Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction
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Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction? was a 1997 anthology television show produced by FOX network. Each episode features five stories, all of which defy logic, some of which are based on actual events. The viewer is offered the challenge of determining which are true and which are false. At the end of the show, it was revealed to the viewer whether the tales were true or works of fiction. Beyond Belief originally aired on Fox from 1997-2002. It was hosted by James Brolin and later by Jonathan Frakes. The show was narrated by Don LaFontaine (from 1997-2000) and Campbell Lane (2002). It was aired on the Sci-Fi Channel in re-runs until October 2005.
[edit] Format
All the stories portrayed had some connection with the supernatural, ghosts, werewolves, vampires, or other such unusual occurrences. Each episode, and every story within were introduced and ended by the host with a pun, or some witticism pertaining to the theme of the episode or story, and always had the underlying moral that not everything that we perceive as truth and falsehood are as such, and that often it proves difficult to truly separate fact from fiction (hence the title).
[edit] Popularity and Cancellation
It has gained a cult following, but due to declining interest, the show had often aired sporadically, sometimes going for weeks or even months between airings. Note that there is a one-year lag between Don LaFontaine's and Campbell Lane's stint as narrator for the show; during this time, it was believed that the show had been cancelled due to sagging ratings, only to be brought back for another go-around in 2002. It was finally cancelled for good after its 2002 season. It is however presently being shown on Zone Reality.
The show was originally hosted by actor James Brolin in 1997 before actor Jonathan Frakes took over from the remainder of the series.
An Internet petition by many hard-core fans is circulating, requesting the creation of a DVD.
There are rumors that Fox has asked for 8 new episodes to be created. (APRIL 2006)
The show is very popular in Germany, where it's better know as X-Factor: Das Unfassbare and re-broadcasts in nonstop syndication. German TV channel RTL2 even produced a spin-off, X-Factor: Wahre Lügen, which rather addressed more logical and bizarre, but plausible cases, like a hotel for dogs or a huge treehouse. It was canceled after three seasons.
