http://www.theskepticsguide.org/sgublog/?p=162

The Skeptologists

Author: Steven Novella
 

Announcing a new skeptical reality TV show - The Skeptologists. At this point the show is being produced as a pilot, and has not been picked up by any network, but we can always hope. The concept of the show is similar to other paranormal investigation shows, except with actual skeptics who will do real science - not kids with fancy toys and no idea what they are doing. It will be a cross between Mythbusters (with fewer explosions) and a family friendly version of Bullshit (with fewer naked breasts). I know how much everyone loves explosions and naked breasts, but we will make up for it with humor and fun.

Did I say “we”? That’s right - because I have been roped in as one of the cast member. The project is the brainchild of Brian Dunning of the Skeptoid podcast. His co-producer is Ryan Johnson from New Rule productions. Here is the public website with information on the show.

The cast includes (here are the official bios for the show):

Dr. Phil Plait, affectionately referred to as The Bad Astronomer is an internationally renowned astronomer, author, lecturer, and blogger. He uses mega intelligence, critical thinking and a hefty dash of humor to dismantle pseudoscience and wild claims of the paranormal. His career as an astronomer has brought him in contact with NASA as a contractor for Goddard Space Flight Center for Hubble. He is in high demand for speaking engagements on radio, television and podcasts. He is also the creator of the popular website and blog Bad Astronomy.com
Dr. Michael Shermer is the Founding Publisher of Skeptic magazine, the monthly “Skeptic” columnist for Scientific American, and author of Why people Believe Weird Things, an exploration into a variety of strange ideas, groups and cults. A psychologist, professor and historian of science,Dr. Shermer was also the co-producer and co-host of the Fox Family television series, Exploring theUnknown. Dr. Shermer has made countless appearances on television including, Oprah, Larry KingLive, The Colbert Report, Dateline, 20/20, The History Channel, A & E, The Discovery Channel, andPBS as a skeptic of weird and extraordinary claims.
Yau-Man Chan received his Bachelor of Science degree in physics from MIT, Master of Sciencedegree from UCSB and currently is the Chief Technology Officer at the College of Chemistry fromUC Berkeley where he manages and runs the information systems for administrative, research and teaching units of the college. He gained instant popularity when he became a contestant onSurvivor: Fiji (finishing 4th) and was voted favorite Survivor. He is also a cast member on the new season of Survivor: Micronesia.
Dr. Kirsten Sanford holds a PhD in Physiology from UC Davis and would rather be known for herintelligence than her Sexy Geek nomination from Wired magazine’s 2007 contest; one glance at her and its hard not to notice her, um, intelligence. Dr. Sanford has a fanatical drive to popularize
science, which lead her to produce and host This Week in Science a radio program turned lively podcast that educates the layman in recent scientific endeavors. Dr. Sanford, brainy and bright also holds a black belt in Tae-Kwon-Do, hula hoops with fire and is fascinated by birds and their brains.
Mark Edward is a professional mentalist specializing in magic of the mind. His amazing mind reading techniques make a statement about our limited powers of observation and our refusal to believe manipulation can easily happen to the best of us. He has performed as a psychic entertainer at the Hollywood hot spot Magic Castle as well as world-class venues, nightclubs and corporate events. His television appearances include A & E’s Houdini the Great Escape, NBC’s The other Side, two episodes of the Learning Channel’s Exploring the Unknown, Emmy nominated, Penn & Teller: Bullshit! Talking to the Dead, and most recently he was the guest Medium on the season finale of Last Comic Standing.
Dr. Steven Novella is an academic clinical neurologist at Yale University School of Medicine. He is the president and co-founder of the New England Skeptical Society a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting science and reason. He is also the host and producer of The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe a popular weekly science podcast that deals with myths, conspiracy theories, pseudoscience and the paranormal from a scientific point of view. Dr. Novella is a well-known lecturer, author, and commentator advocating the skeptical point of view.

I think (hope) that now is good timing for such a show. There seems to be a bit of a backlash against all the woo and nonsense on TV recently, and there is a demand for some real science and reason. The success of Mythbusters and Bullshit are good examples of this trend.