Psi Factor
"Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal" premiered in September of 1996. Through syndicated television, North America was first introduced to an unusual team of scientist investigating a most unusual subject matter. In the past, science fiction programs were stories of the future and space travel, however, this was not your science fiction show of yesterday.
"Psi Factor is based on cases from the Office of Scientific Investigation and Research. The OSIR has investigated thousands of unexplained events and happenings around the world, applying scientific, technological, and research techniques to arrive at logical explanations for them. In many cases, OSIR investigators solved the riddles brought to it. In some cases, they found no logical explanation for what happened. Whatever the conclusion, the OSIR still takes the experiencers' (witnesses') events seriously and puts them first above all else."
Psi Factor brought a new twist on sci-fi (or, psi-fi), putting what we thought as fantasy, right here in present day. Each hour long episode brought two 30 minute stories following the investigations of an elite paranormal research team, struggling not only to unearth the truth through science, but struggling to resolve their own personal battles. Connor Doyle, the born leader, Peter Axon, the rebel, Anton Hendricks, the believer, Ray Donahue, the skeptic, Lindsay Donner, the dreamer, and Claire Davison, the realist . . . they all soon learned that swimming against the current of widely accepted scientific fact wasn't a task to take on alone. The team would have to depend, trust and count on one another to revolutionize the views of the scientific community; a bond they quickly developed. What they didn't realize is that in an instant all that could change.
At the end of it's inaugural season, the O.S.I.R. as well as the already dedicated fans of Psi Factor, said good-bye to a much loved leader and friend. After twenty-two episodes, Connor Doyle was lost, and the team seem distant. The emotional departure, however, brought a new focus to the show.
In season two, Psi Factor took on an overhaul. The format changed to one story per hour slot, allowing the viewer to know the characters better and see more in-dept story lines. With it came a new leader and dynamic to the team. Bonds and trust was reformed, and the team became more dedicated then ever; to the research and to each other. The show evolved from an influential revolution, to a captivating, cutting edge, classic.
Psi Factor was no longer just an outlet to educate the viewers on paranormal; but a phenomena all its own. However, with a solid three seasons behind them, the O.S.I.R. would once again make a transformation.
In the fall of 1999, Psi Factor fans bid farewell to the Director of Operations, Frank Elsinger, and made way for Dr. Hendricks' promotion. Once again, the team was separated, but it wasn't the last shake up they would experience that season. October came and the team found themselves also saying goodbye to Matt Preager in episode "883". With the show's ever changing format, Psi Factor's pulse was still strong.
A new team member, Mia Stone, joined Peter Axon, Lindsay Donner and Claire Davison to continue the work they began four season earlier. Along with the changes in the team, this season also showed a softer, and more comical side of the characters, not seen before.
May 21, 2000, the last episode of Psi Factor hit the airwaves. After 88 episodes, fans said their final fairewell to the show, left on a cliff hanger in true Psi Factor style. Though it was only four short years, Psi Factor left it's mark.
During the show's run, host and paranormal enthusiast, Dan Aykroyd, was busy spreading the word. He teamed up with Tommi Lewis to publish a book, documenting the original first episodes of season one. Aykroyd also organized a weekly call-in radio show for Psi Factor on "The Edge of Reality". Psi Factor, along the way, earned several awards, released DVD's in Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom, and changed the way we look at the unexplained, the paranormal, and science.
Every episode of "Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal," brings to the forefront the exciting and intriguing stories of unusual subjects and phenomena. Below is more information about the show and it's characters.
More
The O.S.I.R. - A look at the Office of Scientific Investigation and Research.
Characters - Show regulars from all four seasons.
Expanded Episode Guide - Episode guide with detailed descriptions of the show.
Show Pics - Pictures form different shows of Psi Factor.
Team Photos - Pictures form Psi Factor Photo shoots.
Psi Factor Archives - Here is a list of the many Psi Factor merchandise, media and other releases
during the show's run.
