When GhostHunters TAPS were caught faking!

Ghost Hunters, once the most believed and most beloved Paranormal Investigation teams, where did it all go wrong and why did I stop watching.
Debunking their greatest mistake

[@KibuFox]

I have some context for this. I previously worked with them as a photo and video analyst, yes, even during the show. So, first off, Jason and Grant didn't go into the show with the intent to fake things. They seriously wanted to show the public what paranormal investigators do, and hoped that through that, they might interest others into the hobby. However, from very early on, the Sci-Fi channel was making it painfully clear that the show wasn't "exciting" enough. They wanted more drama, more scares, and more evidence of the paranormal. To the point, that near the end of the show's run, those of us performing analysis for them were being told, point blank, to "Find something... anything." Those instructions weren't coming from Jason, nor Grant, but directly from Sci-Fi. There were multiple cases where we'd spend hours looking over videos, working through various angles and aspects of it, and send that back to the show with a note that there was nothing present... only to see some of that video turn up on the show with a red outline or something pointing out a 'ghost' or some paranormal event. Though that all really happened in the later points of the show. At the start of it though, Sci-Fi tried to keep things as far under wraps about what they were doing, as they could. Looking back at those earlier episodes and investigations, knowing what I know now, I can see where the producers of the show were faking things... but I'm getting ahead of myself here. So, when did we (TAPS in general) know for CERTAIN that the producers were up to something? It was the Eastern State episode. Prior to that, we'd all had suspicions that something was up, but we really couldn't prove it. It seemed like every Skype meeting we would have with the guys, the subject of the weird stuff would come up. Jason, or Grant would talk to Sci-Fi about it, and the producer would deny it ever happened, or that they had any involvement with it. Then, the producer would make it a point to remind the guys that they were under contract for some number of seasons, and that if they wanted to break that contract, it would be costly. Sci-Fi's way of saying "put up, or shut up". It wasn't until the Eastern State episode that we managed to capture some undeniable evidence that things were being faked. In that particular episode, sometimes called the 'black mass' episode, one of the cameras managed to catch something running at, and then away from the camera. Oh boy, did us analysts have fun with that one. It took some time to do, but we managed to prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that it was a person with a thin black sheet over them who ran at the camera, then turned on their heel, and ran back down the cellblock tier. We presented this evidence to the guys, and in turn they called the producer out on it. The producer had to admit that yes, they'd faked it. Surprisingly, the producer didn't know a camera was present there, and was trying to play up on the fears of the crew. The idea was that the guy in the sheet, one of the production assistants, would run at the guy on the ground floor, and then run back, escaping through a door at the end of the cell block. Thing was, our camera caused that to blow up in their faces. Problem for Jason and Grant though, was they were still under contract. So, they fought back...sorta. They'd go to places they knew weren't reportedly haunted, and send us 'evidence' that we could prove had nothing in it. Sci-Fi would take it, and force the issue, faking evidence where need be. The reasoning for the crew being that, actual investigators, and maybe the general public would pick up on the fakery, the show's ratings would fall, and Sci-Fi would abandon it, letting them out of the contract. That actually did happen, to some degree. Grant managed to 'escape' the contract, claiming ill health and a few other issues, and Sci-Fi reluctantly let him out of it. Jason ended up stuck with them though, and while he kept the usual charade up of going to 'haunted' places and feeding Sci-Fi bad evidence, it seemed that the producers had caught on to what we were doing. Once they really figured things out, Jason had to tell us analysts that all analysis would be handled by a team within Sci-Fi, and that we were no longer needed. He made it painfully clear to us that the producers were trying to cover their asses, and were taking the faking of evidence even further. TAPS is actually still around, and while Jason and Grant do still take part in some investigations, it's not what it once was. The association with Sci-Fi (now SyFy) and the now undeniable proof that much of, if not 90% of the show was faked, has sadly tainted the group. It doesn't matter that we knew it, and called the channel out on their behavior, or that the guys were stuck in a contract and couldn't really tell the public. No, we knew things were being faked, and to the public's eye, we did nothing about it.

[@oOneenOo]

Well, sh*t. Thank you for enlightening us.

[@Nalla762]

Thank you for sharing this in-depth look at Sci-Fi. I stopped watching when they became SyFy and their programming was bad. I used to watch TAPS every time they were on, but was truly ignorant back then regarding fakery. I actually don't remember Grant's collar fiasco.

[@KibuFox]

@@Nalla762 There's actually some episodes you can see them being blatant about it. Around the time that the guys were actively trying to get the channel to drop the show. One that comes to mind, was at the Overlook Hotel episode where Grant (under direction of the producer to "make something happen") causes his tale to shake by moving his leg against it. It was harder to detect in the earlier parts of the series though, because the producers were trying to do it without the guys catching on.

[@paulmark992]

What about the other 10%? There has to be something real.

[@KibuFox]

@@paulmark992 Inconclusive. We originally went into investigations with a skeptical mind. So there were things we couldn't explain, sure, but the guy were very reluctant to rule anything a "ghost". That's not to say we didn't seriously suspect some things, but we weren't comfortable coming right out and saying it. Which, again, annoyed the hell out of the producers. Part of the problem we were facing, at the time, was we either suspect (in the early days) or knew (in the later) that the producers were actively setting things up and faking things, thus, when we gathered anything that we thought might be paranormal... the simple fact that the producers had faked things in the past, made us question if this was another of their fakery.

[@sillyvideosparent5676]

These guys broke my heart. I went to Fort Delaware ghost hunting because in there episode they got a good shadow figure. So I went just for the Park Rangers to tell me it was an employee being nosey and TAPS found out and still left it in the show! They BLEW IT WITH ME

[@DCFCfanatic]

There's another episode where during the tour of the house, the owner of the house shows them the living room. On the coffee table is a tribal statue. Like a warrior. Maybe a foot tall. Later when Steve and Tango are in there later on and decide to call it quits, Steve sits up and he captures a dark tall figure go across the front of the camera. When he looks back, there's nothing there and it was presented as a ghost to the home owner. But certain viewers realized what it was. When steve got up he swung the camera quickly in front of the small human shaped statue. It was a blur but humanoid in shape and because of the camera angle it appeared tall and as if it standing in the nearby hallway. It was debunked but they never corrected this in any repeats. that episode still airs on the pluto tv GH channel.

