The Zack Files
Based onThe Zack Files by Dan Greenburg
Developed byKathy Slevin
StarringRobert Clark
Jake Epstein
Michael Seater
Katie Boland
Noah Giffin
Jeff Clarke
Country of originCanada
No. of episodes52
Production
Running time22 minutes
Production companyDecode Entertainment
Original release
NetworkYTV
ReleaseSeptember 17, 2000 (2000-09-17) 
May 5, 2002 (2002-05-05)

The Zack Files is a Canadian sci-fi television program based on a book series of the same name, written by Dan Greenburg.[1][2] It first aired on YTV from September 17, 2000 until the final episode aired in May 5, 2002. This series was shot in Toronto, Ontario.

Plot

The series revolves around a teenage boy, played by Robert Clark, who is a magnet for paranormal activity and attends Horace Hyde-White High School for Boys along with his three friends Cam, Gwen, and Spencer. Zack manages to get himself into trouble with his paranormal adventures and it is up to his friends to help him set things straight.

Characters

  • Zachary "Zack" Greenburg (played by Robert Clark) is the main protagonist. A relatively normal kid but often becomes a magnet for the paranormal.
  • Cameron "Cam" Dunleavey (played by Jake Epstein) is one of Zack's best friends who will do anything to make a quick buck.
  • Spencer "Spence" Sharpe (played by Michael Seater)[3] is another of Zack's best friends and the keeper of The Zack Files who is infatuated with paranormal activity and is attempting to win the Nobel Prize by proving the paranormal exists.
  • Gwendolyn "Gwen" Killerby (played by Katie Boland): Gwen doesn't believe in paranormal activity and her father is headmaster of their school, which allows her to be the only girl at an all-boys academy.
  • Vernon Mantueffel (played by Noah Giffin) is the school bully. He is jealous of Cam, Spence and Zack. He is Zack's nemesis, the richest kid in school and is in love with Gwen. He also swears a lot.
  • Daniel "Dan" Greenburg (played by Jeff Clarke) is Zack's father, divorced and kind of ignorance.
  • Jennifer "Woman From 302" (played by Collette Micks): Downstairs neighbour and sometimes girlfriend of Zack's father.

Telecast and home media

In the U.S., it aired on Fox Family (now known as Freeform) and Showtime Family Zone.

In August 2004, Goldhill Home Media released the first season on DVD.

Episodes

Season 1 (2000–01)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
11"The Library of No Return"E.J.ThompsonKathy SlevinSeptember 17, 2000 (2000-09-17)1.01
Zack forgets to return Alice in Wonderland and the characters come to life. Spencer and Cam must become Zack's lawyer and find proof who disculp him and identify the real thief: Vernon.
22"You Don't Say"William FruetJames NadlerSeptember 18, 2000 (2000-09-18)1.02
When Principal Killerby starts his career at Zack's school, he meets his daughter Gwen. Meanwhile, when Zack picks up a book on ventriloquism at a magic shop and learns to throw his voice, his voice escapes from his body.
33"It's a Wonderful School"Michael DeCarloKathy SlevinSeptember 25, 2000 (2000-09-25)1.03
Zack loses the class president election and is so angry that he breaks the voting machine which sends him to an alternate future in which he is a junkie while Vernon is now the headmaster.
44"Quiet Please, I'm Reading Your Mind"John BellKathy SlevinOctober 2, 2000 (2000-10-02)1.04
An incident causes Zack to read other's minds.
55"Sock World"William FruetJames NadlerOctober 9, 2000 (2000-10-09)1.05
Zack finds himself in a world which is dominated by socks while trying to obtain a sock which reminded him of the time when his parents were together.
66"Total Rewind"Michael DeCarloKathy SlevinOctober 16, 2000 (2000-10-16)1.06
Dan buys a Digital Video Recorder from Vernon's father but the machine has aliens who want a human specimen: Vernon.
77"Loose Lips: A Dog's Story"John BellSteven WestrenOctober 23, 2000 (2000-10-23)1.07
Zack discovers he can only talk with dogs if they're in a vehicle which functions.
88"Crypt Seeker"Ross ClydeChris DickieOctober 30, 2000 (2000-10-30)1.08
It's video game week and Zack buys a new game that is called Crypt Seeker. While playing, he allows Tara Bond arriving in the real world while Spencer ends in the game world. Zack and Cam must find a way to send Tara back and deliver their friend before Tara can seduce Dan.
99"Misfortune Cookie"John BellJames NadlerNovember 13, 2000 (2000-11-13)1.09
Chinese cookies can sometimes done the wrong prediction. That's the thing Zack learns when he discovers that all his wishes will be granted. As Gwen faints while waiting her idol with Zack, Spencer and Cam end in a car's cemetery.
1010"Run Zack Run"Ron OliverKathy SlevinNovember 20, 2000 (2000-11-20)1.10
When Zack buys magic shoes, he can't stop running.
1111"Deja Vudoo"William FruetKathy SlevinNovember 27, 2000 (2000-11-27)1.11
When Gwen celebrates her birthday, Zack immediately falls in love with a girl named Rita and tries to seduce her but fails. While manipulating Spencer's camera, he goes back in the time each time he wants. He is naturally the only one to notice it.
1212"But I'm Too Young to Be My Dad"Ross ClydeKathy SlevinJanuary 15, 2001 (2001-01-15)1.12

