A live exorcism is coming to television (for some reason)

We understand the need for the whole “live TV event” craze going on right now. Everyone wants to feel like they are breaking the mold and doing something that will raise eyebrows.

Yet, we have to say that the majority of these specials have been severely underwhelming. Remember the whole “eaten by a snake” special a while back? They often just feel somewhat gross, and something that we really don’t need to see. That leads us into what we are apparently getting next: A live exorcism. Seriously.

At the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour today, it was announced that Destination America is going to air the first-ever live exorcism on TV, simply entitled “Exorcism: Live!” (do you really need the exclamation point there?), airing on October 30 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time. Given that this is so clearly close to Halloween, they obviously know that something is up here. The event is going to feature the same St. Louis location that inspired the original movie “The Exorcist,” and will feature medium Chip Coffey to go along with the cast of the network’s “Ghost Asylum.”

Maybe this whole idea will appeal to some out there, but personally we just find it all a little too weird and unpredictable and designed for us as viewers to almost point and be horrified at what we’re seeing on TV. There’s no real “achievement” factor here, since not everyone believes in an exorcism to begin with. There is at least some appeal in watching someone like Nik Wallenda do a high-wire act, since you can see the danger in front of you.

Do you have any interest in watching a live exorcism special, or is this just too weird and potentially too exploitative for you? Share with a comment, and click here to have some other TV updates sent over to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: Destination America.)