[@NYCHFAN]

That sucks!

[@s0phs_x]

😩😩☹️

[@samdixon8567]

Lot of shit

[@scratchy1704]

I remember that 1

[@treasurebessler7213]

"Dude run" will forever be emblazoned on my memory. I spent a loooot of time watching that show in those early days.

[@HeatherSummerRaine]

Brian! I loved watching him! They gave him a hard time for some reason, but I liked him! He was funny! Steve always got on my nerves!

[@fluffylee41]

When I visited the Lizzie Borden house in Massachusetts, TAPS had just done an investigation there. The staff told me that TAPS only stayed an hour or so, and claimed on the show that they stayed the whole night.

[@adammorris3589]

I loved these guys 20 years ago. Then the blinders came off...

[@Jaybee82]

Same here. Back then before the internet was easily at everyone's access

[@sherrilong4348]

Same here! My comment said just that as I actually believed it ….debunkers weren’t around then like today!

[@jeepsthetimebandit]

Yeah, me too.

[@lindatimmons3675]

Never watched them as it was on cable and I don't waste money on cable dish or direct tv.

[@jimmymetal713]

Was when South Park made fun, because after that episode I couldn't watch them anymore lol

[@wht-rabt-obj]

The thing I liked about TAPS was that not every investigation ended up being a demon. Now every place is demon this and demon that. It's ridiculous.

[@guibox3]

TAPS usually went too much in the other direction. Everything was attributed to high EMF readings from electrical outlets or something which was ridiculous in so many instances for an excuse for paranormal activity.

[@finishin.my.coffee8780]

Yeah, and if you watch the first season, they go entire episodes without anything really paranormal happening, with a few exceptions here and there. Then a few seasons into it, they were hearing voices and experiencing weird things within the first five or ten minutes.

[@mattj1559]

So true! Every single YT video title now has DEMON in it for click bait, but wth is this suppose to attrack viewers, i cringe everytime and just don't wanna watch it

[@jamesedwards8387]

One of the biggest thing I appreciated about them, they would see "orbs" and point out that they're probably just bugs or dust that the camera isn't able to correctly pick up. But every other damn show claims they were ghost, or demons, or whatever. I always assumed that some of the noises were fake, but their show was usually pretty entertaining, compared to a lot of the other ghost shows. Oh, and they never used those stupid ass spirit boxes, that would just shuffle through radio stations and the hosts would randomly pick out words, when it worked for them

[@princessleiaorgana7238]

I believe any true haunting (which is extremely rare) is a demon. Any soul left in this plain is not by an act of God. You're going one of two places if God has anything to do with it and you won't be coming back.

[@GusingtonOne]

I used to watch Ghost Hunters religiously also. Interesting how you mentioned that you thought Jason was the more reliable one - I always felt Grant was the more reliable one until watching this video today. I knew about the 'hood pulling incident' but have never seen a more thorough breakdown than what you did here. Well done.

[@hauntedandAloneFB]

I felt the same way

[@bethanymay3056]

I was a HUGE fan of TAPS and even joined the TAPS extended family by joining a group who was affiliated with them here in Washington state. They often came to Washington and did investigations. So this really opened my eyes. It makes sense why Grant suddenly left the show. Yes, Jason looked upset. I think the production team put Grant up to it, and no one else knew what was going on. They were left out of the loop. Jason obviously caught on. I think he walks away because he is pissed that Grant AND the production team were clearly pulling crap. Because when Jason comes back, he straight up ignores Grant for a few minutes. If Jason thought it was legit, he wouldn't have ignored Grant. I think Jason knew 100% what was going on by tug 3. Grant might have legitimately left the show on his own. I think that he did it to protect his friendship with Jason. I think Jason was upset that they were risking losing their integrity because of these kinds of shenanigans. I think Grant was a terrible actor. He was not good at pulling off that stunt at all. He was compromising everything they had built. That's why he left. I am sure Jason and Grant had a conversation about it, obviously. But I do believe Grant chose to leave on his own. Jason has said this numerous times.

[@lich109]

There's a comment from somebody who allegedly worked on the show that Grant left because he was that upset at the producers, and that he wasn't in bed with them on faking stuff (apparently he was able to escape while Jason was not), and both were interested in tanking the show once they learned the producers were going to keep faking stuff.

[@catlover0160]

I LOVED TAPS .. looked forward to it every week , obviously years ago no one thought they would be SO scrutinised in 25/30 years time!!

[@808cantwaiT]

We watched this show every Wednesday after dinner religiously for years and all their specials too..i started my own investigations because of TAPS , but I remember watching this and thinking 🧐 it was SUS 🤦🏽‍♀️ damn man, I haven’t seen this video in so long..Thanks for this up load Beardo! Love this channel and community 🫶🏼

[@intotheunknownparanormal2228]

The thing that bothered me was they ALWAYS “heard” something and always “seen” something. But was never able to capture it.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

BRO! I love that you covered this! I used to watch this with my sons when they were little and when I saw the first hood pull and said “NO”! I can’t believe it. They are faking it. Then he did it AGAIN! With his hand clearly in his pocket. I didn’t think anyone would ever cover that. Nice work.

[@MadameCirce]

Everything you said is spot on to how I felt about Ghost Hunters. I remember watching it when it first came out and loving it because of the way they debunked things. One episode sticks out to me where they went to a couple's home and found rational explanations for every single thing the couple thought made the house "haunted" and at the end of the episode declared it not haunted. It was refreshing. In retrospect, I think they were faking things long before the jacket pull incident. The infamous Eastern State Penitentiary apparition, the chair incident, etc. were in the very first season and are super sus. I'm sad to say I think the show had bad intentions from the start, the debunking was only sleight of hand to make them look more credible, and they escalated their fakery as time went on and they continued to get away with it. If you can even call it an escalation, that prison apparition was pretty bold BS right from the start. But perhaps they got sloppier. It's easy to look at things through the lens of nostalgia, but once you take a clearer look with a couple of decades worth of wisdom behind you it all falls apart.

