Sixth Sense (game show)

Sixth Sense was a reality television game show that aired on NBC in the United States in 1972. Hosted by Bill Cullen, the show involved contestants attempting to identify people with purported extrasensory perception (ESP).

Premise:

Each episode featured three contestants and several individuals who claimed to possess psychic abilities. The contestants were presented with a series of tests designed to determine which of the psychics were genuinely gifted. Tests included identifying concealed objects, predicting future events (within the confines of the game show), and reading the minds of other participants. Contestants earned points for correctly identifying the genuine psychics and lost points for incorrect guesses.

Format:

The format typically included several rounds of different ESP tests, each varying in complexity and approach. The rounds were interspersed with commentary from Cullen, who often added a lighthearted and skeptical tone to the proceedings. The show also featured occasional appearances by parapsychologists and other experts who offered their perspectives on ESP and the tests being conducted.

Reception:

Sixth Sense was met with mixed reactions. While some viewers found the show entertaining and intriguing, others were critical of its portrayal of ESP and the lack of scientific rigor in its testing methods. The show was ultimately short-lived, lasting only one season.

Legacy:

Despite its brief run, Sixth Sense remains a notable example of the popular interest in psychic phenomena during the 1970s. It contributed to the broader cultural conversation about ESP and the paranormal, even though its scientific validity was often questioned. The show is occasionally referenced in discussions of television history and the portrayal of paranormal topics in media.