It’s been twenty years since Jonathan Frakes hosted the US version of Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction.
Jonathan Frakes hosted Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction, which debuted in 1997, for seasons two-four, with the final episode airing in September 2002. But the series hasn’t been far from anyone’s minds as it has gained a cult following since it’s reappearance on FilmRise, and according to Entertainment Weekly, has become the most-watched free TV series in the streaming space. And it’s even more popular in Germany which has resurrected the series for another season.
X-Factor: Das Unfassbare (“the unfathomable”), the German version, is billed as the fifth season of the show, and Frakes returned to host a pilot for the series last year. The ratings resulted in a full season of new episodes. Though there are plans to bring this season to the US, right now, the series will only air in German-speaking territories.
Jonathan Frakes embraces Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction?
While Frakes doesn’t understand why the show is a massive hit in Germany, he pitched more episodes of the series now that it is the 25th anniversary. As far as the German-based production, Frakes said it honors the original in every way.
"“It honors the original in every way, down to the set, the costume, the style of the writing, the questions, the stories. For some reason, which I couldn’t fathom, it’s a massive hit in Germany, as it was with people who follow it closely here. There’s a niche. Only there it was a big enough niche that they found some money to make more episodes, which I was pitching as a good idea now that this is the 25th anniversary… So we’ll see what happens.”"
The actor said the series was “an easy gig” for him after the success of Star Trek: The Next Generation as they would shoot almost half a season in one weekend. And the popularity of the show still holds up, especially when Frakes does Cameos as many of his fans want to talk about that show instead of The Next Generation. Hopefully, we’ll get the chance to see black-suited Frakes in the newest version of Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction? Odds are good it has withstood the test of time.