[@auntiewewe972]

Exactly. They played it close to the chest in tbe beginning. Debunking some stuff to keep it credible. But also doing some fake stuff as well. Then they got to the point they didn't need their day jobs anymore and got sloppy. Hawes may not be in on this one , but he's no innocent bystander. He's probably pissed because Grant went rogue, and it was obvious. By this time their egos were huge. Funny because if Hawes is pissed by this fakery, wonder how he feels about his daughter?

[@pr00de]

Those episodes were always really satisfying, and it was a win-win for the show. If they found ghost evidence, cool. If they got to set a family at ease that there was nothing paranormal in their home, cool.

[@ladyliberty5771]

Yup. I was a spectator back then, and now, I am an investigator. I look back and see all I may have missed.

[@hammertimez717]

The prison apparition.. is that the dark hooded thing that ran up to the camera and ran away?

[@MadameCirce]

@@hammertimez717 Yep, that's the one.

[@jharg001]

I ABSOLUTELY remember this! On the Halloween special one year, friends and my significant other would get together and make a night of watching it! When this happened, it was exciting at first. Then the second time it as a little sketchy, but by the third all the air had gotten sucked out of the room and it practically destroyed our love and faith in them entirely. I distinctly remember how uncomfortable the remainder of the episode was for Jason after witnessing his best friend pull one (literally) like this to derail his large family's livelihood and reputation. It was the coat tug heard 'round the paranormal community, and even though I'd been a lifelong fan of theirs (even subscribed to the magazine which ripped me off $99 too, btw) I immediately saw them as reality show BS/entertainment serving no purpose otherwise. Thanks for reminding me as my daughter is now the same age as I was when I began watching them...I'll be showing her this clip soon and see what her thoughts are. I've been investigating as a serious hobby for 24 years to learn more about history, spiritualism, empathy, and scientific facts. Completely disheartening that people out there do this kind of crap and I cannot blame skeptics one bit!!!

[@s0phs_x]

As a believer in the paranormal, I spent a huge part of my teenage years watching Ghost Hunters, I was obsessed! It pains me to know they weren’t legit.😢☹️

[@spiritualanarchist8162]

It's called growing up. The older I get, the more I realize how gullible I used to be. In hindsight I realize how low the production costs are .All you have to do is have a few people walk around , Have someone make some sounds, show some gadgets ,etc. With some good editing and some creepy music you have a show watched by millions for a very low budget.

[@MsTinkerbelle87]

@@spiritualanarchist8162alright.🥺 wee bit harsh.

[@Sebas_Tian66]

@@spiritualanarchist8162 years later i still believe in it. considering the fact i legitamtely seen and heard stuff as a kid. this stuff is real, tho half the ppl dont wanna admit it. this stuff may as well be staged tho. when its a tv show. they dont have a choice but to fake stuff to have watchers get what they want to see

[@alfonzo9389]

At least your profile pic is legit ❤️

[@nickg1743]

Are you aware Hitler killed 6 millions Jews?

[@rachelhines7818]

This was the moment for me and hubby too for TAPS. We used to watch them religiously and loved the Halloween specials live until the coat-gate. i was so sad but now im much wiser and almost exclusively watch debunkers now. Cheers!

[@SparkyTuttle]

I'm with you about the way he defended his daughter. He went around pointing fingers. He went to hater defense. I had to comment. I said if his daughter and timmy toe tap were real, go to real debunkers, I mentioned the Shape and you. Both of you would have brought the truth out. ❤

[@sadie_lynn6792]

Timmy toe tap!!!💀 😂😂😂 Now that is a good one!

[@SparkyTuttle]

@@sadie_lynn6792 , seemed appropriate. 👻🚫

[@Sinsthe2nd]

You got yourself a sub! I used to follow TAPS/Ghost Hunters religiously. They were the very first Paranormal Investigators I ever really watched. Like you, I trusted them because they would take their time to debunk or attempt to debunk things and set out to help homeowners feel a little more comfortable in their own spaces, either by showing them there is nothing paranormal going on or if things couldn't be explained they'd help them understand there's nothing to fear. I felt a kinship because they were from R.I., and Grant reminded me of my dad so much. Then, as time passed, things started getting more dramatic and sensationalized, especially with the Halloween Live Specials. That one, however, was what did it for me, too. There were other incidents, too, but I can't remember if it was the same episode or a different one, which was also a live special. They were down in some cellars or something of a resort/hotel, and someone caught a VERY distinct voice saying "hello," and they were all going crazy over it. Still, when I tell you, it was so painfully obvious that it was either a recording or another person who was part of the stunt - I was so mad I turned it off and stopped watching. I remember the hood pull one too; it was pretty bad. Fairly obvious that it wasn't real. This was such a huge letdown for me because I also really enjoyed their content, but I realized things had clearly changed for the worse. They stopped going to private homes and were going to more and more "famous" locations, and every Halloween Live was more and more dramatic each year. Edit: It was the Overlook Hotel episode! Figured it out.

[@hildahilpert5018]

They went to Moss Beach Distillery in California that,s were the owners had ghost Halloween gadgets. Remember the deal with the jacket hood pull.

[@dbdotconf]

They lost me when they went to a place local to where I went to college. A friend at the time noticed I was watching the show and mentioned she had dated Steve years ago. She also told me Steve had worked at the place they were investigating. Not once in the episode did they mention this. I posted this to the TAPS forum at the time and a lot of people chewed me out until Steve confirmed it at some point.

