TV’s Best Fake Psychics: When Pretend Powers Cause Real Chaos

By Jon Donnis

Fake psychics and fraudulent mediums have been a goldmine for television storytelling, creating plenty of hilarious and dramatic moments as their schemes slowly unravel. Whether they are bumbling con artists or slick manipulators, these characters thrive on deception, using clever tricks and theatrical flair to convince others of their supernatural abilities. The real magic happens when their lies come crashing down, leaving behind chaos, comedy, or even the occasional heartfelt revelation. Let's take a closer look at some of TV's most memorable phoney psychics and the episodes where they almost got away with it.

In Psych (2006-2014), Shawn Spencer builds an entire career on his fake psychic abilities. In reality, Shawn is just hyper-observant, with a photographic memory and razor-sharp attention to detail. In the pilot episode, "Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Piece" (S1, E2), Shawn pretends to have visions to solve a high-profile theft, fooling the Santa Barbara Police Department into hiring him as a consultant. The show thrives on the comedic tension of Shawn maintaining the ruse, especially as his best friend Gus constantly worries about being caught. The beauty of Psych is that Shawn's deception comes from a good place, he genuinely wants to help people, even if he has to flail around and pretend to receive divine visions to do it.

Frasier (1993-2004) also pokes fun at fake psychics in "The Friend" (S5, E16). When Daphne's friend, a self-proclaimed psychic named Bonnie, claims to see the future, Frasier can't resist trying to disprove her powers. The episode brilliantly showcases Frasier's arrogance as he becomes increasingly frustrated by Bonnie's vague predictions coming true through sheer coincidence. The more he tries to expose her, the more ridiculous he looks, culminating in an embarrassing confrontation at his radio station. It's classic Frasier, a mix of highbrow intellectualism crashing headfirst into petty squabbles.

In Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021), the precinct deals with a fraudster in "Bad Beat" (S5, E8). A psychic named Dan "The Man" claims to have information about a case, but Jake Peralta quickly sees through the act. The episode leans into the absurdity of Dan's vague "visions", with Jake setting up increasingly elaborate traps to catch him out. In true Brooklyn Nine-Nine fashion, the situation escalates to ridiculous proportions, including a fake séance and a ghost-hunting stakeout. It's a perfect example of the show's playful energy, turning the fake psychic trope into a full-blown farce.

Even more serious shows have explored the theme. The Mentalist (2008-2015) revolves entirely around the idea of exposing fraudulent mediums. Patrick Jane, a former con artist who pretended to communicate with the dead, now works with the CBI to catch criminals. The pilot episode introduces Jane's past as a fake psychic, revealing that his deception inadvertently made his family a target for the serial killer Red John. Jane spends the series using his old cold-reading tricks to outsmart killers, carrying the weight of his past mistakes as he tries to make amends. It's a darker exploration of the damage fake psychics can cause, adding emotional depth to the usual con-artist storyline.

Even Supernatural (2005-2020) couldn't resist playing with the concept in "The Mentalists" (S7, E7). The Winchester brothers investigate a town full of self-proclaimed mediums, only to discover that one of them is accidentally channeling real spirits. The episode is a clever twist on the fake psychic trope, blending supernatural horror with the comedy of watching scammers freak out when they realise they are way out of their depth.

Fake psychics make for brilliant television because they walk the line between villainy and vulnerability. Their deception can cause harm, but there is often an underlying desperation driving their lies. Whether they are attention-seekers, opportunists, or people just trying to make a living, these characters remind us of the human desire for answers and connection. Watching them get caught out is satisfying, but the best shows leave room for a little empathy too. After all, while fake psychics might not have real powers, their stories still have a way of pulling viewers in.

The Art of Deception: Movies Featuring Bad Psychics and Mediums

The following article was provided by the good people at BeenToTheMovies.com

Throughout cinema history, the idea of con artists posing as psychics or mediums has provided the perfect setup for mystery, comedy, and even horror. Whether these characters are exploiting people's grief, running elaborate scams, or unexpectedly encountering real supernatural forces, the trope of the fake psychic has been a rich source of storytelling. Here are some of the most memorable films that have played with this fascinating plot device.

1. Nightmare Alley (1947 & 2021)

Both versions of Nightmare Alley, based on the novel by William Lindsay Gresham, follow the downfall of a charismatic carnival con man, Stanton Carlisle. In both the 1947 classic and Guillermo del Toro's 2021 adaptation, Stanton learns the tricks of the trade from a seasoned mentalist, using coded signals and clever showmanship to convince audiences he has psychic abilities. As he rises from small-time grifts to high-society cons, he becomes entangled in a dangerous scheme that ultimately exposes the cost of his deception. Nightmare Alley is a gripping psychological thriller that showcases the dark side of exploiting belief for personal gain.

2. Red Lights (2012)

This underrated psychological thriller stars Cillian Murphy and Sigourney Weaver as skeptical investigators dedicated to exposing fraudulent psychics. Their primary target is Simon Silver (Robert De Niro), a blind, world-famous medium who comes out of retirement. While the film initially focuses on the scientific debunking of supernatural claims, it takes unexpected turns as the investigators begin to question whether Silver might actually possess real abilities. Red Lights plays with the audience's expectations, blurring the line between skepticism and belief in a way that keeps viewers guessing.

