Sam Golbach and Colby Brock, better known as Sam and Colby, have gone from Vine stars to one of YouTube’s biggest paranormal brands, and in 2026 they made their Netflix debut. A collection of their spooky episodes dropped globally on Netflix on October 1, 2026, just ahead of their annual Halloween event, Hell Week.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Names | Sam Golbach and Colby Brock |
| Known for | Paranormal investigations, urban exploration, haunted-location documentaries |
| Origin | Both grew up in Kansas and first gained popularity on Vine |
| Main YouTube channel | 16.3 million subscribers and over 2.5 billion total views |
| Second channel | Sam and Colby Reacts, with nearly 3 million subscribers |
| Netflix show | Sam and Colby: Paranormal Investigators |
| Netflix debut | October 1, 2026 |
| Annual event | Hell Week (2026 edition: Hell Week 666) |
Who Are Sam and Colby?
Sam Golbach and Colby Brock are YouTubers known for paranormal investigations, urban exploration and other adventurous content. They grew up in Kansas, reportedly bonded at summer camp and became lifelong best friends. They have been internet staples for over a decade, rising on Vine before moving to YouTube, where they built a large following investigating haunted and abandoned locations.
Tubefilter describes them as YouTube’s premier explorers of abandoned buildings, ghost towns and other spooky locales. Their long-running series include Stanley Hotel, Hell Week, The Attachment, Empath and Queen Mary.
Sam and Colby Come to Netflix
The biggest 2026 headline is their Netflix move. They announced it on September 23 with a short message: they thanked fans and wrote that they would see them on Netflix on October 1.
What is on Netflix:
- The official logline says best friends Sam and Colby visit the world’s most haunted places in search of paranormal evidence to answer the ultimate question: are ghosts real?
- The show, titled Sam and Colby: Paranormal Investigators, includes the 2026 Hell Week special and a featured “Best Of” season. New episodes arrive every Wednesday and Sunday.
- The Best Of selection includes fan favorites such as “Surviving the World’s Most Demonic Island,” set on Poveglia between Venice and Lido.
Not a full move: In an Instagram post announcing the deal, the duo reassured fans that nothing else is changing with their distribution strategy. The arrangement appears to be non-exclusive, so their work stays on YouTube too. It is part of a bigger trend: Netflix has been licensing YouTube hits all through 2026, including Rhett and Link’s Good Mythical Morning and The Amazing Digital Circus.
Hell Week 666: What Is It?
Hell Week is Sam and Colby’s annual YouTube series, released every October, in which they investigate rumored haunted places in search of evidence of the paranormal. They have hosted it since 2020, and guests are usually other creators. The 2026 edition is called Hell Week 666. It marks the sixth anniversary of the series, and they are posting six videos. It is one of their biggest series of the year, with new episodes rolling out throughout October.
Hell Week 666 Episode Guide
| # | Location | Release date | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corvin Castle, Romania (Dracula’s Castle) | Oct 4 | Linked to Vlad the Impaler, who inspired the Dracula story |
| 2 | Asylum X / St. Brigid’s Psychiatric Hospital, Ireland | Oct 7 | An abandoned asylum rumored to be haunted by its former patients |
| 3 | Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, Tennessee | Oct 11 | Part of the haunted Appalachian area’s history |
| 4 | Lemp Caverns (America’s Catacombs), St. Louis | Oct 14 | A haunted cave site that many people still visit |
| 5 | Alone in Appalachia | Oct 18 | An unspecified location in the infamous Appalachian region |
| 6 | Mystery finale | Oct 25 | A secret location revealed only when the video went live, ending Hell Week 666 |
All six videos have now been released, so you can binge the whole event on YouTube.
Guests in Hell Week 666
This year’s collaborations include Dan Howell and Phil Lester (Dan and Phil) and the Kalogeras Sisters for the first time. Returning guests include BENOFTHEWEEK, ExploringWithJosh, Pythian Priestess, GroovyGavin, TylerBlanchard, Haunted Nights and Mystic Dylan.
The Corvin Castle Episode Everyone Is Talking About
One review singled out “Dracula’s Castle: The Night That Made Him Believe,” in which the group, joined by Dan and Phil, explored Corvin Castle in Romania. The castle is considered one of Europe’s most haunted medieval castles, with a reputation built on torture and dungeons, and a cursed well with a grim legend. The group used EMF detectors, a spirit box, motion sensors and their signature Estes Method, in which an investigator is placed in sensory deprivation using a blindfold and noise-cancelling headphones.
How They Investigate
Their toolkit and style are consistent across episodes:
- EMF detectors to track electromagnetic spikes.
- Spirit box to capture unexplained voices while scanning radio frequencies.
- Motion sensors, including a “dead bell.”
- The Estes Method, their sensory-deprivation technique for contacting spirits.
- Guests and friends who add personality and humor.