[@witchywoman6607]

Did that happen to be in Spfld, Ma Down town because I know Steve is from Chicopee Ma a couple of towns over from me oh I think it was called Nat Smith’s or something like that because when I was a little kid it was a pool hall Smiths Billards and the 3rd floor is reportedly haunted and has a coffin up there. Please lmk thanks

[@Kevin_Yagoonie]

​@@witchywoman6607that was Theodores. I'm also born and raised in Chicopee Ma

[@witchywoman6607]

Yes Theodore’s it was called Nat Smith’s billiards before same place.

[@sjthomas17]

I absolutely loved Ghost Hunters - the episode in season 2, the first visit to St Augustine Lighthouse blew my mind. SO disappointing to find that some of their evidence was faked, but good to be more aware of how we can get duped. Thanks for the video, and Happy New Year!

[@ScuzzBuzzProductions]

I remember one episode where they caught this incredible EVP and I was blown away. Slowly, I started to see the truth and felt very disappointed when looking back on everything they did, as I realised how much had been faked. I was annoyed with myself and felt a bit of a loss. You’ve nailed everything on the head with this video. They gained our trust to shut us down.

[@kaetispannbauer9082]

Do you remember what the EVP was? I remember this episode where they caught some EVP that VERY CLEARLY said "I like the one with the hat", almost over a loud speaker it was so clear. I've been trying to find that clip forever!

[@ScuzzBuzzProductions]

@@kaetispannbauer9082 The one that I am referring to is the one where they call her Princess. It’s the first video that comes up when you type in Ghost Hunters Princess EVP.

[@zarasbazaar]

Is it the one where the voice seems to answer their questions? I think it was in a hotel.

[@ScuzzBuzzProductions]

@@zarasbazaar Yes :). They were asking “Princess are you here?” The response was something like “Of course I’m here. Where are you?” I believe it was all faked now, but fully believed it when I first watched.

[@danielharris3180]

Remember “we don’t want them” EVP? Like come on, how anyone believes that 😂

[@mrsgeek1]

I used to love taps! Same as I used to love zac bagans….now I can’t watch because they lie way too much.

[@michaelsangel73]

Moron no faking

[@Mr.Burton72]

Mrs Geek , I Watched Ghost Hunters Everytime they Was On. All My Life I Was Interested In Paranormal and Poltergeist I Guess it Comes All Down to the Movies I Grew Up on. I Can't Watch Jason & Grant No More that I Know it's Fake. Thanks to You and Beardo for Opening My Eyes.... 🐀

[@mrsgeek1]

@user-oy3yo7qe6o but they don’t claim it as entertainment do they. You only gotta look at all the comments to see people believe that’s what real paranormal is. If they say clearly it’s made up then people would know. I watch documentaries on serial killers ‘for entertainment’ but they are factual and not made up. People have taken the paranormal way beyond truth, but claim it’s real. You can’t say ‘that’s a you problem’ when these channels can’t admit they fake it

[@johnr7999]

Thank you! I never knew that happened. I could tell something was going on with this episode, but I never found out what.

[@GLING17]

I used to be an avid watcher and fan of TAPS and the show Ghost Hunters and had seen all of the episodes up until the trickery began, then I stopped watching. I don't know, maybe there was always trickery going on but I mean when it became very obvious, and you know what I mean! The collar pull that Grant did on that Halloween special episode, the very fake EVP that said "You're not supposed to be here!" and there were other fake things going on as well. Glad to see you point out this stuff, Beardo! Thank you!

[@chriskrausesmovie]

every episode was rubbish

[@CRL154]

So glad you’re doing this video! Well done as always 💖👏🏻

[@kristinadjurfors8280]

I also loved to watch them and as you said they debunked things, especially Jason. I loved that you chosen an old clip like this. This was so cool to see again. Maybe the lady did work behind the scenes for them. Who knows. Thanks Beardo And a Happy New Year to you , Mrs Geek , mama Geek and papa Geek 🥳🥳❤️

[@keljells]

I’m so glad to have found your channel. I love the way you come at things and aren’t afraid to call bullsh*t, bullsh*t. This area needs people like you; there are way too many instances of people lying, faking and in it for the grift/attention and it brings down and discredits the entire specialty. Anyways, just wanted to thank you for all of your hard work and your cheeky commentary. I hope to see much more to come and hope you go into 2024 happy, healthy and ready to keep killing it! Thank you!

[@mikeadair3341]

I talked to one of the early investigators from taps and she said that she personally never faked anything . The only thing she said that if a reaction to something seen or heard was missed by the cameras they would reboot the scene with an acted out reaction but the original evidence. I agree that Grant was faking this and Jason had him removed from the show because of it.Their long friendship kept Jason from saying anything.

[@PungiFungi]

Grant seems to be the one all kinds of things happened to, rarely with Jason and never with Steve.

[@kassiopiajudkins2722]

Jason always looked pissed off. Pissed off was his natural state!😆

[@ShisaAi]

I was such a fan years ago because they seemed the most legit, and I even met some of them at a con, it’s a shame that even they fell into faking for tv drama

[@capitalisa]

Money is a powerful motivation for too many people.

[@marshawargo7238]

Once you sign a contract$$$😢

[@JellyBeansMystreyMachine]

I was so shocked to see Grant faking, because that was their whole deal, being honest and debunking things. I was always curious why he just left the show so suddenly. And now I know why. Great video, I heard he was caught faking but never saw how. Keep up the good work.

[@kterhune100]

RIGHT?! I never bought the "grass is greener on the other side" bit for Grant. Way back when I thought they were the best and most legit team out there, sad to say I am now very disappointed.

[@billbailey7193]

Grant had been faking for a long time…thrown coat hangers, tables moving……he faked the covers of a bed being pulled back in their Queen Mary ship episode. Unfortunately for him a team member not in on the scam, the technician, noticed the edit and they blamed an outsider for coming into their locked room and doing an in camera edit. The collar pull show was a live and it was completely flat, it was watching men walk about in the dark. In collusion with a cameraman he set up the silly coat pull. When asked by fans what happened in the live show he responded…’ it was a disaster, all the frequencies were out’, what the fuck that means I don’t know. Anyway, that was the last show I watched of theirs - it seemed genuine for a while….i do remember my friends mocked me at the time for watching ghost hunting shows, lol

[@moviemaker2011z]

this channel has no actual clue as to what happened. the producers were the ones faking evidence for years and even took over in the later seasons in terms of editing and injected their own agenda into the show. the producers were even called out numerous times by the cast/crews that they suspected foul play to be involved. if i were you i wouldnt listen to a word this nut job says because clearly he thinks more of himself than hes really worth.

