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 particular power. These five current paranormal shows, with their “gifted” main characters, are among my favorites to watch.

Heroes (2006-2010)

“Heroes” chronicles the tale of ordinary individuals thrust into an extraordinary world upon discovering their abilities. The characters, each uniquely empowered, embarked on a journey to comprehend and harness their 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) was a telepathic cop. 

These “heroes” came together to fight evil (mostly) in the form of Gabriel Gray, aka “Sylar” (Zachary Quinto). Sylar could perceive the core functioning of organisms, which granted him the power to assimilate other superhuman abilities.

In the reboot, “Heroes Reborn”, evolved humans, referred to as “Evos”, are forced into hiding. The government holds them responsible for a terrorist act, and vigilantes, too, relentlessly hunt them down.

As this was one of his greatest fears, Nathaniel Colt concealed his empathy. He dreaded the consequences of its exposure, as both government entities and vigilantes posed a significant threat to his existence.

The Listener (2009-2014)

The Canadian mystery series centered on paramedic Toby Logan (Craig Olejnik), who concealed his telepathy from all those around him—even as he deployed it to aid others in his profession. However, one fateful day, a glimpse into a patient's mind exposed him to a crime. That event pulled him into a web of enigma and intrigue, as he helped Detective Charlie Marks (Lisa Marcos) to solve crimes. His colleague and best friend Oz (Ennis Esmer), his ex-girlfriend, the skilled doctor Olivia Fawcett (Mylène Dinh-Robic).

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 assumed the role of 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”.

At the series start, FBI agent Audrey Parker (Emily Rose) set foot in the titular coastal town. Although she initially perceived Haven as an ordinary, slightly drowsy town, Audrey soon unearthed a well-guarded secret: multiple citizens possessed a dormant curse or power that could be triggered, for any reason.

Audrey teamed up with Haven PD Detective Nathan Wuornos (Lucas Bryant) and Duke Crocker (Eric Balfour) to deal with the perilous repercussions of “The Troubles”- a recurring plague of afflictions that have haunted the town on multiple occasions.

Alphas (2011-2012)

Much like the acclaimed “Heroes”, “Alphas” delved into the realm of extraordinary humans endowed with special abilities. These “Alphas” used their unique powers under the auspices of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the criminal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Defense. The prominent neurologist and psychiatrist, Dr. Lee Rosen (David Strathairn) led the team.

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 granted her the ability to recall every single experience of her life—all but the day someone murdered her sister. Carrie returned to the police force, where she worked with her former partner and boyfriend, Lieutenant Al Burns (Dylan Walsh), to solve her sister's case. In season two, Carrie and Al transitioned to the NYPD's Major Crimes Section.

Actress Marilu Henner, who possesses hyperthymesia in real life, served as a consultant on the series. She also appeared in an episode as Carrie's aunt.

Nathaniel Colt, the protagonist of “The Empath Series” states in “Wicked Hunt” that he is glad that hyperthymesia is perceived as a medical condition rather than a special ability.

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