- Research-heavy locations. One overview notes that their choices are rarely random, and that at places like the Stanley Hotel they research the history, including Flora Stanley, the concert hall and the infamous Room 217.
More Sam and Colby News in 2026
- Las Vegas special: In February 2026, Sam and Colby investigated the three most haunted hotels on the Las Vegas strip with the Sturniolo Triplets, in a 70-minute episode.
- Fan membership: On October 7, 2026, XPLR Club, their official membership platform, relaunched on Uscreen, with premium programming, monthly livestreams, early merch drops and signed gifts for members.
- Bigger events: Their Hell Week documentaries reach tens of millions of YouTube views, and in a past year about 350 theaters welcomed fans for a Hell Week screening.
How Netflix Viewers Reacted
The reception so far is positive. A review from The Boar gave the series 4.5 stars, praising the electric chemistry between the pair as pseudo-presenters and the show’s mix of paranormal investigation and light comedy. The reviewer felt the show carries on the legacy of paranormal TV like Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures, with a light air of comedy.
The Big Debate: Real or Staged?
Like most paranormal content, Sam and Colby divide opinion.
- Fans see the footage as genuine evidence of an afterlife.
- Skeptics see it as a hook for engagement. Critics often call them potential frauds or accuse them of overdramatizing for entertainment.
- A middle view is common: the show’s purpose is to entertain, so the authenticity of clips is debatable, and you should take anything online with a grain of salt.
There is also a safety and legality angle. Poveglia is closed to tourists, so the duo and their guest trespassed there, which puts the content in a grey area. Treat these videos as entertainment, and do not try to copy dangerous or illegal explorations yourself.
Where to Watch
- YouTube: the main home for Hell Week 666, their full back catalog and new uploads.
- Netflix: the Paranormal Investigators collection, with the Hell Week 666 special and a Best Of season.
- Prime Video: earlier episodes are available there, including Stanley Hotel and Millennium Biltmore Hotel episodes listed as TV-14. Availability varies by country.
- XPLR Club: their paid membership for premium content and livestreams.
Pros
- Strong chemistry. The friendship is the core of every episode.
- Famous locations. Castles, asylums, prisons and catacombs make for visually rich episodes.
- Easy to start. Each episode stands alone, and Netflix curates a Best Of season.
- Fun guests. Collaborations add variety, from big creators to paranormal experts.
- Comedy and scares. The humor keeps the tone from getting too heavy.
Cons
- Authenticity questions. Skeptics will find the evidence unconvincing.
- Dramatized editing. Some moments feel produced for effect.
- Risky exploration. Trespassing in restricted places is not something to imitate.
- Not for everyone. Jump scares and dark settings can be too intense for younger or sensitive viewers.
Should You Watch Sam and Colby?
Watch if you enjoy ghost-hunting shows, haunted history, friendship-driven comedy or Halloween viewing.
Skip if you dislike jump scares, are not into paranormal topics, or want strictly factual documentaries.
Where to start: Begin with the Netflix Best Of episodes, like the Poveglia island special, and then try one Hell Week 666 episode such as the Corvin Castle video.
Our Review
This review is an editorial summary based on early reception and the duo’s long track record.
Sam and Colby succeed because they understand what makes a ghost-hunting show fun: a haunted place with real history, two friends who clearly enjoy each other, and just enough humor to cut the tension. The Netflix move does not change the formula. It simply gives the best episodes a bigger, tidier stage, and the curated Best Of season makes it easy for newcomers.
Hell Week 666 shows how polished the franchise has become. Six episodes, big guests, and locations tied to well-known legends like Dracula give the event the feeling of a Halloween tradition, not just another upload. The Estes Method and gear-based investigations add structure, and the guest list keeps things fresh.
The weak spot is the same one the whole genre has. The evidence is ambiguous, the editing leans dramatic, and some explorations cross legal and safety lines. Viewers who want hard proof will be disappointed, while those who want a fun, spooky ride will not be.
Production Quality
The cinematography, sound design and pacing are a clear step above typical ghost-hunting channels. Night-vision, thermal and handheld shots are cut into a cinematic story, and the locations are well chosen. Even critics who doubt the evidence acknowledge the polish. That quality helps the content transfer to Netflix without feeling out of place.
Scares and Atmosphere
The tension is mostly atmospheric: dark corridors, unexplained noises, sudden fear from the hosts and guests. Their tools, from EMF detectors and a spirit box to motion sensors and the sensory-deprivation Estes Method, give each night a clear structure. In the Corvin Castle episode, Phil was captured responding automatically to questions he could not hear. That kind of moment is exactly what hooks viewers. The scares are more creepy than gory, which makes it accessible to casual horror fans, though sensitive viewers should still expect jump scares.
