Shudder News Roundup
There’s so much news that we need to share it all at once. We have a very special milestone reached by Shudder as well as a list of the great horrors in store for October.
And if you are waiting for our October content update, we’ll be delivering that sometime next week, so no worries there. Onto the news!
DRIVEN BY ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING, AMC NETWORKS’ SHUDDER SURPASSES ONE MILLION SUBSCRIBERS
September 22, 2020 — New York, NY — AMC Networks’ SHUDDER, the premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, announced today it has surpassed a major milestone and is now streaming to more than one million members. The streaming service saw a surge in usage and new memberships that began with the debut of its original series Creepshow last September, and has continued throughout 2020 with its second hit original series, Cursed Films, and a lineup of acclaimed original films that includes The Room, Z, The Beach House and Host, among others.
“The addition of original series and movies turbocharged our growth and turned Shudder into a must-have service for anyone interested in great horror, thriller or supernatural entertainment,” said Miguel Penella, AMC Networks SVOD President. “Our relentless focus on quality programming, innovative content and finding the best up-and-coming creators has enabled Shudder to break out in the crowded world of subscription services. Shudder’s success comes as our other targeted SVOD services—Acorn TV, Sundance Now and UMC—continue their strong subscriber growth momentum by super-serving passionate fans with the content they love the most.”
Shudder has frequently been recognized as one of the best targeted streaming services due to its quality collection of exclusives, originals and genre classics, and its unparalleled selection of independent horror films from around the world. According to Rotten Tomatoes, 3 of the top 4 horror films released in 2020 are Shudder films, including the #1 movie of the year, the Zoom-based quarantine horror film Host, which was written and shot in just 12 weeks during quarantine.
Shudder’s first original scripted series, Creepshow, broke all of the streamer’s viewership records when it debuted in 2019, and finished as the top-reviewed new horror series across all networks and streamers that year. Creepshow is currently in production on season 2. Meanwhile, Shudder’s hosted movie show The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs continued to be a social media phenomenon, with new episodes typically trending #1 on Twitter on the night they debut.
Shudder’s growth has also been fueled by a string of successful launches on new platforms and in new territories. In August, Shudder debuted in Australia and New Zealand, further expanding its international reach which includes the U.S., Canada, Germany, the UK, and Ireland. In the U.S., Shudder has recently launched on Roku Channels, Charter/Spectrum, DISH and Sling.
Shudder is widely available through its own apps on web, mobile, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and Xbox, as well as through Apple TV Channels in the US and Amazon Prime Video in the US, Canada and UK.
Shudder is the second of AMC Networks’ suite of SVOD services to surpass the one million subscriber milestone, following Acorn TV which reached that mark last September. Together, AMC Networks’ SVOD services are expected to reach between 3.5-4 million subscribers by year-end 2020.
That’s not all, though. Shudder also has presented their lineup of material for October 2020 including new installments of beloved originals The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs and Creepshow! All of this is part of the 61 Days of Halloween that we’re currently enjoying week to week.
