Bob Guiney, Aubrey O'Day, Erin Way and Neil Grayston in "Total Blackout"

Lights out: When the lights go out, we're all forced to face our fears -- and celebrities are no exception.

Syfy's hit game show is turning out the lights on its second season with a celebrity episode. The special edition of "Total Blackout," which earned the honor of being named the highest-rated new program on the cable channel for its first season, is headed to TV screens the evening of Tuesday, July 9.

But don't let the darkness get you down. "Total Blackout," which has been compared to NBC's "Fear Factor," sees contestants battling their fears as they work their way through a series of challenges -- all done in total darkness. With host Jaleel White (best known for his role as Steve Urkel in the hit '90s sitcom "Family Matters") along for the ride, the four celebrities will be playing for charity as their imaginations run rampant in the pitch-black darkness.

Luckily, special night-vision cameras will let viewers in on the action. The celebrities who'll be facing their fears for the good of their charities are: former Bachelor Bob Guiney ("The Bachelor"), who's playing for the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles; music star Aubrey O'Day ("Celebrity Apprentice"), who's hoping to bring home some winnings for Responsibility; actor Neil Grayston ("Eureka"), who's facing his fears for Doctors without Borders; and actress Erin Way ("Alphas"), who'll be donating any winnings to Lungevity.

By heading into the darkness and facing their fears, the celebrities will have a chance to earn up to $15,000 for their charities. It's fun, it's for a good cause, and it's all done in a total blackout.

New adventures and new faces: The Dark Ages are experiencing a population boom.

History has started work on the second season of its hit historical saga "Vikings," and some new actors have signed on to help broaden the story of the legendary warriors, traders and explorers.

Joining the already stellar cast are Alexander Ludwig ("The Hunger Games") as Bjorn, the warrior son of Ragnar Lothbrok, and Linus Roache ("Law & Order") as Ecbert, King of Wessex.

The two are joining a lineup that's already as powerful on screen as it is diverse. Those confirmed to be returning include Travis Fimmel ("The Beast") and Katheryn Winnick ("Bones") as Viking hero Ragnar Lothbrok and his fierce wife Lagertha; Donal Logue ("Grounded for Life") as the crafty King Horik; Clive Standen ("Camelot") in the role of Ragnar Lothbrok's impulsive brother Rollo; George Blagden (2012's "Les Misérables") as Christian monk Athelstan; and Alyssa Sutherland (2006's "The Devil Wears Prada") as the beautiful Princess Aslaug.

With an average of more than four million viewers over the course of the first season, "Vikings" turned out to be a huge success for History. It really shouldn't come as a surprise, though, that it connected so well with audiences. The series was created and written by Michael Hirst, who's brought to the screen some of the biggest historical epics in recent years, including the 1998 film "Elizabeth" and the award-winning TV show "The Tudors."

"Vikings" is scheduled to return to screen next year.

Not so 'Lost': A fan-favorite show from Canada has begun production on its fourth season -- and it already has some guest stars lined up.

"Lost Girl," which recently wrapped up its third season on Syfy, will return to the cable network in early 2014 with 13 new episodes. The campy supernatural drama follows Anna Silk as Bo ("Being Erica"), a good-hearted succubus who feeds off of sexual energy as she treads the line between the human world and the realm of the Fae.

Coming on board as guest stars this season are the legendary George Takei of "Star Trek" and "Heroes" fame, and Ali Liebert, star of another Canadian show, the recently canceled "Bomb Girls."

Of course, "Lost Girl" fans shouldn't worry that the guest stars will be stealing the spotlight. Silk's sidekicks are back, too, including Ksenia Solo ("Life Unexpected") as Bo's human friend Kenzi; Kris Holden-Ried ("The Tudors") as Dyson the shape-shifter; and Rick Howland ("Billable Hours") as Bo's grandfather Trick.

Also returning are Bo's enemies, the devious Dark Fae. Paul Amos (2013's "Sex After Kids") is back as Vex, and Emmanuelle Vaugier ("CSI: NY", "Two and a Half Men") returns as the evil Morrigan.

"Lost Girl" is just one of a number of Canadian programs that have hit it big with audiences in America. "Continuum" is another import that was picked up by Syfy, and "Rookie Blue" has proven itself to be a ratings performer for ABC over the summer months.