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For those of you who are into creepy stuff, you might want to check out The Black Tapes—a binge-worthy podcast docudrama that's a cross between NPR and The X-Files. Now I'm not a binge kind of guy, but I spent the entirety of last week gorging myself on the first season of The Black Tapes and loved it.

Here's the premise: Reporter Alex Reagan sets out to do a podcast about weird Pacific Northwest occupations, and starts by pursuing ghost hunters. This leads to a meeting with America's #1 paranormal debunker, Dr. Richard Strand who has offered a million bucks to anyone who can provide proof of the supernatural. Strand has successfully pooh-poohed hundreds of cases using simple logic and the scientific method—except for a few known as "the black tapes" which he hasn't disproved... yet. Alex joins Strand to reexamine these "black tapes" and the result is a theatrical radio show that's CREEPY AS FUCK. Ghosts, demons, exorcisms, and ancient numerology all come into play—but the best part is that it's all handled with bucket loads of intelligence and there are no easy answers. The scares are more unsettling than your usual a-black-cat-jumping-out-of-nowhere variety, and there's also an intriguing, mysterious subplot that involves co-host Dr. Strand—who may not be exactly who he says....

For a theatrical production, the acting is very solid, the characters are engaging and likable, and there are times when you forget you're not listening to a very good NPR show.

The Black Tapes is growing in popularity and just started it's second season. However, since it's a serial, and all the episodes are connected, it's wise to start at the beginning of season one. CHECK IT OUT, IT'S A WINNER!

Available on iTunes, Android, RSS, and Sticher.