3. Ghost (1990)

While Ghost is primarily a romantic supernatural drama, Whoopi Goldberg's character, Oda Mae Brown, is a classic example of a fraudulent medium who gets in over her head. Initially a con artist running a phony psychic reading business, Oda Mae is stunned when she realizes she can actually hear the ghost of Sam Wheat (Patrick Swayze). The film brilliantly flips the trope by turning the fake psychic into an unexpected hero, as Oda Mae becomes the link between Sam and his grieving girlfriend, Molly.

4. Seance on a Wet Afternoon (1964)

This British psychological thriller follows a struggling medium, Myra Savage, who orchestrates a kidnapping with her husband, claiming she will use her "psychic powers" to locate the missing child. However, as the plan spirals out of control, Myra's grip on reality begins to slip. This eerie and unsettling film is a slow-burning character study of desperation and delusion, showing how a fake medium can become consumed by their own deception.

5. The Frighteners (1996)

Peter Jackson's horror-comedy The Frighteners follows Frank Bannister (Michael J. Fox), a scam artist who can actually see ghosts. Frank uses his spectral friends to "haunt" homes, only to swoop in and offer his services as a ghostbuster, for a price. However, when a real malevolent spirit begins killing people, Frank is forced to step up as an unlikely hero. Blending comedy, horror, and supernatural mystery, The Frighteners offers a fun and fresh take on the fake psychic trope.

The Lasting Appeal of the Fake Psychic Trope

The concept of a con artist pretending to have supernatural abilities remains a powerful storytelling device. It allows for thrilling narratives that explore deception, morality, and the human need for belief, whether in the paranormal or in something greater than ourselves. Whether used for horror, drama, or comedy, the fake psychic trope continues to fascinate audiences and deliver compelling stories full of twists and surprises.

What's your favorite movie featuring a fake psychic or medium? Let us know in the comments!

Psychics and Mediums: The Legal Landscape in the UK

By Jon Donnis

Psychics and mediums have always sparked curiosity, fascination, and, of course, skepticism. From claims of contacting the dead to offering predictions about the future, many people believe in their abilities, while others remain doubtful. In the UK, there is no specific law directly regulating psychics or mediums, but they are still bound by general consumer protection laws, fraud regulations, and rules designed to protect vulnerable individuals. Let's take a look at how the law deals with psychics and their claims, and how things have evolved over the years.

Unlike some professions, psychics and mediums in the UK do not need any formal qualifications or licensing to practice. This lack of regulation means they can operate freely, as long as they do not make fraudulent or misleading claims. While psychics are free to charge for their services, the law steps in when claims become specific, falsifiable, or deliberately deceptive. For example, if a psychic says they can contact the dead and charge money for it, but it is shown to be false, they might be in breach of the law. The problem is that many psychics keep their claims vague, such as saying "I sense a presence" or "The spirits are guiding me." This leaves plenty of room for interpretation and makes it difficult for the law to take action.

One important law worth mentioning is the Fraudulent Mediums Act 1951, which made it illegal for anyone to claim they could use spiritualism or other similar methods to deceive people for financial gain. In theory, psychics could be prosecuted under this law if they misled people into believing they had genuine supernatural abilities. However, the act had significant limitations. It was difficult to prove that a psychic was intentionally deceiving someone, and the law was rarely enforced. Over time, the Fraudulent Mediums Act was seen as ineffective and was eventually repealed in 2008, replaced by more modern consumer protection laws.

After the repeal of the Fraudulent Mediums Act, the UK introduced the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (CPRs) in 2008. These regulations aimed to protect consumers from misleading business practices, including psychic services. If a psychic makes a claim that cannot be proven, like guaranteeing contact with a loved one from beyond, they could be violating these rules. However, just as with the Fraudulent Mediums Act, it is tricky to bring a case against psychics because their claims are often vague. If a psychic says "I believe I can help you find answers" or "I feel a presence," it is hard to argue that they are actively trying to deceive someone.

The Fraud Act 2006 is another piece of legislation that could apply to psychics. If a psychic makes false claims with the intent to deceive for financial gain, they could be charged with fraud under this law. However, again, proving that a psychic knowingly misled someone is difficult, especially when their language remains open-ended. Many psychics operate in a way that makes it hard to pinpoint clear deceit. They often say things like "I sense someone nearby" or "The spirits are speaking to me" without offering concrete proof, which makes it difficult for the law to get involved.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) also plays a role in keeping psychic advertising in check. If a psychic makes misleading claims in their ads, the ASA can investigate and ask for the removal or revision of the advertisements. This ensures that psychics do not advertise things they cannot prove, like promising to contact the dead or predict the future with certainty.

