In recent years, topics traditionally regarded as religious in nature have appeared in a secularized form in popular culture. Prior studies on these media have investigated effects on viewer spiritual beliefs or belief in the paranormal. In this study the researcher conducted a qualitative content analysis of textual and non-textual aspects of three paranormal reality broadcast television (PRTV) programs to determine how themes of death and the afterlife were present. Non-participant observation of discussions within online fan communities focused on the programs was conducted to ascertain: in what ways viewers establish perceived realism regarding paranormal reality television; if viewers express a need to know about death and the afterlife and, if so, in what ways; and whether or not viewers use PRTV programs to interpret death and the afterlife.

The research revealed that each PRTV program had a unique design and themes, but all featured one overarching theme: that spirits of the dead can and do interact with the living. Online discussions mirrored program themes but also included discussions regarding personal views on death and the afterlife and many personal paranormal experiences.

The findings supported literature related to audience reception theories that focus on polysemic interpretations of the programs, viewers bringing their own experiences to reading programs based on their purpose for watching and, creating fluid social formations (via online forums) based on the programs. Findings also supported theories about how the Internet allows the development of new types of communication, including those designated as "safe havens," and the creation of group and personal knowledge through discourse within groups. The most strongly corroborated approach was Belief Theory which addresses the issue of trust as the key to accepting testimony of others from whom one has little information on which to judge reliability. Theories related to enchantment, disenchantment and re-enchantment were underscored by the juxtaposition of references to traditional religious perspectives, scientific and technological perspectives and new ways of experiencing the world through secular mysteries presented in PRTV.