Shudder Content Guide – Oct. 2021 – “61 Days of Halloween”
Shudder’s “The 61 Days of Halloween” wraps up this October with a whole (horror) host of premieres and specials across all regions. Let our content guide be… your guide. Just what ghoulish delights await you in October of 2021?
Shudder’s October Originals and Exclusives
Shudder has some exciting original and exclusive films this month. Two of which are the return of fan-favorites.
V/H/S/94 – Premieres Wednesday, October 6
(Available on Shudder US, Shudder CA, Shudder UKI and Shudder ANZ)
A Shudder Original Film, V/H/S/94 is the fourth installment in the hit horror anthology franchise and marks the return of the infamous found footage anthology with segments from franchise alumni Simon Barrett (Séance) and Timo Tjahjanto (May the Devil Take You Too) in addition to acclaimed directors Jennifer Reeder (Knives & Skin), Ryan Prows (Lowlife) and Chloe Okuno (Slut). In V/H/S/94, after the discovery of a mysterious VHS tape, a brutish police swat team launch a high-intensity raid on a remote warehouse, only to discover a sinister cult compound whose collection of pre-recorded material uncovers a nightmarish conspiracy.
The Medium – Premieres Thursday, October 14
(Available on Shudder US, Shudder CA, Shudder UKI and Shudder ANZ)
A documentary team follows Nim, a shaman based in Northern Thailand, the Isan area, and encounters her niece Mink showing strange symptoms that seem to be of inheritance of shamanism. The team decides to follow Mink, hoping to capture the shaman lineage passing on to the next generation, but her bizarre behavior becomes more extreme. From director Banjong Pisanthanakun (Shutter) and producer Na Hongjin (director of The Wailing). Winner Best Film, Bucheon International Film Festival 2021.
Horror Noire – Premieres Thursday, October 28
(Available on Shudder US, Shudder CA, Shudder UKI and Shudder ANZ)
A new Shudder Original anthology film, Horror Noire is a follow-up to the critically acclaimed 2019 documentary Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror and features new work from both established and emerging talents, showcasing stories of Black horror from Black directors and screenwriters. Anthology writers featured include Tananarive Due, Steven Barnes, Victor LaValle, Shernold Edwards, Al Letson, and Ezra C. Daniels. Cast featured include Lesley-Ann Brandt (Lucifer, Spartacus), Luke James (The Chi, Thoughts of a Colored Man), Erica Ash (Survivor’s Remorse, A Black Lady Sketch Show), Brandon Mychal Smith (Four Weddings and a Funeral, You’re the Worst), Sean Patrick Thomas (Macbeth, The Curse of La Llorona), Peter Stormare (American Gods, Fargo) Malcolm Barrett (Genius: Aretha Franklin, Timeless) and Rachel True (The Craft, Half & Half), among others.
Shudder Original Series
Shudder also has some ongoing series to enjoy this month.
Creepshow Season 3 – New Episodes Premiere Every Thursday through October 28
Based on the 1982 horror-comedy classic, the anthology Creepshow returns for a third season and is still the most fun you’ll ever have being scared! From showrunner Greg Nicotero (The Walking Dead), a comic book comes to life in a series of vignettes, exploring terrors ranging from murder, creatures, monsters, and delusions to the supernatural and unexplainable. You never know what will be on the next page. Guest stars include Michael Rooker, James Remar, Johnathon Schaech, Reid Scott, Hannah Fierman, King Bach, and Ethan Embry.
The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula Season 4 — Premieres October 19 – New Episodes Every Tuesday
The groundbreaking Shudder Original series follows ten drag artists from around the world competing for a $100,000 grand prize – the largest in show history. Season four will feature a spectacular lineup of guest judges including Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical film series), Harvey Guillén (What We Do in the Shadows), Kristian Nairn (Game of Thrones), Misha Osherovich (Freaky), Queer country music icon Orville Peck, pop-metal star Poppy, Ray Santiago (Ash vs. The Evil Dead), Bob the Drag Queen (We’re Here), and more, with additional judges to be announced later. Dubbed one of “the 19 best LGBTQ+ shows everyone needs to watch” by Cosmopolitan, The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula is written and produced by the Boulet Brothers with Executive Producer David Sigurani and director Nathan Noyes.
Behind the Monsters — Premieres October 27 – New Episodes Every Wednesday
The new original docu-series Behind the Monsters takes a deep dive on cinematic horror icons, including Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, Candyman, Chucky, and Pinhead, and features interviews with horror experts and the writers, directors, and actors from the original films that made each character the stuff of genre legends. Written and directed by Gabrielle Binkley and Anthony Uro and produced by Stage 3 Productions, Behind the Monsters is executive produced by Phil Nobile Jr., Kelly Ryan, and Mark Shostrom.
