Unlocking Sam and Colby Paranormal Investigators is the next series I would like to watch and review with you. This series is on Netflix. I’ve heard of Sam and Colby in vague statements on Facebook and just the internet in general. I think it’s mostly because I’ve watched Ghost Adventures and Paranormal Lockdown before. This series dropped ten episodes on October 1, 2026. I thought it would be a good Halloween series. The Season 1 Episode 1 – Paris Catacombs: Investigating Real Gate to Hell is my first ever contact with Sam and Colby. I know they have/had a YouTube show, but I’m not familiar with it and have never watched it.
So, let’s start this unlocking Sam and Colby together. The phenomenon of digital content creators making the leap from social media platforms to mainstream streaming giants like YouTube then to Netflix is going to be my first with Sam and Colby (Paranormal Investigators.) Longtime fans and curious newcomers alike have begun to watch their signature brand of urban exploration and high-energy ghost hunting. I’ll be honest with you. I’m not sure I’m going to like the high-energy, fast-paced stuff. I’m more into Nick Groff’s slow approach on Paranormal Lockdown and finding out through some research.
In this premier episode, titled “Paris Catacombs: Investigating Real Gate to Hell,” the duo ventures far below the streets of Paris, France. But who are these internet personalities, how did they secure a Netflix series, and does their inaugural television episode live up to the hype? Are they truly digital showmen? Or are they serious about ghost hunting with a lot of fun on the side? Let’s break down everything that happens in the series opener.
Who Are Sam and Colby?
Let’s start unlocking Sam and Colby…the actual guys. Sam Golbach (born November 27, 1996) and Colby Brock (born January 2, 1997) are a duo of American content creators who first gained widespread popularity on Vine in 2014 doing public pranks and everyday vlogs. In fact, their early YouTube career got them into serious trouble. They had an infamous 2018 arrest for trespassing in an abandoned, restricted building. That arrest forced a massive pivot. Instead of trespassing for cheap prank content, they transitioned into themed paranormal investigation and urban exploration.
Both are almost 30 years old. So compared to Jason Hawes (54), Grant Wilson (52), Zac Bagans (49), Aaron Goodwin (50), Nick Groff (46), and Ryan Buell (44), they are babies in the TV paranormal ghost world. Sam and Colby spent over a decade building their massive digital empire centered on abandoned places, overnight challenges, and paranormal investigations. They have pulled in billions of views. While Unlocking Sam and Colby Paranormal Investigators, I’ve learned that they have launched clothing lines and going on cinematic tour releases
Their YouTube channel exploded in popularity due to their high-energy presentation style along with cinematic editing. They have a willingness to visit infamous haunts (from the Conjuring House to Stanley Hotel.) Netflix took notice of their dedicated fan base and proven track record of millions of views per upload. It granted them a ten-episode inaugural season that premiered in full on October 1st. Sam and Colby Paranormal Investigators on Netflix marks a major transition from YouTube vloggers to mainstream television hosts. But they swear their core style will remain largely unchanged.
What Are the Paris Catacombs?
Before diving into the paranormal claims of this episode, it helps to understand the history of the setting. The Paris Catacombs are an underground ossuary in Paris, France, holding the remains of more than six million people. It was created in the late 18th century to address the city’s overflowing graveyards and public health concerns. The former limestone quarries were converted into a massive subterranean burial system.
Today, the network spans over 200 miles of dark, claustrophobic tunnels beneath the city. While a small portion (2 miles) is open legally to tourists. There are vast stretches that remain illegal to enter. This makes them a magnet for urban explorers and “cataphiles.” There are numerous stories of mysterious cults, lost travelers, and rumored gateways to the underworld. Will unlocking Sam and Colby help us get to know this history and area on this episode? No, probably not.
Unlocking Sam and Colby Episode Recap: The Paris Catacombs Exploration
In Sam and Colby (Paranormal Investigators) Season 1, Episode 1, Sam and Colby step into the subterranean labyrinth accompanied by guest creators Drew Binsky and GroovyGavin along with two guides. One of which has been down in the Catacombs around 300 times. The setup highlights the sheer claustrophobia and danger of entering illegal sections of the tunnels. They navigate tight squeeze-throughs, slippery mud, and piles oEnf human bones.
