Crave Bets on Snooki’s Ghostly Turn in Original Paranormal Series

Toronto, ON – Streaming service Crave is doubling down on original programming with “SNOOKI: PARANORMAL ROOKIE,” a new unscripted series starring reality TV icon Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi. The series, announced today, sees the Jersey Shore alum stepping into the world of paranormal investigation, partnering with psychic medium Kevin Whitaker to explore haunted locations across North America. While the move may seem unexpected, industry analysts suggest it's a calculated risk by Crave to attract subscribers with a unique blend of celebrity appeal, a popular genre, and potentially viral content.

“Crave is clearly looking to differentiate itself in a crowded streaming landscape,” explains an anonymous media analyst. “They’ve had success with original dramas and comedies, but unscripted is often more affordable and can generate a lot of buzz, especially when you have a recognizable face like Snooki attached.”

Currently boasting over 3 million subscribers, Crave faces stiff competition from established players like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. The streamer has been steadily increasing its investment in original content, hoping to attract and retain viewers with exclusive programming. “The strategy is to offer a diverse range of content, something for everyone,” explains another anonymous source within Bell Media. “Snooki brings a built-in audience, and the paranormal genre has a strong and dedicated following.”

From Seaside Heights to Spectral Investigations

For Snooki, the move represents a significant career pivot. Known for her boisterous personality and party-loving antics on Jersey Shore, she’s spent the last several years building a brand as a television personality, author, and entrepreneur. “It’s a fascinating transition,” comments an anonymous television industry insider. “Snooki’s always been open and vulnerable on screen, and that authenticity could translate well to paranormal investigations. It’s a chance for her to show a different side of herself.”

The series will see Snooki and Whitaker traveling to various allegedly haunted locations, conducting investigations, and attempting to connect with the spirits that reside within. Whitaker, a seasoned psychic medium with a growing reputation in the paranormal community, brings years of experience and a deep understanding of the supernatural. While details remain scarce, early reports suggest the series will focus on both the scientific and spiritual aspects of ghost hunting, blending traditional investigation techniques with Whitaker’s psychic abilities.

“The key to a successful paranormal show is finding that balance between entertainment and credibility,” says an anonymous source familiar with the genre. “Viewers want to be scared and entertained, but they also want to believe that something real is happening.”

A Genre with Staying Power

The enduring appeal of paranormal investigation is evident in the continued success of shows like Ghost Adventures, The Dead Files, and numerous online content creators. According to Google Trends, searches for terms like “paranormal investigation” and “ghost hunting” have steadily increased over the past several years, suggesting a growing interest in the supernatural.

“There’s something intrinsically fascinating about the unknown,” explains a paranormal researcher. “Humans are naturally curious about what happens after death, and ghost hunting offers a way to explore those questions, even if it’s just for entertainment.”

Furthermore, the rise of social media has fueled the popularity of paranormal content, with countless videos of alleged ghost sightings and EVP recordings circulating online. This creates a ready-made audience for a new series like “SNOOKI: PARANORMAL ROOKIE,” which can leverage the power of social media to generate buzz and attract viewers.

Crave’s Calculated Risk

While the pairing of Snooki and paranormal investigation may seem unconventional, industry analysts believe it’s a calculated risk by Crave to attract a wider audience. The streaming service is betting that the combination of celebrity appeal, a popular genre, and potentially viral content will drive subscriptions and increase viewership.

“Crave is trying to find that sweet spot between mainstream appeal and niche interests,” says an anonymous media analyst. “Snooki brings the mainstream appeal, the paranormal genre brings the niche interest, and together they have the potential to create a really successful show.”

However, the success of the series will ultimately depend on its execution. The show needs to be both entertaining and credible, balancing the thrills of ghost hunting with the authenticity of paranormal investigation. If Crave can strike that balance, “SNOOKI: PARANORMAL ROOKIE” could be a significant win for the streaming service, proving that even the most unexpected pairings can be a recipe for success. The series is currently slated for release in late 2024, with further details expected in the coming months.