and Cindy and Amy are soooo different I’m curious to see how Cindy will work with Steve…
Very well put, Jacki. Different strokes for different folks, for both people and psychics. And it will boil down to Cindy’s approach vs Amy…and the chemistry between her and Steve. Thanks for checking in with your astute thoughts!
Honestly, I’m devastated that Amy is leaving TDF. She is the real deal. I’ve watched her shows since the very beginning. Huge fan. The things she sees and hears are just shocking. In my opinion, Cindy Kaza’s abilities don’t hold a candle to Amy’s. No disrespect to Cindy, but it’s true. I think Amy had a very unique psychic gift. Far beyond all others. Travel Channel messed up by letting her walk. Perhaps they could have upped her pay significantly to reduce stress. Money can definitely lead to stress! Not saying she is broke or anything, but we can all use some extra dough. I do follow Amy on her social media sites, and she really hasn’t blatantly discussed her reason for leaving. There are subtle clues yes – physical and mental health but nothing outright addressing the departure. She did tell people not to follow her or ‘friend’ her if The Dead Files is the only reason they follow her. She is running her Poshmark site selling antiques, her clothes and crystals. I believe she is going back to school soon in AZ too. I am so going to miss her. She is just so sweet, caring, amazing, intelligent and beautiful. Huge loss for the paranormal community. I’d love to see her on YouTube discussing the topic and perhaps starting her own podcast discussing the afterlife and what her daily encounters are like being a psychic. So interesting. I’d definitely tune in. She should definitely write a book!
Oh, Slate, I hope once Amy has her break (if that’s what she needs and is indeed taking), that for all those like yourself who really miss her and want to see her doing more stuff, she does something on YouTube or via a podcast or something. A lot of folks seem to feel much the same as you do. Not only will they miss watching her but they feel it’s a big blow to the paranormal community. Here’s hoping whatever path she takes, she finds health and happiness though.
Please stop the show without Amy period! Cindy Kaza is a circus performer, I saw her live!
I wish Amy the best her health is the most priority. I have seen Cindy in other many paranormal series. She is a great helper as a replacement. I’m sure everything will be fine. I pray for the tv series Dead Files to continue and help many people with problem paranormal at home, pray forever tv series continues again. I love Dead Files.
So sad Amy is leaving, she was awesome, never performed for the camera, you could see she was in her visions. I wish a speedy recovery and for her to heal herself. This Cindy person is just an empath, not a psychic, and also performs for the camera I can’t stand it.
I saw the first episode with Cindy, I prefer Amy, but understand her leaving. I love Steve so I will continue to watch. Cindy seems phony, I’ve seen her in other shows. Amy always the real deal.
There does seem to be more of a show aspect to Cindy’s style, doesn’t there, Erin? Amy does always come off as WYSIWG (what you see is what you get).
That seems to be a popular consensus, Phyllis. Amy fans wish her well but are sad to see her leave the show…and are struggling with seeing Cindy walking in those shoes. I haven’t seen her in an episode yet, but one person said it feels like Cindy is “performing,” and that’s the sense I get from other shows I’ve seen her in. She’s super lovely and a very nice person so I don’t want that to get misconstrued as a ding on her character. A lot of psychics have to conjure up showmanship. It’s all part of the game. But some do it a little more convincingly than others is all I’m saying. Mostly I just hope for TDF fans it doesn’t detract from the show too much and it’s still enjoyable to watch.
What the hell does this have to do with f****** politics, I am so sick and tired of right-wing crap being shoved down our throat. It seems they can’t comment on anything, without keeping their politics out of it. To see somebody push their racist agenda on here is disgusting! I hope Amy well and the rest of the Dead files crew good luck! Truly please keep the political crap out of this, and everything else! If the post or store your reading has no political substance to it, then keep your personal and political agendas to your damn self!
Oh, Charity, I wish I had a way to comment with emojis or gifs. I’d respond with a bunch of hearts! I guess there’s always the old-fashioned way: <3, <3, <3 (but it just doesn't look as cool! lol)
I’ve seen cindy working on other shows and she always seems to quick to want to leave, get out of there. I expect more people now will be told they need to move, as I don’t remember her, giving any advice on how to fix, a haunted situation. Names, dates, type of haunting? I am glad Amy is doing what she wants in life and breaking from this work but there is no replacing Amy Allen. I will watch a few more shows, to see if Cindy can give the detailed info. If not, I will start again, with season 1?
Hey, at least you’re giving it a chance, Angie. And you bring up such a good point…there’s always the re-runs to re-enjoy. lol
I cannot believe that Amy is not going to be part of Dead Files going forward! That news is SO disappointing! Cindy does not seem authentic on her 1st episode of Dead Files. I do not believe the psychic ability is something that can be taught at an institution, as is mentioned that Cindy was educated in England as a medium. I believe that, like Amy, you have to be born with the “6th sense” so to speak. Steve is awesome, but we need a legitimate, believable medium for this show to work.