NEW SHUDDER SPECIALS
2020’s ALL-NEW GHOUL LOG — October 1
Halloween’s answer to the Christmas Yule Log, the Ghoul Log is: a 24/7 streaming jack-o’-lantern (available on demand as a Shudder TV feed ‘round the clock) that offers the perfect ambience for all your Halloween festivities. This year’s edition has been lovingly crafted by a fan-favorite filmmaker who knows a thing or two about the holiday. Visit Shudder October 1 for the big reveal… (Also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ)
JOE BOB’S HALLOWEEN HIDEAWAY — October 23 at 9pm ET
Horror host and drive-in movie expert Joe Bob has left the trailer park behind in favor of a more remote retreat, but he’s still ready to serve up a double feature of films hand-picked for your Halloween enjoyment. Premieres live on the ShudderTV feed Friday, October 23, and will be made available on demand on Monday, October 26. (Also in Shudder Canada)
THE CREEPSHOW HALLOWEEN SPECIAL — October 26
Though Greg Nicotero and his team are hard at work shooting season 2 (coming in 2021), they’ve crafted a fully animated Creepshow special for us just in time for Halloween, featuring two tales to die for: “Survivor Type,” based on the short story by Stephen King and adapted by Nicotero, stars Kiefer Sutherland (24, Designated Survivor) as a man determined to stay alive alone on a deserted island no matter what the cost. “Twittering from the Circus of the Dead,” based on the short story by Joe Hill and adapted by Melanie Dale, stars Joey King (The Kissing Booth, The Act) as a teen whose family road trip includes a visit to the gravest show on earth. (Also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ)
SHUDDER ORIGINAL/EXCLUSIVE MOVIES
SCARE ME — October 1
Sundance 2020 Official Selection. During a power outage, two strangers tell scary stories. The more Fred and Fanny commit to their tales, the more the stories come to life in the dark of a Catskills cabin. The horrors of reality manifest when Fred confronts his ultimate fear: Fanny may be the better storyteller. Starring Aya Cash, Josh Ruben and Chris Redd. Directed by Josh Ruben. A SHUDDER ORIGINAL. (Also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ)
THE CLEANSING HOUR — October 8
Max and Drew are millennial entrepreneurs who’ve made themselves famous with a webcast they created called “The Cleansing Hour,” which streams live exorcisms. The catch? Each ceremony is elaborately staged to look real in order to dupe their global audience—until today, when today’s subject, Drew’s fiancé, actually turns out to be possessed. Starring Ryan Guzman, Kyle Gallner, Alix Angelis. Directed by Damien LeVeck. A SHUDDER ORIGINAL. (Also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ)
THE MORTUARY COLLECTION — October 15
A young drifter applies for a job at the local mortuary and meets an eccentric mortician who chronicles the strange history of the town through a series of twisted tales, each more terrifying than the last. Starring Clancy Brown, Caitlin Custer, Barak Hardley, Christine Kilmer and Jacob Elordi. Directed by Ryan Spindell. A SHUDDER ORIGINAL. (Also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ)
32 MALASANA STREET — October 22
It’s 1976. The Olmedo family has left the countryside for a new life in Madrid. But their new home becomes a house of horrors in this hit supernatural thriller based on actual paranormal events. Starring Begoña Vargas, Iván Marcos, Bea Segura, Sergio Castellanos, José Luis de Madariaga, Iván Renedo, Javier Botet. Directed by Alberto Pintó. A SHUDDER EXCLUSIVE. (Also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ)
MAY THE DEVIL TAKE YOU TOO — October 29
Timo Tjahjanto has made a name for himself as one of the world’s most exciting horror directors, with standout segments in anthology films The ABCs of Death and V/H/S/ 2, and features like supernatural thrill ride May the Devil Take You and action extravaganza The Night Comes for Us. Now Tjahjanto returns with a sequel to his unforgettable 2018 hit. Two years after escaping from demonic terror, a young woman is still haunted by unnatural visions. The dangers that await her and her friends grow as a figure of darkness rises, threatening to take their lives. Starring Chelsea Islan, Widika Sidmore, Baskara Mahendra and Hadijah Shahab. Directed by Timo Tjahjanto. A SHUDDER ORIGINAL. (Also available on Shudder Canada and Shudder UK)
SHUDDER’S HALLOWEEN HOTLINE
EVERY FRIDAY IN OCTOBER FROM 3-4PM ET
For the second year, Shudder’s head curator, Samuel Zimmerman, will be offering callers live, personalized picks for what to watch every Friday in October. Movie lovers from around the world are invited to call Sam (via a new number to be announced) Fridays from 3-4pm ET, share their mood or taste, and from that information, Sam will use his horror knowledge to select films from Shudder’s vast library for them. (Read a recap of last year’s hotline recommendations.)
We can’t promise every call will be answered, but Sam will get to as many as he can during each hour. While the recommendations are provided for free, please note that normal phone and long-distance charges may apply.
NEW COLLECTIONS FOR OCTOBER
“THE PRICE OF FRIGHT” — OCTOBER 1
Terror, thy name is Price! In film history, few actors have been as closely associated with horror as Vincent Price, and for good reason. Price presented a unique brand of intelligence and refinement underscored with a delight in the macabre and a touch of madness. This Halloween, we are thrilled (and chilled) to present five classic films starring “the Merchant of Menace.”
