Extraordinary on the screen: 5 modern paranormal shows

Personally, I’d like to be omnilingual and be able to understand and speak all languages. So far, I don’t remember watching a show that featured a character who had that power. These five current paranormal shows, with their “gifted” main characters, are among my favorites to watch.

Heroes (2006-2010)

Heroes told the story of ordinary people who discover, and subsequently try to master, extraordinary powers: Hiro Nakamura (Masi Oka), a comic book enthusiast, could halt time; Niki Sanders (Ali Larter), a webcam performer who grappled with a personality disorder, possessed superhuman strength; Claire Bennet (Hayden Panettiere) underwent rapid regeneration even after severe injuries, and as such, was basically immortal; Peter Petrelli could mimic others’ powers nearby; and Mark Parkman (Greg Grunberg), a telepathic cop.

These “heroes” came together to fight evil (mostly) in the form of Gabriel Gray, aka “Sylar” (Zachary Quinto), who could assimilate other superhuman abilities.

In the reboot, Heroes Reborn (2015), evolved humans, so-called “Evos”, were forced into hiding. The authorities accused them of terrorism, while vigilantes were mercilessly hunting them.

In The Empath Series, my protagonist Nathaniel Colt hid his empathy because such persecution was one of his biggest fears.

The Listener (2009-2014)

The Canadian series focuses on Toby Logan (Craig Olejnik), a telepathic paramedic. He used his gift to help his patients, best friend Oz (Ennis Esmer), and his ex-girlfriend, doctor Olivia Fawcett (Mylène Dinh-Robic). One day, though, he got a glimpse of a crime in a patient’s head. That event pulled him into a web of enigma and intrigue. He helped Detective Charlie Marks (Lisa Marcos) to solve crimes.

At the start of season two, Toby’s path intersected with the Integrated Investigative Bureau, a specialized unit within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Initially, he collaborated as an unofficial advisor with Sergeant Michelle McCluskey (Lauren Lee Smith), Corporal Dev Clark (Rainbow Sun Francks), and their supervisor Alvin Klein (Peter Stebbings). Later, Toby eventually becomes a special consultant for the IIB.

Haven (2010-2015)

Based on Stephen King’s novel, The Colorado Kid, this paranormal TV series delved into the mysterious world of the quaint coastal town of Haven, Maine. It is a location pivotal in King’s literary realm, including The Monstrum.

When FBI agent Audrey Parker (Emily Rose) set foot in the titular coastal town, Haven seemed normal and quiet. She then uncovered a well-guarded secret: several citizens had a dormant power (or curse) that could activate at any moment.

Audrey teamed up with local Detective Nathan Wuornos (Lucas Bryant) and Duke Crocker (Eric Balfour) to deal with the repercussions of “The Troubles”.

Alphas (2011-2012)

Similar to the popular Heroes, Alphas explored the world of superpowered individuals. Led by neurologist and psychiatrist, Dr. Lee Rosen (David Strathairn), these Alphas worked for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the criminal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Defense:

The Alphas exhibited a diverse array of powers:

• Cameron Hicks (Warren Christie): A hyperkinetic with unparalleled aim, perfect balance, and enhanced motor skills.
• Bill Harken (Malik Yoba): The hyperadrenal gained immense strength and speed, triggered by a “fight or flight” response.
• Nina Theroux (Laura Mennell): An Influencer who could override other people’s willpower and bend them to her desires.
• Gary Bell (Ryan Cartwright): The Transducer could read electromagnetic wavelengths using his mind.
• Rachel Pirzad (Azita Ghanizada) had synesthesia, which enabled her to enhance or diminish her natural senses.
• Kat (Erin Way) was an Adomopathic who mastered perfect replication of any observed physical action.

Their adversaries were the members of “Red Flag”, a faction composed of empowered terrorists. Their conflict draws parallels to iconic characters like Dr. X and the X-Men and Magneto and The Brotherhood of Mutants.

Notably, the inclusion of Dr. Vanessa Calder, a CDC employee, placed Alphas within a shared universe with the science fiction shows Eureka and Warehouse 13.

Unforgettable (2011-2016)

Based on J. Robert Lennon’s short story The Rememberer, the series starred Poppy Montgomery as former police detective Carrie Wells. Carrie suffered from hyperthymesia, a rare medical condition that let her recall every single experience of her life—all but the day someone murdered her sister. Back on the force, Carrie worked with her old partner and boyfriend, Lt. Al Burns (Dylan Walsh), to solve her sister’s case. In season two, Carrie and Al transitioned to the NYPD's Major Crimes Section.

Marilu Henner, an actress with hyperthymesia, consulted on the series and appeared as Carrie’s aunt.

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