9.2 / 10 (based on 341 reviews)
Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej review scary stories submitted by watchers while knocking back drinks prepared by Steven Lim.
Genre: Comedy, Horror
Main Cast: Shane Madej, Ryan Bergara, Steven Lim, Ricky Wang
Creators: Katie LeBlanc
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4 seasons, 18 episodes
Shows Most Like Too Many Spirits (2020)
Are You Scared? (2020)
8.7 / 10 (based on 202 reviews)
Ryan Bergara reads scary stories to friend Shane Madej, and they guess whether they’re “true” or not
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Puppet History (2020)
9.4 / 10 (based on 413 reviews)
“The Professor,” an expert accredited by Puppet U, hosts a ruthless competition for the title of History Master, quizzing contestants on subjects from history.
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BuzzFeed Unsolved: Supernatural (2016)
8.7 / 10 (based on 1613 reviews)
Ryan, ever the believer, embarks on a quest to convince his skeptical friend Shane that the paranormal exists by investigating the evidence around the most notorious supernatural folklore.
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Horror, Mystery
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7 seasons, 55 episodes
BuzzFeed Unsolved: True Crime (2016)
8.8 / 10 (based on 1745 reviews)
Conspiracy theory enthusiast Ryan deep-dives into mysteries surrounding notorious unsolved crimes, in order to convince his dubious friend Shane that, sometimes, the evidence isn’t always as it seems.
Genre: Documentary, Comedy, Crime, Horror, Mystery
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8 seasons, 66 episodes
Weird (and/or) Wonderful World with Shane (and Ryan) (2020)
9.2 / 10 (based on 85 reviews)
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Genre: Documentary, Comedy
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Ruining History (2017)
8.2 / 10 (based on 364 reviews)
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Spooky Small Talk (2020)
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The Hot Daga (2017)
7.9 / 10 (based on 69 reviews)
The Hot Daga is a fictional universe created and written by Shane Madej.
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2 seasons, 17 episodes
Worth It (2016)
8.5 / 10 (based on 323 reviews)
Food lovers Steven and Andrew, along with cameraman Adam, try delicious foods at three prices: affordable, middle tier, and luxury. At the end of the episode, they decide which is the most “worth it” at its given price.
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6.6 / 10 (based on 714 reviews)
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9 seasons, 110 episodes
In the realm of TV shows that blend comedy with the supernatural, “Too Many Spirits” emerges as a noteworthy contender. Launched in 2020, this series carves out its niche by mixing spirits of the alcoholic variety with tales of the supernatural. It’s a concept that might sound odd at first glance, but it works surprisingly well, thanks in large part to its hosts, Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej. Known for their work on BuzzFeed Unsolved, Bergara and Madej bring their unique chemistry and humor to this series, making it a must-watch for fans of the paranormal and cocktails alike.
The Premise
At its core, “Too Many Spirits” is a show about storytelling and drinking. Each episode features Bergara and Madej sitting down to read ghost stories submitted by viewers. As they dive into these tales, a guest mixologist prepares themed cocktails based on the stories being told. It’s a simple format, but the charm of the show lies in its execution. The stories range from mildly creepy to downright bizarre, offering a variety of tones and atmospheres. Meanwhile, the cocktails add a fun and interactive element, often with pun-filled names that play off the ghost stories.
The Chemistry of the Hosts
The dynamic between Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej is arguably the backbone of “Too Many Spirits.” Their friendship and contrasting personalities add an extra layer of entertainment to the show. Bergara, with his genuine interest in the supernatural, often gets visibly excited or spooked by the stories. Madej, on the other hand, approaches the tales with a healthy dose of skepticism and humor. This balance between belief and skepticism provides a relatable entry point for viewers of all persuasions, whether they’re hardcore paranormal enthusiasts or staunch skeptics.
Memorable Episodes
While “Too Many Spirits” doesn’t follow a traditional narrative structure, certain episodes stand out for their memorable stories or particularly inventive cocktails. For instance, an episode might feature a story about a haunted doll, followed by a cocktail called “The Possessed Porcelain.” The creativity in both the storytelling and drink-making segments keeps the show fresh and engaging.
The Role of the Mixologist
The guest mixologist serves as the unsung hero of “Too Many Spirits.” Tasked with creating drinks that somehow encapsulate the essence of ghost stories, they often steal the show with their creativity and expertise. The cocktails they craft are not only visually appealing but also cleverly tied to the themes of the tales being told. This element adds a layer of anticipation to each episode, as viewers look forward to seeing what concoctions will be featured.
Fan Interaction
A key aspect of “Too Many Spirits” is its reliance on viewer-submitted stories. This approach fosters a sense of community among fans, as they get to see their own experiences shared and reacted to by the hosts. The show often encourages viewers to share their thoughts on the stories and cocktails in the comments section, creating an interactive experience that extends beyond passive viewing. This level of engagement is a testament to the show’s ability to connect with its audience on a personal level.
The Show’s Impact
Since its debut, “Too Many Spirits” has carved out a unique space in the landscape of paranormal entertainment. It offers a lighthearted take on the genre, making it accessible to those who might not typically engage with ghost stories. Additionally, the show has introduced viewers to the art of cocktail-making, showcasing the creativity and skill involved in the craft.
Why It Works
So, what makes “Too Many Spirits” work? At its heart, the show succeeds because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It understands that the combination of ghost stories and cocktails is inherently playful, and it leans into that with gusto. The hosts’ chemistry, the inventive cocktails, and the engaging storytelling create a winning formula that’s both entertaining and unique.
Conclusion
“Too Many Spirits” is more than just a show about ghost stories and cocktails. It’s a celebration of creativity, friendship, and the joy of sharing tales that send a shiver down your spine. Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast, a cocktail aficionado, or just someone looking for a fun way to spend an evening, “Too Many Spirits” offers something for everyone. Its blend of humor, horror, and spirits (both kinds) makes it a standout series that’s well worth your time.