Humor and Tone
The comedy is the secret weapon. The reviewer noted the show carries on the legacy of Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures while adding a light air of comedy. That blend means the show can be spooky without being exhausting, and it gives each episode rewatch value. The crowded guest lists can sometimes tip the balance. Early reactions worried that a large guest list could turn investigations into screaming contests. It is a fair concern, and one reason the best episodes tend to be those with a tighter group.
Credibility and Authenticity
This is the hardest part to score. Fans see real evidence, while skeptics see edited entertainment. Critics often call the duo potential frauds or accuse them of overdramatizing, though the reviewer felt that matters less because the show’s purpose is to entertain. We agree with that framing. Nothing in this genre can be independently verified, and the show works best when you treat it as a story, not as proof.
There is also an ethical angle. The Poveglia episode involved trespassing on an island closed to tourists, which puts the content in a grey area. We would not want viewers imitating risky explorations, and we think the duo’s growing focus on legally owned and restored locations, such as their haunted school, is a healthier direction.
Netflix vs. YouTube: Where Should You Watch?
| Netflix | YouTube | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Newcomers and binge sessions | Long-time fans and the full catalog |
| Content | Curated Best Of and Hell Week special | Everything, including new uploads |
| Experience | Clean, ad-free feel | Comments and community |
| Verdict | Better starting point | Better for going deeper |
The Netflix arrangement appears to be non-exclusive, so fans can keep watching on YouTube. That makes the move a win for everyone.
Why Sam and Colby Work: Our Analysis
Their long-lasting popularity comes from a clear formula:
- Friendship first. The two feel like real friends, which makes the scares more relatable and the humor more natural.
- Famous, story-rich locations. Places with known legends give viewers a hook even if they are new to the duo.
- Event format. Hell Week turns October into a tradition, so fans return every year.
- Long-form storytelling. Feature-length episodes and miniseries like The Attachment build stories, not one-off clips.
- Smart expansion. Theaters, Netflix, merchandise and memberships keep the brand growing without leaving YouTube.
Tips for New Viewers
- Start with Netflix’s Best Of episodes. They are curated fan favorites.
- Try one Hell Week 666 episode, such as the Corvin Castle video, to see the current style.
- Move to a series like The Attachment or the Stanley Hotel episodes if you want a continuing storyline.
- Check the age rating where you watch. Earlier episodes on Prime Video are listed as TV-14.
Beyond YouTube: A Growing Business
They are expanding beyond online videos. Their strategy has let them thrive while much of YouTube shifts toward shorter videos, and they have grown from a social-media partnership into a broader entertainment and consumer-products business.
A haunted school: Sam told Newsweek they acquired Farrar Elementary, a haunted school that has been investigated for over 15 years, with the idea of both documenting and restoring it while respecting its history. This shows their move from visiting locations to owning and preserving them.
XPLR Club: Their relaunched membership platform offers premium programming, monthly livestreams, early and exclusive merch drops and signed gifts, with a more cinematic viewing experience.
Our Rating
4 / 5
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Entertainment value | 4.5 / 5 |
| Chemistry and guests | 4.5 / 5 |
| Scares and atmosphere | 4 / 5 |
| Credibility of evidence | 2.5 / 5 |
Final Verdict
Sam and Colby remain one of the most entertaining paranormal brands online, and their Netflix debut is a good entry point for new viewers. Go in for the friendship, the locations and the Halloween atmosphere, not for scientific proof, and you will have a great time.
FAQs
Who are Sam and Colby?
Sam Golbach and Colby Brock are best friends and YouTubers who investigate haunted and abandoned places. They started on Vine and now have over 16 million YouTube subscribers.
Are Sam and Colby on Netflix?
Yes. A collection of their episodes, titled Sam and Colby: Paranormal Investigators, debuted on October 1, 2026.
Did they leave YouTube?
No. The Netflix deal appears to be non-exclusive, and they said nothing else is changing.
What is Hell Week?
Their annual October series, running since 2020, in which they investigate notorious haunted places with guest creators.
What is Hell Week 666?
The 2026 edition, marking the sixth anniversary with six videos.
Where was Hell Week 666 filmed?
Corvin Castle in Romania, Asylum X in Ireland, Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in Tennessee, Lemp Caverns in St. Louis, an Appalachian location, and a final mystery location.
Who guest-starred in Hell Week 666?
Dan and Phil and the Kalogeras Sisters appear for the first time, alongside returning guests including Pythian Priestess and ExploringWithJosh.
Is it real or staged?
Fans see it as real evidence, while skeptics see it as entertainment. Treat it as entertainment.
Is it scary for kids?
It can be. Earlier episodes on Prime Video are listed as TV-14, and the content includes dark settings and jump scares.
What is XPLR Club?
Their official paid membership platform with premium shows, monthly livestreams and early merch.
Where can I watch Sam and Colby?
YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video (older episodes), and XPLR Club