Uncanny (radio series)

Uncanny
The show's host Danny Robins (centre) and experts Ciaran O'Keeffe (left) and Evelyn Hollow
GenreParanormal documentary
Presented byDanny Robins
Country of originEngland
Original languageEnglish
Production
Production companiesBafflegab Productions & Uncanny Media (radio)
BBC Studios (TV version)
Original release
NetworkBBC Radio 4, BBC Two
Release23 October 2021 (2021-10-23)
Infobox instructions (only shown in preview)

Uncanny is a BBC Radio series created by Danny Robins featuring explorations of the paranormal and supernatural phenomena, first broadcast in 2021. The series is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and as a podcast on BBC Sounds.[1] A television version for BBC Two was first broadcast on 13 October 2023.[2][3]

Each episode, Robins interviews a witness who has had an uncanny experience; topics include poltergeists and other ghosts, UFO sightings and cryptids. The story is punctuated by contributions from two experts who attempt to explain the experience; one expert is usually sceptical and will look to a rational psychological or natural explanation, the other will look for parallels with other similar cases.[4] Experts include Caroline Watt, Chris French, Ciarán O'Keeffe and Evelyn Hollow.[5] The theme tune "Don't Have Nightmares" is by indie band Lanterns on the Lake.[6]

Uncanny has run for three series on radio, plus a number of Uncanny Live specials recorded in front of a live audience.[7] Episodes have featured guests such as Mark Gatiss,[8] Laura Whitmore, Laurence Rickard[9] and David Baddiel.[10] A series of cases exclusively from the United States, Uncanny USA began broadcasting in April 2024.[11]

  1. ^ "Uncanny". BBC Radio 4. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  2. ^ "Uncanny, the spookily successful BBC Radio 4 podcast, commissioned for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer". BBC Media Centre. 12 February 2023.
  3. ^ Bushby, Helen (1 October 2023). "Danny Robins: Paranormal activity can bring people comfort". BBC News.
  4. ^ "The week in audio: Uncanny; Just One Thing; Built to Thrive and more". TheGuardian.com. 20 October 2021.
  5. ^ "Uncanny". Bafflegab Productions. 15 October 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  6. ^ "Danny Robins, creator of The Battersea Poltergeist, returns with Uncanny - a new paranormal investigation for BBC Radio 4". BBC Media Centre. 13 October 2021.
  7. ^ Kelly, Laura (5 April 2023). "Danny Robins on the return of Uncanny: ghostly monks, poignant poltergeists and famous UFOs". Big Issue.
  8. ^ "Uncanny Live with Mark Gatiss". BBC Radio 4. 30 December 2022.
  9. ^ "Uncanny Meets Ghosts". BBC Radio 4. 27 September 2022.
  10. ^ "Uncanny Live at Hay". BBC Radio 4. 17 June 2023.
  11. ^ "Danny Robins takes BBC Radio 4's smash hit podcast stateside in new Uncanny USA". BBC Media Centre. 4 April 2024.