As promised in my previous post, I have compiled a list of my top ten favorite Buzzfeed Unsolved Supernatural episodes in honor of the show’s 100th episode. In case you can’t tell by the excessive list of honorable mentions at the end, I had a very hard time narrowing my selection down to ten. Some of the picks on this list are undeniably more controversial than my True Crime selections, as a result. I stand by my choices, and had a lot of fun making them.
Here we go:
1. “3 Horrifying Cases of Ghosts and Demons”
Clickbait title aside, this season one episode earns itself a whole host of superlatives. Not only is “3 Horrifying Cases” the longest Buzzfeed Unsolved episode to date, but it also represents the first episode with significant travel to different locations, setting the tone for future seasons. Ryan and Shane investigate the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, the Island of the Dolls in Mexico City, Mexico, and the infamous Sallie House in Atchison, Kansas. Their final stop at the Sallie House provides some of the show’s most compelling supernatural evidence and humorous bits.
This episode also packs some punch on a personal level. Before visiting the Winchester Mystery House, the boys consult priest Father Thomas at a church only five minutes from my house. This episode was also my first experience with Buzzfeed Unsolved Supernatural and it remains my most watched episode to date. Just a tip from personal experience: this episode provides the perfect introduction if you’re interested in getting your friends hooked on the show.
2. “The Demonic Goatman’s Bridge”
This episode provides ultimate proof of the fact that that a location doesn’t have to seem particularly haunted for the ghoul boys to make it memorable. Ryan fends off demons with a holy water gun, Shane spouts some of the series’ most iconic dialogue, and the boys conduct their first Ouija board session. For a short time, Shane’s claim of ownership over the Old Alton Bridge even inspired an editing war on the landmark’s Wikipedia page. For anyone even remotely invested in Buzzfeed Unsolved, this is not an episode to miss.
3. “The Haunted Halls of Waverly Hills Hospital”
Whether you’re a Boogara (a believer) or a Shaniac (a skeptic), everyone can agree that the Waverly Hills Asylum is perhaps the creepiest place the Ghoul Boys have ever visited. In fact, deleted footage from the episode even shows implacable Shane running from a growling sound at the bottom of the Asylum’s body chute. (Watch the “Almost 70th Episode Retrospective” for proof.)
4. “The Unbelievable Horrors of the Old City Jail”
The most recent Buzzfeed Unsolved Supernatural season finale effortlessly pushed its way into the top half of this list. As was the case throughout the season, the boys’ sleep deprivation lent their performance an extra dimension of chaotic energy. (See: Ryan’s screaming match with empty air during his solo investigation.) And while I would generally label myself as a skeptic, even I can’t deny the inexplicable strangeness of the “full-body apparition” that Ryan caught on camera.
5. “The Mystical Villa Montezuma Mansion”
This might be an unpopular inclusion on this list of favorites, but I couldn’t help myself. Although the Montezuma mansion seems one of the least compelling haunted sites Ryan and Shane have ever visited, this scene makes me die laughing every time I watch it. Again, we’re here more for the boys’ hilarious chemistry than for the occult stuff.
6. “The Bizarre Voodoo World of New Orleans”
From murder houses and benevolent spirits to dancing through doorways and Shane’s existential moment in the bathroom, this episode packs an unbelievable amount of entertainment into 25 minutes. Ryan and Shane’s interactions with members of the local community provide insight into the thriving Haitian Voodoo scene in New Orleans.
7. “The Murders that Haunt the Lizzie Borden House”
This episode presents an intriguing fusion of True Crime and Supernatural elements. First, Ryan outlines the events that left two people brutally murdered with an axe and earned the house its fame. Then the boys spend the night. I have a feeling they spent more time cackling over their synchronized Lizzie Borden chant than sleeping.
8. “The Ghosts and Demons of Bobby Mackey’s”
Even if you don’t watch the show, you may have run across the phrase “Hey demons, it’s me, ya boy” floating around on the internet. We’ll never know what Shane was thinking when he uttered the words that gave rise a thousand memes. But what I can say for certain is this episode is a Buzzfeed Unsolved classic.
9. “The Haunted Decks of the Queen Mary”
In this early episode, the boys spend the night below deck on the Queen Mary, an ocean liner that acted as a transport vessel during World War II. The boys’ exploration provides insight into Ryan’s origin story. According to Bergara, a series of strange events during a similar overnight stay as a teenager fostered his belief in the supernatural.
10. “The Search for the Mysterious Mothman”
In this lighthearted installment, Ryan and Shane visit Point Pleasant, West Virginia to delve into the local legend of the Mothman. Point Pleasant’s local businesses have more than embraced Mothman lore. As a result, the boys spend the first half of the episode visiting tourist attractions and tasting the best Mothman-themed food the town has to offer. Later on, they venture into the woods to seek out the cryptid for themselves.
Honorable Mentions:
“The Mysterious Disappearance of Roanoke Colony,” “The Chilling Chambers of Colchester Castle,” “The Horrors of Pennhurst Asylum,” “Return to the Horrifying Winchester Mansion”, “The Haunting of Hannah Williams,” and “The Haunted Quarters of the Dauphine Hotel.”
(It was HARD to choose, okay??)
To wrap this up, thank you ever so much to Ryan and Shane for blessing us with this amazing show. It’s been quite a ride. Congratulations on 100 episodes, and here’s to 100 more!