They have five main goals or locations for this episode: doing a 150-foot Cave Crawl, Getting Baptized in a Pool of Underground Water, Reaching Philibert’s Tomb and Conducting an Investigation, Exploring the Bone Throne – where the French tried to store most of the skeletons in three different rooms (Spoiler: It didn’t work. 6 million bones were too many for three rooms), and The Mirror Room.
Throughout this episode, the group faces intense moments navigating narrow passages while actively trying to avoid law enforcement and rival underground explorers that could take their equipment. The team tries to utilize traditional urban exploration techniques mixed in with ghost-hunting experiments. Like Sam and Colby perform the “Estes Method” which is a popular spirit box technique where one investigator wears noise-canceling headphones with radio stations flashing through and a blindfold while reading out vocal frequencies. The others ask questions and hopefully Colby will catch the answers on their headphones.
When the team reaches the “Gate to Hell,” they attempt to establish contact deep inside the catacombs. This spot is alleged to harbor occult rituals and demonic activities. However, most of the team’s tension stems from real physical dangers such as getting lost without lights or being caught. There were also some physically uncomfortable times like squeezing through passages that were filling with water due to the rain.
Online Reviews and Reddit Reception
Following the release of all ten episodes on Netflix, online discussions across Reddit and social media platforms exploded with mixed reactions on different episodes. For instance, on r/SamAndColby, many fans celebrated the episode’s raw atmosphere. Viewers noted that relying heavily on atmospheric exploration rather than over-the-top medium rituals or heavy equipment made the episode feel more authentic and terrifying.
Critics and skeptical viewers pointed out several recurring flaws. Many online comments highlighted that Sam and Colby frequently exaggerate mundane noises, wind drafts, or natural underground echoes, plus they blow minor moments completely out of proportion. Furthermore, viewers expressed frustration with their lack of professionalism. For instance, walking on the bones and disrespectfully handling bones in a sacred mass grave.
Also, numerous Reddit skeptics questioned the mechanics of the Estes Method they tried in a foreign country. The skeptics asked why spirits in ancient French catacombs would transmit coherent responses in modern English to modern English questions. This is definitely a question I’ve had before watching other paranormal shows.
Unlocking Sam and Colby My Final Thoughts
While I was unlocking Sam and Colby Paranormal Investigators on Netflix, I couldn’t help but think what did I just see? These two remind me of Jake Paul and Logan Paul in their early years doing pranks and outlandish things. I could see where fans would get an accessible, high-octane entry point for those curious about modern digital paranormal investigations. But I think I’m past that point in age and watching experience. I don’t need theatrical reactions and exaggerated enthusiasm. It hinders their credibility in my mind. On Reddit, I saw that many critics, skeptics, and even some former fans argued that Sam and Colby are primarily high-energy entertainers rather than serious investigators about anything.
On the other hand, their supporters say they aren’t trying to be a sterile, scientific ghost-hunting documentary crew. They treat paranormal exploration like an extreme sport or a haunted amusement park ride. I can definitely see this point of view. They bring along other mainstream guest creators (like musicians, actors or other YouTube influencers.) All this I can respect, but if they are making a paranormal Jackass or a paranormal Ridiculousness. Just let me know so I won’t watch.
I have a history degree, and I think the thing that turn me off the most about them is their lack of respect for historical sites. I mean it’s like it doesn’t even occur to them. Maybe I would feel differently if they would discuss it before or even bring it up and apologize after. They talk over each other constantly. If they have been doing this since 2014 one would think they would be better at letting the other talk.
Whether you view them as genuine paranormal researchers or high-energy entertainers, Sam and Colby’s Netflix debut makes a strong case for why they continue to dominate the modern digital era. The sheer visual appeal and real-world tension of navigating 200-miles of bone-filled Paris Catacombs make Episode 1 an entertaining ride. I’m going to continue for a little while watching these two before turning back to the past ghost shows. Keep reading The Unlocked Info as we continue unlocking some Season 1 episodes. Don’t forget to let us know what other series you want us to cover in the comments or on our Facebook page.