SciFi Signs Up for More “Ghost Hunters”

SciFi ain’t afraid of no ghost.  In fact, the network is embracing ghosts and the people who track them down in a big way. 

According to the Hollywood Reporter, SciFi has reached an agreement with Craig Piligian, creator of the “Ghost Hunters” franchise to continue and expand the franchise on the network.  A new, college themed “Ghost Hunters” series was given a six episode order and the network signed off on new season of “Ghost Hunters” and “Ghost Hunters International.”

Part of the agreement includes a new reality-based series from Piligian, targeted to air on 2010.

“Craig is a star performer who’s been a great partner,” Sci Fi executive vp original programming Mark Stern said. “You want to be in business with people like him on a consistent basis.”

“Hunters” has been one of the SciFi’s top perfroming series and seen its audience grwo each season. The most recent season averaged 2.8 million viewers per week.

The newest series seeks to capitalize on the reality show’s popularity among college students.

“It’s going to be more of a teaching format,” Piligian said. “We’re going to try to have a little more fun with the franchise.”

The spinoff features franchise regulars Steve Gonsalves and Dave Tango training students who will accompany them on paranormal investigations. Episodes also could include stops in thematic locations, like spring break hot spots.

“What’s cool about ‘Ghost Hunters’ is it has tried to rely on empirical science,” Stern said. “This is an opportunity to delve into that a little deeper and take the show into a more academic setting.”