I’ve never been a huge fan of Friday night TV (unless you count the short-lived “Fastlane,” and that was only because I thought Bill Bellamy and Peter Facinelli were hot). Usually shows that are sent to Friday night are done so either because the network doesn’t have much faith in them, or because they have failed on other nights, and they have one last futile chance at redemption. Usually they fail. I’ve also never been a huge fan of Jennifer Love Hewitt. So, one would expect that if the two were combined, it would result in disaster (in my mind, anyway). However, “Ghost Whisperer,” a Friday night drama that stars J. Love, is a really great show.

The CBS series stars Jennifer Love Hewitt (Party of Five), and Aisha Tyler (Talk Soup). J. Love’s character, Melinda Gordon, is a store owner who sells antiques by day, and hangs out with ghosts by night. Though it may sound pretty atypical for a drama series, it comes across pretty well. You don’t have to be a believer in ghosts to enjoy the show.

Each week offers a heartwarming story, told by Melinda. As a child, she developed her powers, and over the years, has refined her abilities and developed strong relationships with the ghosts. The ghosts seek her out and maintain contact with her in order to deliver messages to loved ones, or to settle unfinished business with those in the living world. Melinda’s sidekicks include her new husband, Jim Clancy (David Conrad), and business partner, Andrea Moreno (Tyler). While they do not share her powers, they support her unique calling and erratic outbursts, often directed towards the ghosts.

Though usually a lighthearted drama (as lighthearted as can be when concerning the dead), “Ghost Whisperer” seems to be taking an ominous turn. On this week’s episode, Melinda and her mother, a fellow “Ghost Whisperer,” appear to be losing their powers. A strange, dark force seems to be suppressing their abilities, making it seem that the ghosts are seeking other means of worldly contact. Melinda desperately wants to help a troubled young girl who lost her boyfriend too soon. Out of nowhere, Melinda’s and her mother’s powers are restored. After finally reconnecting the young girl with her boyfriend, Melinda feels that she can rest easy, but the menacing, hysterical laugh of Laughing Man tells a different story.

“Ghost Whisperer” is a lot like the feature film “Ghost,” with equally skeptical living characters, well-meaning, anxious ghosts, and a much less eccentric clairvoyant. If you enjoyed “Ghost,” and are looking for something to watch on Friday night, check out “Ghost Whisperer”. This is one Friday night drama that won’t vanish anytime soon.

Watch "Ghost Whisperer," Friday nights, 8pm ET/PT on CBS.

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The spirit world according to medium James Van Praagh
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