Scare Tactics (2003)
The Syfy hidden camera classic that turned horror pranks into must-watch comedy, running six wild seasons from 2003 to 2013.
Scare Tactics - Series Information
- Original Title: Scare Tactics
- First Air Year: 2003
- Last Air Year: 2013
- Created by: Scott Hallock, Kevin Healey
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Reality
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (38 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 121
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: April 4, 2003 (United States - TV-MA), April 4, 2003 (Canada - 14+), April 4, 2003 (United Kingdom - 15), April 4, 2003 (Germany - 18), April 4, 2003 (France - 10), April 4, 2003 (India - U), April 4, 2003 (Australia - M), April 4, 2003 (Brazil - 16), April 4, 2003 (Spain - 12), April 4, 2003 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: Syfy
- Production Companies: Natural 9 Entertainment, Hallock Healey Entertainment, Monkeypaw Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Scare Tactics - Plot
Scare Tactics is a hidden camera/comedy television show, produced by Kevin Healey and Scott Hallock. Its first two seasons aired from April 2003 to December 2004. After a hiatus, the show returned for a third season, beginning July 9, 2008. The first season of the show was hosted by Shannen Doherty. Stephen Baldwin took her place in the middle of the second season. Since the beginning of the third season, the show has been hosted by Tracy Morgan. The fourth season began on October 6, 2009. In Europe the first season of the program aired on MTV Central from 2003 to 2004. The show is also broadcast in Australia on FOX8, in Canada on MTV, in India on AXN, in Russia on MTV Russia, in Turkey on Dream TV, in Poland on TV Puls, in Finland on Jim, in South Korea on Q TV, in Sweden initially on TV6 and currently on TV11.
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Scare Tactics - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Scott Hallock
- Kevin Healey
Main Cast
- Tracy Morgan
- Shannen Doherty
- Brad Goddard
- Stephen Baldwin
- Robert Dayton
- Matthew Hardy
- Brooke Hogan
- Judah Friedlander
- Michael Andreae
- Alex McCooeye
Executive Producers
- Jamal Watson
- Win Rosenfeld
- Jordan Peele
Scare Tactics - FAQs
Did the victims on Scare Tactics know they were being filmed?
Not during the prank itself. Victims were set up by friends or family who secretly coordinated with the production. After the scare, they were revealed to be on camera and asked to sign release forms. Most took it in good humor, though reactions ranged from laughter to genuine terror.
Who hosted Scare Tactics throughout its run?
The show cycled through three hosts. Shannen Doherty fronted the first season, before Stephen Baldwin stepped in partway through Season 2. Tracy Morgan then took over from Season 3 onward, bringing his signature comedic energy to the role and becoming the face most associated with the series.
Where can you stream Scare Tactics today?
Scare Tactics is available on several platforms. You can stream it on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Peacock Premium, and YouTube TV. Free ad-supported viewing is available on Tubi TV and The Roku Channel, while completely free options include Hoopla, Plex, and Fawesome.
How many seasons and episodes does Scare Tactics have?
Scare Tactics ran for 6 seasons totaling 121 episodes. Season 1 had 23 episodes, Season 2 had 22, Season 3 had 25, Seasons 4 and 5 each had 13, and Season 6 wrapped things up with 25 episodes. The series aired from 2003 to 2013 on Syfy.
Was Jordan Peele involved in producing Scare Tactics?
Yes — Jordan Peele served as an executive producer on Scare Tactics through his Monkeypaw Productions banner, alongside Jamal Watson and Win Rosenfeld. This was well before Peele became a celebrated horror filmmaker with Get Out, making his involvement a fascinating footnote in his creative career.
Is Scare Tactics worth watching for horror comedy fans?
If you enjoy hidden camera pranks with a horror twist, Scare Tactics delivers consistent laughs. The elaborate monster costumes and staged scenarios are gleefully over-the-top, and Tracy Morgan's hosting adds genuine comedic charm. It's light, fun, and perfect for binge-watching in short bursts.
Why did Scare Tactics go on hiatus after Season 2?
After its first two seasons aired between 2003 and 2004, Scare Tactics went on an extended hiatus of nearly four years before returning in July 2008 with Season 3. The exact reasons were not publicly detailed, but the revamped return brought a new host in Tracy Morgan and renewed audience interest.
What shows are similar to Scare Tactics?
Fans of Scare Tactics tend to enjoy Impractical Jokers for its hidden camera humor, The Eric Andre Show for surreal prank comedy, and Oblivious for its ambush-style format. Fear Factor scratches a similar thrill-seeking itch, while Whose Line Is It Anyway? offers the same spontaneous, unscripted comedic energy.
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