Featuring three of Price’s acclaimed Edgar Allan Poe films directed by Roger Corman—The Fall of the House of Usher, The Masque of the Red Death and The Tomb of Ligeia—along with Theater of Blood (co-starring Diana Rigg) and The Monster Club (premiering Oct. 5) with John Carradine and Donald Pleasence. (Oct. 1 titles also available on Shudder Canada)
ALL NEW TITLES FOR OCTOBER
October 1
“THE PRICE OF FRIGHT” (see above for details)
THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER (Director: Roger Corman)
THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH (Director: Roger Corman)
THE TOMB OF LIGEIA (Director: Roger Corman)
THEATER OF BLOOD (Director: Douglas Hickox)
(Also available on Shudder Canada)
FROM BEYOND (Director: Stuart Gordon)
The Resonator, a powerful machine that can control the sixth sense, has killed its creator and sent his associate into an insane asylum. But when a psychiatrist becomes determined to continue the experiment, she unwittingly opens the door to a hostile parallel universe. Starring Barbara Crampton, Carolyn Purdee-Gordon, Jeffrey Combs, Ken Foree, Ted Sorel (Also available on Shudder Canada)
THE GHOUL LOG (see above for details)
HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES (Director: Rob Zombie)
This gore fest follows two young couples on their quest to find the truth about a mythical character known only as “Dr. Satan.” Set in rural Texas in the 1970s, the group gets more than they bargained for when they find themselves stranded in an all-too-realistic house of horrors. The introduction to Zombie’s now-cult Firefly clan, the director’s debut remains a vicious funhouse imbued with the savage quality of 70s terror. Starring Sid Haig, Bill Moseley, Sheri Moon, Karen Black, Rainn Wilson (Also available on Shudder Canada)
SCARE ME (see above for details)
October 5
THE DEEPER YOU DIG (Directors: Toby Poser, John Adams)
14-year old Echo and her mother Ivy, a tarot card reader, live a quiet life in a rural area. When reclusive Kurt moves down the road to restore an abandoned farmhouse, an accident leads to Echo’s murder, and suddenly three lives collide in mysterious and wicked ways. Starring John Adams, Toby Poser, Zelda Adams
THE MONSTER CLUB (Director: Roy Ward Baker) — Part of “The Price of Fright” Collection
A vampire invites a horror writer to a very exclusive gathering to share tales of the macabre, each adapted from stories by R. Chetwynd-Hayes. Starring Vincent Price, John Carradine, Donald Pleasence, Barbara Kellerman
WNUF HALLOWEEN SPECIAL (Director: Chris LaMartina)
In 1987, a TV news team tried to contact spirits in a haunted house. But something went wrong. Three decades later, the recording of this spooky special has finally surfaced and viewers can now see what really went on that fateful night – complete with commercials! Think Grindhouse meets Paranormal Activity and you’ll know what to expect from this hilarious parody of found footage horror. Starring Paul Fahrenkopf, Aaron Henkin, Nicolette le Faye (Also available on Shudder Canada and Shudder UK)
October 8
THE CLEANSING HOUR (see above for details)
October 12
MOHAWK (Director: Ted Geoghegan)
After a member of her tribe sets an American soldiers’ camp ablaze, a young female Mohawk finds herself pursued by a ruthless band of renegades bent on revenge. Fleeing deep into the woods, Mohawk youths Oak and Calvin confront the bloodthirsty Colonel Holt and his soldiers. As the Americans seem to close in from all sides, the trio must summon every resource, both real and supernatural, as the brutal attack escalates. Starring Kaniehtiio Horn, Ezra Buzzington, Eamon Farren (Also available on Shudder ANZ)
October 15
THE MORTUARY COLLECTION (see above for details)
October 19
SLEEP TIGHT (Director: Jaume Balagueró)
A deranged doorman becomes obsessed with making a woman’s life pure and utter hell. Acclaimed director Jaume Balagueró (the REC series) serves up an unnerving tale of obsession and torment that delivers nonstop thrills right up to its shocking conclusion. Starring Luis Tosar, Marta Etura, Alberto San Juan (Also available on Shudder Canada)
THEM (ILS) (Director: David Moreau)
A group of hooded strangers stalk a couple in this French horror film par excellance. Critically acclaimed upon its release, Them—along with films like High Tension, Inside, and Martyrs—hooked the rest of the world on gruesome Gallic gore-fests. Starring Olivia Bonamy, Michael Cohen, Adriana Mocca
October 22
32 MALASANA STREET (see above for details)
October 23
JOE BOB’S HALLOWEEN HIDEAWAY (see above for details)
October 26
THE CREEPSHOW HALLOWEEN SPECIAL (see above for details)
October 29
MAY THE DEVIL TAKE YOU TOO (see above for details)
How excited are you for the content on Shudder in October? Let us know in the comments!
