You’ve seen the Netflix show. You've watched him bring celebrities to tears on E! or seen those viral clips where he scribbles frantically on a notepad while talking about someone’s "departed" grandfather. Reading with Tyler Henry has become a bucket-list item for thousands of people, but if you’re looking to actually sit across from him, you're going to need a lot of patience. And maybe a bit of luck.
Tyler Henry Koelewyn started doing this professionally when he was just a teenager in Hanford, California. He wasn't some polished Hollywood product; he was a kid who claimed he could see his grandmother’s death before it happened. Now, he’s arguably the most famous medium on the planet. But what actually happens during these sessions? Is it all just clever editing for TV, or is there something more substantial going on?
People often assume that getting a reading is as simple as booking a haircut. It isn't.
The Reality of the Waitlist
Let’s be real: the waitlist is legendary. It’s sitting at over 600,000 people right now. That isn't a typo. Six hundred thousand.
If you sign up today on his official website, you’re basically joining a digital ocean of hope. He’s very open about the fact that he can only do a few readings a week because the process is—according to him—physically and mentally draining. He gets migraines. He feels the physical sensations of how people passed away. Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, the guy clearly looks exhausted after a session.
Most people will never get that one-on-one time in a private room. Instead, Tyler has shifted much of his focus to live "An Evening of Hope" tours. It’s a different vibe. You’re in a theater with hundreds of other people. He does live readings, but the odds of him picking you out of the crowd are slim. Still, for many, just being in the room and seeing the process live is enough to satisfy their curiosity about what a reading with Tyler Henry actually looks like without the Netflix transition music.
How the Process Actually Works
When Tyler sits down, he usually has a clipboard and a pen. He scribbles. A lot.
He calls these "scribbles" a way to focus his energy, almost like a meditative state that allows the "information" to flow through. He’s not looking at the paper to draw a picture; he’s just moving his hand while he listens to what he describes as a "frequency."
He doesn't want to know anything about you beforehand. In his shows, like Life After Death or Hollywood Medium, his team goes to great lengths to show he hasn't been briefed. Skeptics, of course, point to "hot reading" (doing research beforehand) or "cold reading" (making broad guesses based on body language). However, Tyler often hits on very specific, mundane details—like a particular piece of jewelry hidden in a drawer or a specific nickname—that aren't easily found in a Google search.
The "Scribble" Method
- Tyler starts by touching an object or just sitting in the person's space.
- He begins the repetitive drawing motion.
- He starts "validating." This is the part where he says things like, "I'm seeing a man who had a problem with his chest" or "There's a connection to the month of August."
- Once the connection is established, he moves into the "messages."
It's usually very emotional. That’s the core of his appeal. He’s not out here predicting lottery numbers or telling you who’s going to win the Super Bowl. He focuses on closure.
Addressing the Skepticism
It’s healthy to be skeptical. It really is.
Critics like Susan Gerbic and various organizations dedicated to scientific inquiry often point out that reading with Tyler Henry follows the classic beats of mediumship. They argue that he uses high-probability guesses. For example, telling a 70-year-old woman that a "father figure" has passed away is a very safe bet.
However, his defenders point to the "hits" that are oddly specific. During his time on Hollywood Medium, he told Alan Thicke to get his heart checked. Thicke passed away from a ruptured aorta shortly after. Was it a lucky guess based on Thicke’s age and health profile, or something more? That’s the question that keeps his 600,000-person waitlist growing.
Nuance matters here. You can appreciate the comfort he brings to grieving people while still wondering how the mechanics of it all work. Grief is a heavy, messy thing. If a reading helps someone process a loss they’ve been stuck on for a decade, many argue that the "how" matters less than the "result."
What it Costs and Where to Go
If you’re looking for a price tag, it’s not publicly listed like a menu. Private readings are handled on a case-by-case basis through his management. However, tickets for his live tours generally range from $60 to $150 depending on the venue and how close you want to be to the stage.
Don't fall for scams. This is huge. Because Tyler is so popular, there are dozens of fake Instagram and Facebook accounts claiming to be him or his "assistant" offering private readings for $500 over WhatsApp. Tyler Henry does not reach out to people via DM to offer readings. If someone messages you saying "the spirits have a message for you, pay me through PayPal," it’s a scam. Period.
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Preparing for a Potential Reading
If you actually beat the odds and get a spot, or if you go to a live show, there’s a certain way to approach it.
First, don't feed the medium. This is a common rule in the psychic world. If he says, "I see a dog," don't say, "Oh, that’s my Golden Retriever Sparky who died in 2012 from a car accident." Just say "Yes." Let him provide the details. This is the only way to know if the information is coming from him or from what you're volunteering.
Second, be emotionally ready. It’s not just a "cool experience." It’s often a very raw confrontation with loss. Many people leave readings feeling a sense of "emotional hangover" because of the intensity.
Third, record it. If it’s a private session, you’ll want to listen back. Often, things that don't make sense in the moment—like a random name or a reference to a specific object—will make total sense three weeks later when you talk to your aunt.
The Cultural Impact of the Hollywood Medium
Why Tyler? Why not one of the thousands of other mediums out there?
It’s his vibe. He’s "the boy next door." He doesn't wear velvet capes or sit in dark rooms with crystal balls. He wears flannels and jeans. He seems genuinely surprised by some of the things he says. This "aw shucks" persona has made mediumship feel more accessible and less "spooky" to a modern audience.
He’s also leaned into the "medical medium" side of things occasionally, though he’s careful not to give actual medical advice. He’ll say things like, "I'm feeling a decline in the lungs," which prompts people to share their stories of family illnesses. It’s a specific brand of empathy that has turned his name into a global franchise.
Actionable Steps for Those Interested
If you’re serious about exploring a reading with Tyler Henry, don't just sit and wait for a miracle email. Here is what you can actually do right now:
- Join the Official Waitlist: Go to
thetylerhenrymedium.comand get your name on the list. It’s free to join. Don't expect a reply for a long time, but you can't win if you don't play. - Follow Official Channels Only: Check his verified Instagram (with the blue checkmark) for tour announcements. He often announces new cities and dates there first.
- Look Into Live Events: If you want the experience sooner rather than later, look for "An Evening of Hope" tour dates in your region. It's the most realistic way to see him in person.
- Research Local Mediums: If you are seeking closure and can't wait years for Tyler, look for reputable mediums in your area. Look for those who work on a "double-blind" basis or have strong, non-anonymous reviews.
- Watch the Documentary Series: Before spending money on a tour, watch Life After Death on Netflix. It gives a much deeper look into his personal life and the toll the readings take on him than his previous "celeb-focused" shows did.
Basically, keep your expectations grounded. The odds of a private session are incredibly low, but the live events offer a glimpse into the process that many find just as cathartic. Whether it’s a connection to the "other side" or just a very specific form of grief counseling, the impact on the people he reads is undeniably real.
Stay cautious of anyone asking for money on social media, stay skeptical but open, and remember that closure often comes from within, with or without a celebrity medium.