[@RobBombadil]

This was really validating. I was thrilled to see you mention them as the OG investigators that debunked and how they taught us what to look for, as well as showing the speaker box; because those things are exactly what I challenged Jason on, in his Cody and Satori video. He completely ignored me of course.

[@patrickchedges]

The episode where they catch the owners faking stuff was the Moss Beach Distillery. If you do any amount of research on it, you know it's rigged with special effects. The fact they pretended not to know that when they went in really turned me off of the series.

[@mrsgeek1]

It’s so awful, people are just using the paranormal to make money now, they don’t care about faking and lying to people 😭

[@megmcguigan3857]

Yeah, that was the episode that had me wondering if they actually did any research about the place, because if they had they would know what was up with it. They acted like they didn't know when they must have.

[@sadie_lynn6792]

OMG! So glad you did this episode and showed the TAPS jacket debunk, especially since that's literally what I just commented about on the mind seed video lol. I know a lot of creators say they read their comments and like them which is awesome but you still don't know for sure. But it's the little things like this that shows that they are read and makes a channel so much more special. And creates folks that not just watch but also have your back and share the content. Thank you! That was a great debunk to something very old, that I didn't even think was possible due to time. And a amazing video to watch after a long day taking care of my littles! Can't wait for the next! Have a Happy New Year! Just in case this is your last video till after the new year! Much love & Blessed Be to you and Mrs. Geek!

[@leemc923]

Just found your channel this week, watched a fair few already. Your style is so good and the balance between debunk and belief is good. Keep it up and congrats on the 20k!

[@Janjones7735]

Wow. This was a blast from the past. I remember not only watching those early ghost hunters episodes but those debunking videos you showed! There used to be a podcast debunking ghost hunters episodes. Not sure if it is still available out there. There were at least a couple more episodes with pretty clear fakery or should we say actions misattributed to ghosts.

[@TheAverageGuy12]

Started it all! In what I'd call "modern ghost hunting." I only wish they'd kept up that skepticism we saw in those first few seasons. Before "everything" was haunted or... maybe haunted.

[@allenrussell6135]

You hit the nail on the head. I grew up watching taps and even met them when they came to my area. My fav is still Steve and dave tango. Once grabt left or was forced out it went to total crap. They tried pushing there haunted bed and breakfast. Too many spinoffs I didnt even realize its still on

[@glasshibou]

This video popped up on my feed, so this is my first exposure to what you do. Thank you for making it! You seem like a really genuine person, and I like what you're doing.

[@shevchenko7cfc941]

Your first few minutes of this video is exactly how I feel (felt) about Ghost Hunters/TAPS from the beginning. They wanted to debunk, Zak and his crew want to shoehorn "evidence" into a "reality" show

[@MrChillingTalesAfterDark]

I loved watching TAPS. I Think They Were The First Ghost Hunting Shows I Ever Started Watching.

[@christysbutterfly1612]

Excellent video Beardo! I used to watch TAPS religiously till the guys split up. I always wondered why.. But im more thankful that they did split, and I quit watching because they are fakes.. Thank you for covering this team! I hope you and Mrs Geek had a wonderful and blessed Christmas!!

[@ZhePomme]

When you talked about the clip first, I knew right away what you were going to show, that really cemented my opinion of them as hunters back in the day!

[@tglake2894]

Brings back fond memories of trick or treating with my best friend and then dumping our pillow cases on his basement floor, eating a shitload of candy, and watching the Ghost Hunters Halloween special every year for like 5 years running. Even if they are frauds, they can't take that! Sweet video, I'll be subscribing for sure!

[@Art-126]

In case you didn't notice the guy adjusts the collar after every hood pull to reset the wire

[@ladyliberty5771]

I loved them too, and saw how Grant suddenly decided to leave the show. I thought it strange. As time went on, I also noticed the debunks go down, and questionable stuff go up, and had to really wonder...

[@simonalkenmayer9520]

My company asked to analyze Ghost Adventures footage back when they first came out. They asked what kind of analysis and when I told them, they refused. The goal was to use AI to analyze pixels. When I explained that, and told them we could confirm their findings, they said no

[@M5guitar1]

Hear a knock? Run away like Zak Bagans!

[@cheryleking6543]

Hi Beardo and Mrs Geek, Ive never heard of them. Being in Tassie i think we missed out on a lot of shows down here.. That wasnt someone yanking his coat plus it wasnt done well...Sorry it spoiled you watching them. 1 person can ruin things for everybody else. Stay Safe for the New Year. Thanks for the Christmas day chat and everyone that contributed, it was Awesome ❤🙏🖤❤🙏👍🤗

[@kagallwood5718]

We have met Steve and Dave, such lovely guys and complete gentlemen

[@paulenesoto3469]

Congrats Beardo on reaching 20k subscribers. Keep on doing what you do best, many thanks for all your work with debunking. Paulene, Western Australia.