We’ve reached the penultimate episode of Original Sin. This season has been a bloody delight so far, but of course, the endings usually ruin anything related to Dexter.
See the original series ending, book series ending and New Blood ending.
But so far this ending has been good. Let’s discuss.
The story
We begin this episode with the whole force worrying over Bobby, Harry’s partner. They decide to have a blood drive, which is a really good way to respond to a tragedy.
In a flashback scene, we see that Harry and Doris took in both boys. Doris is, by the way, a living saint. She takes these two boys into her home and heart. Until that is, Brian almost kills Deborah.
Not for the last time.
Meanwhile Dexter is planning to take out Captain Spencer. The only problem is that, through a series of rather heartwarming events, he’s given blood twice on the same day. So when it comes time for the kill he isn’t at his best.
Even so, Dex almost makes the kill. The only problem is that Nicky is still alive. And Dexter, proving again that he is a strange and gentle monster, cares more about saving the son than killing the father.
What worked
I first want to shine some well-deserved light on the casting in this series one last time. Because Roby Attal, who played Brian, did a fantastic job. He looks very much like Christian Camargo, who played Brian in the original series. But of course, the important thing is the facial and body language. He smiles like Brian, moves like Brian. And, of course, kills like Brian. He was the perfect choice.
I also really enjoyed the scenes between Dexter and Captain Spencer. They were well done and emotional. I loved the passion and anger in Dexter’s voice when he confronted Spencer. I loved Dex playing a video game and putting in Nicky’s initials. And I really loved Dex stabbing Spencer with a hypodermic needle through his hand and into his neck. It was well-written, well acted and cathartic.
Now, in the interest of fairness, I owe Sarah Michelle Gellar an apology. Because she was great in this episode. Her character, Tanya, was passionate and perfectly well-acted. Best of all, she looked her age.
And she looked beautiful.
So often in media women’s ages are hidden like dirty secrets. Even more so when she was popular in her youth. So to see her look her age, look haggard and tired, was fantastic.
What didn’t work
All of that being said, this was not a perfect episode. The worst thing, in my opinion, was that we found out why Captain Spencer abducted his son. Why he killed an innocent boy. Why he kidnapped these boys and tortured them for days before he killed them. And why he slaughtered an entire houseful of people.
I have no intention of spoiling the reveal for you. But when you watch it, I’m sure you’ll share in my disgust. I was expecting some deep dark secret, maybe some sort of corruption or betrayal.
But that’s not it. And the reason he had doesn’t make sense. Why torture these boys with his intention was, well, what it was?
I have some hope that this reveal was false. After all, all we have is the word of a man plastic wrapped to a table. I guess we’ll have to wait until the next episode to find out.
Finally, I do want to point out one thing that is a little disappointing about the series as a whole.
It’s kind of hard for there to be a lot of suspense for the coming episode. We already know that nothing very bad can happen to our dear demented Dexter. He will not be caught. He will not go to jail. He will not die. Neither will Deb, Brian, or any of the other beloved characters from the original series. So much of the tension we might have felt just isn’t there. This is a struggle for a prequel series and one that I don’t think this series has done enough to address.
Despite the slight letdown of the killer’s motivation, this was a good episode. It set up the finale with a great cliffhanger and left us with more questions than answers. I’m cautiously optimistic about the last episode of Dexter Original Sin.
(4 / 5)
Good news to my nonbinary pals – we no longer exist!
“But Brannyk,” you may be thinking, “what am I supposed to do now that I am no longer a real being? How shall I spend my days?”