Dead Files became the only haunting/ supernatural, reality show that I watch. None of the other shows hold a candle to Dead Files, mostly due to Amy’s abilities and Steve’s research results.
I will watch a couple of more episodes to give Cindy a chance, but if those episodes are not dramatically better, I will have to move on to something more interesting.
I wish Amy the very best, I pray for her, but I sincerely hope she returns soon!
Travel channel, please work with Amy to get her back.
I’m with you, Tim. I don’t believe you can be “taught” to be a psychic. That’s a scheme invented to part people from their money. I do believe you can maybe help people tune into their natural gut instincts and such, but as far as training people to talk to or see the dead…nope. That’s one of those things you’re either wired with or aren’t. Great comment. Thanks for leaving it.
I am loving the comments. The variety because when TDF first came out so many commented how Amy was so fake cause she didn’t open up about her abilities in the first show she did. They didn’t feel she was real and the way she moves her face it’s such an act and now season later we see MORE of the opposite and we are now seeing the same comments about Kaza. In the beginning I didn’t like the way TDF was but it was different and figured hmm let’s see how they learn to work with each other. Obviously they found their way to make a team. It’s gonna be that way regardless of who replaces the psychic because that’s the was Steve is. His work in law enforcement taught him adjustment to make a better working environment. I have enjoyed Amy as a ghost hunter and as a member if TDF (not sure how to label it it’s so different) I also LOVE her store. I became a fan of Kaza through all of the varied shows. She is open to trying others ideas and takes guidance well which I think is why she is going to be great working with Steve. As for “education” even Amy has stated she had to learn and be taught for her to live and enhance what she has plus the barriers. How this is done I am not a professional on this. I am open to paranormal and my husband is several against it even tho he can’t explain the things that go on in our house. Lol. We don’t have much quality paranormal shows so I HUG this one and I refuse to see anything wrong with it. I refuse to let go. Otherwise I am stuck with Ghost Adventures and all I can do is shake my head and sigh. Like my overly dramatic daughter and how rough life is just for her. I loved your article and I don’t normally comment but I just felt compelled to so I did. Now if they would just give me the other 9 shows of a season I can quit searching the internet and watch some real paranormal tv or bring back some more shock docs (AMAZING MUST WARCH COLLECTION on discovery +.) or some Kindred Spirites!
Hi Jac! That’s SO interesting that people panned Amy when the show first started. I had no idea! Thanks for sharing that observation. And I love seeing someone in support of Cindy. That’s nice. I was starting to feel bad for her, BUT…it’s EXTREMELY hard coming in as a replacement to an established, beloved anything, be it a show or a teacher replacing another teacher or a boss, etc. Amy set the benchmark and change it hard so it’s to be expected, but your comment was refreshing. Glad you felt compelled to leave it. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and even the other shows you like!
I fo not like Amy replacement. She gives no information to viewer. Tired of hearing this is dangerous, WHAT IS??. Love Amy, the best, great facial expressions. Glad she’s feeling better and putting herself first. Will more than miss her. Hopefully she does come back, or they find a better replacement
Lol yes, I really like Cindy, but I am over this IS DANGEROUS lol. Like in the other shows that she appeared on. VAGUE very, let’s get the FULL picture sis.
Be interesting to see how this season goes. Steve is one of my fave people on any of these shows, as NYPD he saw some horrific things and some of the worst that humanity has to offer.
I can’t even begin to imagine the real horrors his eyes has seen, Bri. Great point. He’s no nonsense and sticks to the facts. Maybe that’s why I like him best too, but I didn’t really put that together until your comment.
What is the name of Amy’s store online?
I can’t stand the new Dead Files,
Cindy Kaza trained at Arthur Findley in UK which is a HUGE RED FLAG, she is an excellent COLD reader and HOT reader as well, everything about her is plastic and fake, every other word out of her mouth is “i feel this, i feel that, this is dangerous, it’s such performative BS, no hope, lots of negativity, Amy Allan didn’t hand pick the network did, she gave a quick blessing on her, because Amy just wanted out.
A real Medium gives hope and can actually see, not just in the mind eyes but with physical eyes, finding a real genuine medium is a needle in a haystack and not something you can just spend thousands of dollars on to learn. Having Cindy Kaza on is going to end up in lawsuits, the first episode instead of delving in and helping the family she tells them to move, i see lawyers salivating over this.Cindy is cold and smug, she tells the family they have a poltergeist,(which is NOT from a spirit, but is PK Manifestation that actually comes from the living) tells them they have a demon (demons are pretty rare, just ask your local hermetic practitioner just how hard it is to summon one lol !) If you want cheap garbage grifters than yeah watch this show, but for quality this ain’t it baby.
How do I know this, because I’m an actual physical medium thats worked privately with real people, not Hollywood.
Hey Janice, I’m not sure it has a name, but here’s the link to it that I found on her FB page: https://www.mercari.com/u/717300752/