[@kevintheneck]

100% at fault are the TV producers that put Grant up to do this. Reality programming in general is ruined by corrupt TV executives and producers. Spooky 👻

[@ginastory9691]

I've had three experiences, which I cannot debunk. When I was a little girl, I always associated the moon with my grandma. I can't remember why. When she was dying of cancer, there was night when there was a ring around the moon--because of water/vapor condensation or something astrological, I guess. I pointed up and said, "that's RaRa's moon." I was going on thirteen. She died when I was thirteen. Her eulogy from the priest in a Catholic church was about a boy scout sign--a dot inside a circle left on a tree that meant "I'm going home." My mom and I immediately grasped for each other in the church. It was pretty much a representation of the moon when I noticed it. The second was when I was getting a haircut in my sister's new salon. In the mirror, I saw a guy in jeans and a black tee-shirt walk by. We were the only two people there as it was still under construction. I turned around and so did my sister. "Did you see that?" We saw exactly the same thing. My sister and I are a year and a day apart and close. I believe we saw something paranormal that day. Finally, my sis and I used a board when we were teenagers. We talked to the same thing all the time. I can't remember the name. Last time before it went in the trash, we took it outside with a bunch of other teenagers...the "dunes" in FL, USA. Candles and all. We were so stupid. Mind you, there were 3 of use on the board. None (except me) very bright and I absolutely wasn't faking. The board just spontaneously went U-R-2-RUN. Over and over very fast. I told all the boys and girls we had to get lost, quick. So I believe, but all this crap on the Tube, nah.

[@sherrilong4348]

OMG!! I used to watch them all them time and distinctly remember the episode where they announced Grant leaving and was for personal reasons (family) ….i do remember that episode but because of you and other debunkers, my eyes are wide open…I actually believed it to be true as debunkers weren’t around like today. I learned new info today…thank you!!

[@thedizzydj6623]

Just a thought, perhaps because of contractual or legal reasons, Jason can't discuss any of the reasoning behind Grant's departure. I agree, I don't feel Jason was aware of what was happening, and producers are known to ask cast members to hype things up a bit for ratings, especially with investigations that are unproductive or have poor results regarding "evidence". I feel that Jason's integrity would allow him to go on with this for so long before he cut ties. I think that Jason has let Grant hang himself within the community by not saying anything, he never stood up for Grant, never opposed any debunking, and never came out and said, that what occurred was real, he simply let the footage speak for itself which is keeping in line with his level of integrity. Just my thoughts on the matter.

[@AvStevieStevenJamesDrums]

Never heard of these guys, but it makes perfect sense that the newer phonies are nothing but copy and paste now. Beardo, being open and honest with debunking is so your calling. Thank you for opening my eyes. 2024 is going be amazing for you. The best has yet to come.

[@6Haunted-Days]

Never heard of them? Christ not too into all this crap are you? 😂🙄

[@MythosParanormal]

Beardo posts...i click. Its a simple life.

[@xR4CC00Nx]

I remember watching this when it aired lived, my dad was convinced Grant could throw his voice and was skilled in sleight of hand. You forgot the obvious audio recording that says “you’re not supposed to be here” on cue like 2-3 times. That was what did it for me.

[@LardoTheGiant]

The even funnier thing was when they asked “Did you hear that?” and the guest with them said “I heard it in my earpiece!” Talk about saying the quiet part loud 😂

[@fluffyraeven874]

That hood pull was the reason I stopped watching as well. It was so obviously fake, I never even made it to the end of the episode. I've never trusted any evidence from any other show since.

[@Dee_M_See]

My husband and I used to watch TAPS. We really enjoyed their investigations. Don't remember if we saw or knew about Grant's coat "rig". Thank you for showing this. It's amazing what ppl will do to get "evidence." Happy New Year to you, Beardo, to Mrs. Geek and your family! 🎉🌟🎊 Cheers!! 🍻❤️🌟👊🏻

[@michellediffenderfer]

I loved watching, a lot of stuff I doubted, but watched all the same. Steve was always so likeable. But the lighthouse episode, Saint Augustine, I cried when I watched it. If I find out it was fake I'll have to cry again.

[@Beastieboo]

Better start crying.

[@mikecrosier6248]

The light fitting is from the same episode as the speaker. Episode 11 of season 4 apparently for those interested.

[@LunaLightbringer]

Hit the nail on the head there 👍 You manage to catch these things that completely pass me by

[@Jelly-wo3so]

Thought Grant said the reason he left was to spend more time with his family,, but maybe there was more to it than that. 🤔

[@DucoDuos]

Grant started a board game company with another friend, Grant did some illustration and graphic design work and his friend and partner did the rules. This company was around this time. Likewise maybe there was behind the scenes drama with Jason.

[@waynebassett5958]

I watched a debunking video on this year's ago. They showed alot more including a part where Grant and Jason spend sometime around a corner, but the cameras doesn't follow. They stay there for a minute or two talking and when they come back out Grant gas his right hand shoved firmly in his pocket. Sometime later, the collar pull happens, so to me, I feel that Jason was in on it too but wasn't happy about it.

[@DCFCfanatic]

Yeah, Jason was in on it too. I think he just got pissed because Grant over did it. Twice was enough, doing it more then that made it seem fake. Also you see that other guy with them? I can't remember his name at the moment, but they gave a brief description of who he was, but left one thing out. He's an actor, comedian and......magician/illusionist. I bet he was involved in the making of that jacket pull in some way.

[@waynebassett5958]

@@DCFCfanatic yeah, because he went with them around the corner. I watched this live episode when it happened. That guy was on there to promote a haunted house game show he was presenting on the Sci fi channel.

[@mayaroseakennasferu5814]

"DUDE RUN!" Was epic lmao.

[@Jaye-Jae]

I used to watch TAPS and I loved that they would debunk and not say something was paranormal if it wasn't. I honestly can't remember why I stopped watching but this is the first time I've seen or heard of this hood pull. So this was an eye-opener for me. Congratulations on 20k Subs 💟

[@mjp5318]

HAPPPY 20K birthday Beardo !!!!!! Great video , its amazing that guy only had 62 subs but over 200K views on debunking .. Its a shame because he put a lot of effort into debunking and calling out the fakery and b.s investigators.

[@HPLEAP]

Hi Beardo. I just discovered your channel, and I love it! I believe in the paranormal, and debunking is crucial to presenting the best possible evidence. Can you recommend KZbin paranormal groups whose investigations and evidence are trustworthy?