Zack receives a visit from his future son (played by Daniel Clark who is Robert's older brother in real life).

Absent: Vernon
1313"Photo Double"Craig PryceSteven WestrenJanuary 8, 2001 (2001-01-08)1.13
When Zack gets a photo class, his soul is stuck in the photo, leaving him in a zombie state.
1414"One Bad Seed"Ron OliverSheila Presscott VesseyDecember 4, 2000 (2000-12-04)1.14
When Zack complains about his height, he accidentally swallows an orange seed and becomes taller.
1515"Fiber!"Gail HarveyKatayoun A MarcianoJanuary 1, 2001 (2001-01-01)1.15
When Dan insists that Zack should only eat sane food, he buys old cereals whose date of expiration come the day after. Zack eats it and becomes older and older. But his friend have to help him and reverse the process before Zack turns into dust.
1616"Anchovy of Doom"Craig PryceKathy SlevinJanuary 22, 2001 (2001-01-22)1.16
Zack, while working on a scientific project, commands an anchovy's pizza. He discovers he has the power to shrink kids (Gwen, Dickie, Tad, Todd and Vernon) and to put them in a terrarium.
1717"Exit, Stage Fright"John BellSteven WestrenJanuary 29, 2001 (2001-01-29)1.17
Zack and his friends lose their pants while trying to vanquish their stage fright.
1818"Talented Mr. Talisman"William FruetChris DickieFebruary 5, 2001 (2001-02-05)1.18
After borrowing Gwen's lucky guess, Dan becomes extremely lucky while Gwen receives all the bad luck.
1919"This Is Your Conscience Calling"John BellKathy SlevinFebruary 19, 2001 (2001-02-19)1.20
Zack receives a call from his conscience after he forgot his promise to spend less money.
2020"The Switch"Harvey CrosslandPeter ColleyFebruary 26, 2001 (2001-02-26)1.21
Zack accidentally switches place with Vernon and begins to enjoy great life while Vernon must confront ordinary life. After that, Charles (Vernon's butler) intervenes which causes Vernon to find his body back and Charles to switch his with Zack.
2121"The Bottom Line"Ross ClydeLorianne T OvertonMarch 5, 2001 (2001-03-05)1.22
Zack obtains glasses which allows him to see the future.
2222"Sparkin'"William FruetSteven WestrenFebruary 12, 2001 (2001-02-12)1.19

Zack and Rita break-up and Zack creates some weird sparks who bring love between Cam and Gwen, Spencer and his reflection and Zack with a girl named Sarah.

Absent : Vernon
2323"Gone"Ross ClydeJames NadlerMarch 12, 2001 (2001-03-12)1.23

Zack drinks Gwen's ink and becomes invisible.

