One of the birthdays I include on the Weird Holidays & Observances page is America’s first ghost hunter, Hans Holzer (January 26). Last year, exclusively and for the first-time ever, Travel Channel reopened his case files in the series The Holzer Files. Nearing the eve of what would’ve been his 100th birthday, Travel Channel announced they’ve greenlit a second season of the show.
The show revealed the original recordings and documents from the paranormal pioneer’s renowned studies. It was considered a success, pulling in more than 5.8 million viewers.
“Viewers were fascinated to reopen these mysterious and harrowing cases through ‘The Holzer Files,’” said Travel Channel general manager Matthew Butler. “It really is a striking tribute to Hans Holzer himself – who would have turned 100 this week – to revisit more of his investigations and to honor his lifelong work and pioneering journey into the unknown.”
The Legacy
Recognized as the “father of the paranormal,” Hans Holzer led a legendary four-decade exploration into disturbing hauntings like the Amityville Horror house. He helped spawn legions of supernatural enthusiasts with his more than 120 books. He even inspired Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis to write Ghostbusters.
In The Holzer Files, a dedicated paranormal team revisits Holzer’s most captivating cases. Team members include paranormal investigator Dave Schrader, psychic medium Cindy Kaza and equipment technician Shane Pittman.
With the help of Holzer’s daughter, Alexandra Holzer, and researcher Gabe Roth, the team picks up where Holzer left off. Together they re-examine the terrifying hauntings that he dedicated his life to researching.
In each hour-long episode, the team culls through thousands of Holzer’s recently discovered documents, letters, photographs and chilling audio and visual recordings. Most of which dates back to the 1950s. Using his findings, team members track down recent developments from each haunting. Then they head back to the locations to reinvestigate with a fresh perspective, harnessing their own research, skills and expertise.
The series will return in late 2020 with 13 brand new episodes.
For More Info
Visit TravelChannel.com for show extras, behind-the-scenes photos and exclusive videos.
Follow @TravelChannel and #HolzerFiles on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for additional content and updates.
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 really love this show!
Great news. Congrats to all involved with the show.