[@AUS_Shaz_3]

Beardo has done this in previous videos. We follow them all :)

[@CRL154]

Check out Beardo’s “channel” section on his homepage. He subscribes to real paranormal investigation channels

[@alexortiz3722]

That first example you gave of them debunking that staged activity, that was actually the first time I started questioning TAPS. As a very amateur investigator at the time, I had come across many articles about that restaurant before this episode aired confirming that they staged the activity and most customers were aware of it. Knowing that TAPS always researched the locations they would investigate beforehand, I found it rather unbelievable that they had no clue about this place and how they were set up. I started questioning a lot after that episode.

[@amberduffney8155]

Seen this for the first time here, I loved Ghost Hunters but stopped a few years ago. they kept hearing things I couldn't, too much happened off screen. I enjoy your debunking, even when you go after my favorites (Adam Mark, I like the urban exploring, and but the ghost hauntings can be quite amusing), keep up the good work!

[@bunnymad5049]

I'd never heard of these guys. It's interesting how they can fool us for a wee while, but then we see and it's so disappointing and can be really hurtful. Very grateful to all you guys. Love it when I wake to a Beardo, a Parrple and a Mr Grey. Love to you and Mrs Geek. 💜🖤

[@faireplaymedia7622]

They were the very first of their kind to go on television and introduce the world to ghost hunting. The very first… And for the first year they were very legit.

[@lindatimmons3675]

​@@faireplaymedia7622...... And now ghost hunting is a phenomena

[@bunnymad5049]

@@faireplaymedia7622 I'm in NZ. We only got Most Haunted and after about 4 shows we turned it off it was more like Days of Our Lives but with fake ghosts. lol. Thanks for the info. xx

[@spiderliliez]

I only started watching them back in 2008, and since they started 2004, I had to binge 4 seasons on the first time I learned about them. Never liked UKs Most Haunted back then cost of the funny dodgy psychics. When I first saw GH, I thought, "yey, no psychics!" and they debunk stuff, so I was sold. Then again, of course, only the ratings matter, and you hear and learn the fakeries they had to do. But, I still think there is truth in the paranormal.

[@bunnymad5049]

@@spiderliliez Yeah. Even with the best of intentions, pressures can mess things up. And, personally, I've had a lot of experiences myself and very much agree there's something there.

[@tracyhutchinson4929]

Taps invited Project Fear to do an episode at Joliet prison about a year ago. Make of that what you will.

[@the.dirty.pigeon]

I remember watching this episode when it aired and knew something was up because of the way Jason reacted. If I’m not mistaken, there was also a very fake sounding “disembodied voice” moment in the same episode that they sort-of glossed over. Such a bummer.

[@TheMadWeka]

That was brilliant! Well done. Wishing you, Mrs Geek and family a very happy new year🎉🥂 thank you both for a fantastic year of fun and laughter❤️🖤❤️🖤

[@michaeldenesyk3195]

Regards Grant, I believe that he was tired of the fakery and he left. There were numerous confessions from former cast members regarding faking on the show.

[@LSoK371]

I remember watching the original Ghost Hunters run on Syfy (Scifi then) back during it's rise and high popularity. It got so popular that the producers and the network had planned a live Halloween special in October of 2007, one year before this one, revisting a previously investigated place that has been "inconclusive" at best before, and man was it boring (the power of editing on taped episodes, lol). Nothing occurred during the live, and the network saw a significant viewership decline when they saw the ratings for the episode. So, with the popularity still high, but with a slight dip, the network planned the 2nd, '08 (this) live special, and I believe with some stern, yet subtle "persuation" urged, at least Grant, to document "something" to keep from repeating the previous year's live special's disappoiment. Though, at the time, I didn't necessarily believe what had happened was real, but something, at the time, felt "off" on a subconscious level. I didn't stop watching completely right then, but did tune in less. Then once the whole thing with Grant leaving and the fraud accusations started flying, the "blinders" can off for me, so to speak as well, and i completely stopped watching. I do miss the way Ghost Hunters used to be, way back, earlier on, when they actually debunked and were honest when they weren't 100% sure for a legitimate reason why they may have captured something on camera or audio (though rare). Another instance of something a tiny nugget of being genuine and real destroyed by "Reality TV".

[@briankgarland]

Notice Jason was carefully feeling for something inside the lining. He suspected but he either couldn't feel it or he didn't want to say anything on camera.

[@Ken_Dalton]

Shout out from Ireland. Iv been binging on your channel for a month or so now, first comment and I have to say it's refreshing to see a man after my own heart who sees the same BS as I do with all these channels and shows..a good critical and logical mind is hard to find these days, except all in this community 🤙🏼.. I been debunking clips for decades and I tired of commenting explaining the things I see. So to have channels like yourself fighting the cause is awesome 👍🏼. I'm so happy to see more of us who ain't sheep who believe everything we see and hear online, so keep up the good work man and all the best for the New Year ☘️

[@gisellelabonte3206]

I just remembered the time he kneed the table too. That was suspicious and I wondered if the cameraman was also part of it as he would’ve been caught if the cameraman were just angled differently. I remember not suspecting Jason still. I never trusted one of the younger guys. I can’t remember their names though and watched them religiously for years. I loved their Halloween lives especially. There really wasn’t anything quite like it at the time.

[@HorrofHorror]

Hope you are doing well! I appreciate you! Thanks for the debunking

[@BeyondtheFern]

You've totally nailed it. I used to love watching GH in their early days, looked forward to it every week, specifically because they seemed to legitimately work to debunk rather than assume every creak was a ghost. I remember one episode where they went to a home and determined that the issue was electrical - and not supernatural. I very specifically remember watching that fateful live Halloween episode and as soon as I saw the jacket pull I was so disappointed, I knew immediately that it was fake, the whole thing just seemed off. The next day or so I checked out YT and of course found the debunking videos going into all the obvious signs of the fakery. I stopped watching them after that. There was a really good video I came across a while back that went step by step through the sequence showing how it was fake. I think Grant and Jason were walking down a hall and both Grant's hands were outside his pockets, swinging normally as he was walking. Then they turned a corner (out of sight briefly) and then Grant had his right hand in his pocket which really looked odd. Then a minute later the jacket pull gimmick started. 100% SyFy was pushing for "intriguing" paranormal activity.