Absent : Dan
2424"It's a Jungle in There"William FruetMichael MaurerMarch 20, 2001 (2001-03-20)1.24
Zack forgets to feed his neighbour's cat and plants which turns her apartment into a jungle.
2525"A Place of My Own"Craig PryceSheila PresscottMarch 27, 2001 (2001-03-27)1.25
When Zack finally receives the key for his own apartment, he leaves his father and seems to enjoy adult life. That's until he organizes a party and gets expelled by mistake. Not even that, but he can't return to his old place since Dan converted his room into an office. Meanwhile, Dan tries again to seduce Jennifer.
2626"Dinner with Grandpa"John BellKathy SlevinApril 2, 2001 (2001-04-02)1.26

Zack and Dan have a familial dinner in which Zack's deceased grandfather Maurice wants to participate too.

Notes: This is the final episode to feature Grandma Leah and Charles.

Season 2 (2001–02)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
271"Blast from the Past"Ross ClydeJulie LaceySeptember 17, 2001 (2001-09-17)2.01
While working on their class project, Zack and his friends turn the clock back in order to stay longer in the library. They travel in 1912 and manage to rediscover their time with a bonus: a past student who has fallen love with Gwen.
282"Searching for Zack Greenburg"William FruetHeather ConkieSeptember 24, 2001 (2001-09-24)2.02
When Zack receives an F on his physics quiz a day before a huge test, he agrees to participate in an experiment which suddenly makes him smarter and smarter. After getting accused of cheating by Mr. Munk and Vernon after he gets an A+ on the test, Zack agrees to enter a physics competition due to his high level of sudden intelligence, causing a rift between him and Spence.
293"The Terrible Truth"Don McBreartySteven WestrenOctober 1, 2001 (2001-10-01)2.03
304"Groovin'"Harvey CrosslandWilliam NadlerOctober 8, 2001 (2001-10-08)2.04
Gwen desperately searches for a DJ and both Zack and Vernon want to participate. However, they both get possessed by an evil spirit.
315"What's Eating Zack Greenburg"Ross ClydeJulie NadlerOctober 15, 2001 (2001-10-15)2.05
When Dan finally decides to join Zack in his camping tips, he, Spence and Cam find themselves into a parallel world.
326"In Your Dreams"William FruetEsta SpaldingOctober 22, 2001 (2001-10-22)2.06
337"Captain Sonic"Don ShebibDavid YoungNovember 5, 2001 (2001-11-05)2.07
Zack quickly develops telekinetic powers.
348"Zack Zero"Anthony BrownAnn McNaughtonNovember 12, 2001 (2001-11-12)2.08
359"Zack Girl"
3610"Dead Men Do Wear Plaid"Don McBreartyPeter SmithNovember 26, 2001 (2001-11-26)2.10
Dan decides to coach Zack's football team but is possessed by an evil ghost of a former player whose only wish is to win.
3711"Frog Prince"Craig PryceGail CollinsDecember 3, 2001 (2001-12-03)2.11
When a swim team is organized to the school, both Cam and Zack want to join in but Zack's competences are terrible. As Cam makes fun of him, Zack finds a frog lucky charm which turns Cam into a frog. However, Spence and Zack must find the way to restore Cam before Vernon takes his place on the swim team.
3812"Things to Do at Horace Hyde White When You're Dead"Don ShebibSteven WestrenJanuary 7, 2002 (2002-01-07)2.12
When a ghost named Gilbert mysteriously reappears at school, he begins to wreak havoc by making many stupid pranks. As Zack is the only one to see him, he gets blamed by Mr. Munk and Dan and must find Gilbert's reason to come back before getting expelled.
3913"Bionic Zack"Ross ClydeSteven BarwinJanuary 14, 2002 (2002-01-14)2.13
Cam and Zack are on the same sports team when Zack complains about his lack of energy. However, when he saves his father's life by preventing a car from crushing him, he becomes stronger and stronger.
4014"Attack of the Killer Zack - Uum"William FruetDenise FordhamJanuary 21, 2002 (2002-01-21)2.14
While cleaning up his room with Spence, Zack and his friend are swallowed by the vacuum and it's up to Cam and Gwen to save them before an enormous spider eats them.
4115"Once and Future Zack"John BellHeather ConkieFebruary 3, 2002 (2002-02-03)2.15
Zack becomes the new king of Broceliande after he rescued Merlin.
4216"Kleptomanizack"Mary LewisEsta SpaldingFebruary 10, 2002 (2002-02-10)2.16