Another important issue in the regulation of psychics and mediums is the potential for exploitation, especially of vulnerable individuals. Many people turn to psychics in times of emotional distress, such as after the loss of a loved one or during personal crises. Psychics who take advantage of people's vulnerability by offering false hope or charging excessive fees for services can be seen as exploiting their clients. While there are laws designed to prevent aggressive or coercive practices, proving exploitation in the case of psychics is difficult. The line between providing comfort and exploiting someone's grief can be blurry, and as a result, psychics are often able to operate without facing significant legal consequences.

The legal framework surrounding psychics and mediums in the UK has evolved over time, but there remain gaps in regulation. The repeal of the Fraudulent Mediums Act 1951 in 2008 reflected a shift towards more modern consumer protection laws, but proving fraudulent claims or exploitation remains a challenge. The general approach of the law has been to focus on preventing misleading advertising and fraud, but due to the subjective nature of psychic practices, many psychics continue to operate without facing legal repercussions. With the rise of online psychics, there are growing concerns about the effectiveness of the current regulatory framework. Online psychics often operate across borders, making enforcement even more difficult.

While psychics and mediums are still allowed to practice freely in the UK, they must adhere to general consumer protection laws and fraud regulations. However, proving fraud or exploitation is often a complex task. As the popularity of psychics continues to grow, particularly in the digital age, there is increasing debate about whether the legal framework should be updated to provide stronger protection for consumers. For now, psychics and mediums continue to exist in a space where their claims remain open to interpretation, and the legal system is largely reactive when it comes to addressing deceptive practices.

The Myth of the 'Living Nostradamus': Separating Fact from Fiction in Athos Salomé's Predictions

By Jon Donnis

Athos Salomé, a Brazilian psychic who has been dubbed the "Living Nostradamus," has gained significant media attention in recent years. He is frequently featured in UK tabloids like the Daily Express, where his supposed supernatural insights are presented with intrigue and speculation. Salomé claims to possess an extraordinary ability to foresee global events, drawing comparisons to the 16th-century seer Nostradamus, (hence the ridiculous nickname). However, a closer examination of his history, claims, and the evidence surrounding his predictions raises questions about the validity of his supposed psychic abilities.

Salomé's rise to prominence in the media has been driven by his bold assertions that he predicted major events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. These claims have cemented his reputation as a modern-day prophet. He also asserts that his abilities stem from a supernatural gift, allowing him to perceive events before they unfold. Yet, there is little in the way of verifiable evidence to support these statements. Many of his predictions, when scrutinised, appear to rely on vague language and retroactive interpretations, a common hallmark of so-called psychic phenomena.

For instance, Salomé claims to have foreseen the COVID-19 pandemic, but his alleged prediction is steeped in ambiguity. He is reported to have mentioned a "global disruption" and "biological threats" in statements prior to the pandemic. However, such phrases are broad and could be applied to numerous scenarios. Crucially, there is no concrete proof that these statements were made before the pandemic began. In many cases, claims of prior predictions rely on unverifiable or undated sources, making it impossible to confirm whether they were genuine foresights or post-event fabrications.

The same can be said of his assertion that he predicted the conflict in Ukraine. Salomé has pointed to statements about "Eastern unrest" as evidence of his prophetic insight. Yet, political tensions in Eastern Europe have been an ongoing concern for decades, and the suggestion of unrest in this region could be viewed as an educated guess rather than a supernatural vision. Skeptics argue that such predictions are more a matter of probability and intuition than any genuine psychic ability.

More recently, Salomé made headlines by claiming to have warned King Charles III about potential prostate health issues prior to public announcements about the King undergoing treatment. While this claim has garnered attention, it is worth noting that health issues are not uncommon as people age, and a prediction of such a general nature does not necessarily indicate psychic insight. Furthermore, there is no clear evidence that Salomé communicated this warning directly to the King or that it was taken seriously by anyone within the royal household.

Salomé's predictions for 2024 included forecasts of global conflicts, natural disasters, and technological breakthroughs. While these predictions may capture public imagination, they are strikingly similar to the kinds of events that occur with regularity in any given year. Without specific details or verifiable evidence that these statements were made well in advance, they do little to substantiate claims of extraordinary foresight. The general nature of such predictions allows for significant leeway in interpretation, enabling them to be retrospectively aligned with actual events. For example I could claim that a Hurricane will cause great damage on the East Coast of America in 2025, and I will probably be right since that happens every year.

Scientific investigation into psychic phenomena has repeatedly demonstrated the unreliability of such claims. Studies on alleged psychics often reveal that their predictions are no more accurate than random chance. The human tendency to seek patterns and make sense of vague statements, known as the Barnum effect, plays a significant role in how people interpret psychic predictions. Salomé's assertions appear to fall squarely within this realm, relying on ambiguous language and the selective memory of his followers to lend them credibility.

Ultimately, Athos Salomé's claims warrant scepticism. While he has undoubtedly carved out a niche in the world of tabloid intrigue, the evidence supporting his psychic abilities remains unconvincing. His predictions, when stripped of their mystique, often resemble educated guesses rather than genuine prophecy. For those seeking to evaluate his claims critically, it is essential to demand clear, verifiable evidence and resist the allure of vague and retrospective interpretations.