Unfortunately, the government has not released a handbook for this occasion, so I thought we could brainstorm together.
BECOME A GHOST
There are some benefits to being a ghost, for sure.
No rent or insurance payment. No corporate job, no cleaning cat litter, no AT&T trying to sell you another line after repeatedly telling them that you just want to make sure that your autopayment is on, but they’re all like, ‘Why would you pass up such a bargain on a second line? Are you an idiot? Why wouldn’t you need another phone line?‘ and so you have to tell them, “Because I’M DIVORCED, ASSHOLE, THANKS FOR REMINDING ME OF THAT!”
Ahem. I digress.
Yeah, you may not be able to venture out, much like Adam and Barbara in Beetlejuice. You may need to put up with someone else crashing your place and moving around all of your shit. Or Ryan Reynolds trying to sell you Mint Mobile. Or some toxic couple taking your creepy doll that you spent years on trying to possess.
Or, my absolute biggest pet peeve, when you’re practicing for the ghost speed chair-stacking championship and the normies just don’t appreciate your cool skills.
But the advantages are that you get to stay home, watch tv, stack your chairs and hope whoever buys your house/visits your creepy woods/gentrifies your neighborhood is a cool person, too.
(2 / 5)
It’s a good choice, but has a lot of drawbacks.
BECOME A CREATURE
Look, if you’re not going to exist, go big or go home, I’d say.
Monsters are cool. They play by their own rules. Sometimes they cause havoc. Sometimes they come around and help people. Sometimes they work alone. And other times, they have a lot of friends. Sometimes they just need some affirmation. And sometimes they’re…in high school, apparently?
The cool thing is that they come in all shapes and sizes.
Monsters are generally misunderstood. Some have their fans. Others are hated.
So basically, just like people, except with more tentacles.
The only downsides are that you might be too big or too “ick” for some people (these can also be pluses), you may have a taste for human flesh (no judgement), or the biggest issue – there are too many choices.
You could get stuck trying to figure out what kind of monster you are. If you’re not into labels, it’s an absolute nightmare. Or if you’re like me, it’ll be like standing in Subway for 15 minutes trying to figure out what toppings and dressings you want while the “sandwich artist” is openly judging you.
(4 / 5)
I like the customization, but it can be a bit too overwhelming.
BECOME A CRYPTID
Hear me out. I know it seems a lot like the monster category, but it’s not quite.
Cryptids are weird and mysterious. They keep to themselves. They have people who are fascinated by them and post on Reddit about them. Some have people making documentaries about them.
They’re like monsters’ quieter cousin who reads books in the corner at family gatherings. They collect shiny things they find by the side of the road. Sometimes they’ll steal a peanut butter sandwich or two.
Ever so often, they might scare a human just by existing or by politely asking for their stuff back.
Each one kinda has their own goals and priorities. Their own hangouts and interests. But unlike monsters, they’re not looking to rock any boats-
Never mind, I stand corrected.
(5 / 5)
I like the freedoms of being a cryptid and also dig the cottage-core vibe I get from them.
CONCLUSION: LET’S BE REAL FOR A SECOND…
I know it’s hard right now. It’s going to be hard. You may not exist to some assholes, but you are real. You have real feelings and thoughts and dreams. You have a real future. You have real decisions. Real actions that affect this world.
You have the real ability to wake up tomorrow and choose to exist. And for whatever reason you choose. Use it. Ghosts and monsters and cryptids are powerful, just like you are, even when you don’t feel like it. They have a place in our human world, just like you do. You make this world interesting and important.
You are part of this world, you are real, and you are not alone.
The horror community is one of acceptance, diversity, creativity and passion. In these times, it needs to be. We need to rely on each other. We need to cultivate and protect each other, as much as we need to protect ourselves.
And it looks like I’ll be coming out of my own cryptid hovel I’ve spent the past few years in to remind you that. My job isn’t done. Not by a longshot. And neither is yours.
You exist to me. Today, tomorrow, and forever.
Be safe out there, friends.
Breaking News
Joe Bob’s Christmas Carnage: A Bloody Good Holiday Special Fri. December 13th – 9pm ET!