When Zack decides to buy a birthday present for Sarah, he opts for a CD. He becomes a magnet field which attracts so many items that the policewoman accuses him of thief. He is finally released but in exchange is forbidden to return to the store.

Notes: Noah Giffin is credited but does not speak. Also, the last appearance of Shadia Simmons as Sarah.
4317"Zack Times Two"Don McBreartyJames NadlerFebruary 17, 2002 (2002-02-17)2.17
Zack joins almost every club in high school when a new mirror is installed and his reflection comes to life. However, Zack's double appears to be very arrogant and ruthless. And he tries to join more and more clubs.
4418"Pop"Ross ClydeJames NadlerFebruary 24, 2002 (2002-02-24)2.18
Zack's mother decides to pay a visit and brings him his favourite soda. However, Zack is torn between his two parents since his father wanted to spend more masculine time with him. Every time Zack burps, he can teleport where he wants but Spence discovers his new power is limited.
4519"Zack and White"Harvey CrosslandDavid A YoungMarch 3, 2002 (2002-03-03)2.19
When Zack and Spence both have a hard time choosing between Cam and Gwen in the election for class president, Zack admits that making a choice is very difficult until Spence suggests him to participate in a experience which has drastic effects as Zack finds himself in a black and white dimension where choices do not exist. Zack decides to become a rebel and enlist the help of Orwell, a new student who admires him because he has decided to lead and not to be a sheep. At the end, Zack finally chooses to run too for the class president and Cam and Gwen dislike him while Spence complains about how his choices are now harder to make.
4620"Little Big Zack"Graeme LynchJulie LaceyMarch 10, 2002 (2002-03-10)2.20
It's time for Zack to have his Bar-Mitzvah. But because he is afraid to grow up, he regresses back to his childhood and is now seven. Spence has to convince him to become a teenager again by saying to him that if he does not leave his kid status, he never will know how to drive, get a girlfriend or have forest trips. However, when the rabbi tells young Zack that everybody is afraid of unknown, but heroes have to face their fears while coward always hide, Zack is convinced and is back to normal.
4721"The Eyes of Gwen Killerby"Ross ClydeSteven WestrenMarch 17, 2002 (2002-03-17)2.21
4822"Zack Greenburg's Day Off"Don ShebibMichael KramerMarch 24, 2002 (2002-03-24)2.22
4923"Almost Famous Almost"Gail HarveyMary Crawford and Alan TempletonMarch 31, 2002 (2002-03-31)2.23
5024"The Zack Show"William FruetSkander HalimApril 7, 2002 (2002-04-07)2.24
Zack receives a magical TV in his room and learns that the last channel shows his life in another dimension. Unless he wants his planet to be destroyed, Zack has to fight with Vernon while Cam must express his feelings for Gwen and Spence has to make more experiments. However, Vernon decides to finally give up his rivalry with Zack and become his friend.
5125"Who Did You Say I Was?"Stuart J C WilliamsJennifer ConwayApril 14, 2002 (2002-04-14)2.25
5226"Zackeo and Juliet"John BellPeter LiebermanMay 5, 2002 (2002-05-05)2.26
Zack must learn Romeo's role in order to pass his English theater exam. However, he has learnt nothing, even the story, he finds himself in another dimension where he plays Romeo while Gwen is Juliet, Cam Tybalt and Spence the monk.

References

  1. "ViacomCBS Press Express | Releases".
  2. "The Zack Files".
  3. "Life with Derek's Dasey Ship Actually Started Earlier Than We Thought". MTV.
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