[@TA_33]

The lady laughing in the women's bathroom episode is in a restaurant in California. The bar with the lights that move is in the same restaurant. Moss Beach Distillery. Season 4 Episode 11.

[@daveh.4193]

Much like KZbinrs, there's pressure to keep making content when a major network is milking you for every cent they can get out of you.

[@CraaaaazyClown]

Great video, I watched a fair few episodes of the show and often thought Grant was faking stuff, in one episode I was convinced he was throwing toys. and moved a bottle on a shelf/window ledge.

[@osirisatot19]

That old Sci-Fi logo gives me a lot of nostalgia. I remember watching this show a bit when I was younger, but stuff like this made me assume all of it was fake.

[@pontecarlo4354]

I was a member of a paranormal investigation society at university. It soon became pretty clear to me that most people we investigated had psychological problems or suffered from grief. From a lady who claimed to see her late son in her TV that turned out to be a reflection of one of her sons photographs that surrounded her to a man who claimed a poltergeist was moving an ornament on his mantelpiece that turned out to be caused by the vibrations of a passing truck. It’s amazing that people jump straight to paranormal conclusions without thinking of other explanations. Then there are lots of fakers. I once caught a gentleman throwing a cup and a saucer into his living room whilst we were holding an all night investigation. Thank goodness for infra red images. I blame videos like TAPS that encourages this behaviour. I must admit I have never found or seen evidence of genuine paranormal activity but have an open mind.

[@wht-rabt-obj]

I don't think Jason knew what Grant was doing. And MAYBE Jason never addressed it, because the network wouldn't let him? 🤷‍♀️

[@jeepsthetimebandit]

Obviously, I'm not agreeing here with any kind of fakery on ghost shows, but I do wonder how much of it back then was down to the tv channels saying 'this isn't entertaining enough. Nothing ever happens. Spice it up, or we're dropping it from the channel'. Do you think any of it was done for those reasons? I'm just curious if they were a bit pressured into doing it.

[@staffordshireparanormal]

Brilliant video Beardo, these were by far my favourite paranormal investigation team growing up. I remember the episode you showed in the first clip from where the whole location had booby traps and how peed off Jason was with the owner. I was still watching their investigations until a few years ago when I first heard the faking claims and it really put me off them, but I will go back and finish their most recent seasons after watching your video as it explains it all really well and Grant the one caught faking as you said is no longer in the team. I feel Grant may have been told to do the trick by the shows producers but his integrity should have stopped him and as Jason and Grant were both plumbing business partners and good friends that was probably the reason Jason didn't out him, still not sure that was the best approach though as his own honesty and the shows have been thrown into question. Awesome work as always Beardo thank you so much for making this video.

[@m1keway266]

There was another episode where Grant looked through a window that was in a old mine and claimed a face was just on the other side looking at him, he over sold it with his reaction and Jason could barely keep a straight faced, he laughed a little and Grant was saying I swear it was there. But that was the first time I thought they may be faking things to keep the audience from getting bored.

[@4th_Lensman_of_the_apocalypse]

Turns out that Grant was a pathological liar, Jason must have been gutted he’d been made to look such a fool. From his business partner and best friend too…😔

[@DangerPinsX]

I still miss when I'd watch Ghost Hunters and get genuinely terrified. Now days I watch all paranormal content with heavy skepticism. I feel like Grant pulling this stunt (pun intended) was when I stopped taking paranormal shows at face value. I guess that's the silver lining to the bad thing he did.

[@guibox3]

The Fourman brothers of paranormal nightmare are the genuine deal. Also Lee at Really Haunted has captured the most ridiculous paranormal activity ever recorded by any ghost hunter.

[@Jil_Brian]

I feel the exact same way, loved that show, saw every single episode they did, even with the drama…fast forward several years and now I am better educated (thanks to Shape, Beardo, Mr Gray, Parple etc) It makes me sad to realize I was fooled way back then…but today it’s not so easy to fool this old lady. I am always on guard, question everything, and watch all paranormal with my eyes wide open… Thanks Beardo, thanks for helping us learn tricks of the trade, thanks for letting us decide we won’t be lied too, we won’t give away our viewing time, our 👍🏻 and our money! Well done! ❤Jil

[@swirvinbirds1971]

​@@guibox3 If they are capturing crazy stuff then I guarantee you it's fake. All of these shows are. They are money grabs against our curiosity.

[@babsbunny_]

I went looking for a TAPS video a month ago and was sad cause there were none, and now here you are!! I was a HUGE fan of them, as I do believe in the unexplainable and they seemed sincere. I remember watching this Halloween special live and felt something was off because Jason seemed sooo up enthused by these hood shenanigans.

[@forsakethelight]

I was so disappointed by this show. I used to love it and I believed it was legit because they were looking at rational explanations before claiming anything was paranormal. But over time, the evidence they were getting was crazy and they didn't do the debunking anymore. I became convinced they were manufacturing evidence and drama. I tried to start watching again when they did the new shows, but it was ridiculous. I wish they would've stayed honest.

[@TruthSeekerOG]

The biggest fakers are GHOST ADVENTURES! 😉 Grtz🇧🇪

[@debbieromero9511]

Hey Beardo hope you had a wonderful Christmas 🎄

[@FeathPymArt]

after the 6:40 laughter, i remembered that episode, and I started to think of those lights that swung back and forth (pretty sure it was the same bar/business) at 7:30. Jason pats grant on the back ( 24:55 ) - a covert way of checking for something in the jackets back.

[@CrowofJudas]

broooo hell yea glad you did this video! also do you remember the time they were caught with the whole lamp on the table thing? i want to say they pulled the lamp with the cord but its been awhile!

[@MisterKeet]

I thought their show was incredibly boring back in the day. But seeing as how fake everything else has gotten these days, I miss it. Shame they resorted to blatant trickery.