Shudder Specials
We also have two specials this month.
Joe Bob’s Halloween Hoedown — Friday, October 8 at 9pm ET on Shudder TV
In what has become an annual tradition, iconic horror host and foremost drive-in movie critic Joe Bob Briggs returns with a special The Last Drive-In double feature just in time for Halloween, premiering live on the Shudder TV feed. You’ll have to tune in to find out what movies Joe Bob has selected, but you can count on something scary and perfect for the season, with special guests to be announced. (Also available on-demand beginning October 10.)
The Ghoul Log – 2021 Edition
The “Ghoul Log” is Halloween’s answer to the Christmas Yule Log: a 24/7 streaming jack-o’-lantern providing the perfect ambiance for all your Halloween festivities. Fan favorites The Ghoul Log and Return of the Ghoul Log are back, along with a spooky new edition for 2021.
Leaving Shudder
Unfortunately, Shudder has not made a list of films that are leaving just yet. We will update as we find them.
UPDATE
The Shudder Subreddit recently confirmed a number of films leaving this month.
- 10.12 Wax Mask (US, CA)
- 10.13 Before I Wake (CA)
- 10.14 Deep Murder (US/CA), Inner Demon (US/CA/UK/ANZ)
- 10.19 Scream (CA), Scream 2 (CA), Sinister (CA), Without Name (US/CA)
- 10.22 Demons (US/CA), Demons 2 (US/CA)
- 10.26 Summer of ‘84 (US/CA/UK)
- 10.27 Cannibal Ferox (US/CA)
- 10.30 Angst (US/CA)
- 10.31 Audition (US/CA), Carrie (US/CA), Dead Heat (US/CA), Escape from New York (US), Hell Comes to Frogtown (US/CA), Housewife (US/CA), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (US/CA), Lifefore (US/CA), Razorback (US), Some Kind of Hate (US/CA)
- 11.5 The Enfield Haunting (CA)
This includes the Joe Bob Briggs versions as well.
Coming to Shudder CA in October
Canada is getting loads of fun frights this month. Our selection for October 2021 is Joe Bob’s Halloween Hoedown, after all, we love Joe Bob around these parts. Not feeling Joe Bob? Then perhaps Blacula is worth your time. It’s a real classic.
During a visit to Transylvania, an African prince (William Marshall) gets turned into a vampire by Count Dracula (Charles McCauley). Sealed in a coffin for several lifetimes, “Blacula” reawakens in 1970s Los Angeles. Leaving a trail of bloodless victims in his wake, he pursues Lina (Vonetta McGee), a woman who bears a striking resemblance to his dead wife. Meanwhile, Dr. Gordon Thomas (Thalmus Rasulala) and top cop Lt. Peters (Gordon Pinsent) are hot on the bloodsucker’s trail.
Blacula Synopsis
Originals and Exclusives will be listed in bold. Date format is based on the corresponding region.
10/1
Blacula
Scream Blacula Scream
Sugar Hill
Harpoon
Motel Hell
10/4
The Ghoul Log 2021 Edition
The Endless
Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum
Night of the Demons
Witchboard
10/5
The Mutilator
10/6
V/H/S/94
10/7
Creepshow Ep. 303
10/8
Joe Bob’s Halloween Hoedown (9pm ET)
10/11
JD’s Revenge
The House That Screamed
Nosferatu The Vampyre
Nosferatu in Venice
Possum
The Poughkeepsie Tapes
The Shout
Wake Wood
10/12
Dream Home
House
House II
10/14
Creepshow Ep. 302
The Medium
10/18
Children of the Corn
The Woman in Black
The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death
10/19
The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula Ep. 401
10/20
The Gift
10/21
Creepshow Ep. 305
10/25
The Addiction
Just Before Dawn
10/26
The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula Ep. 402
10/27
Behind the Monsters: Michael Meyers
10/28
Creepshow Ep. 306
Horror Noire
Coming to Shudder US in October
Shudder bestows the US with a boo-tique’s worth of horror films and specials. While we suggest Behind the Monsters: Michael Myers as a purely American monster, why not also mix things up with something imported? Why not Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum? Surely you’re done with Squid Game by now, right?
The crew of a horror web series travels to an abandoned asylum for a live broadcast. It soon encounters much more than expected as it moves deeper inside the nightmarish old building.
Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum Synopsis
Originals and Exclusives will be listed in bold. Date format is based on the corresponding region.
10/1
Blacula
Scream Blacula Scream
Sugar Hill
Escape from New York
Motel Hell
Razorback
10/4
The Ghoul Log 2021 Edition
The Endless
Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum
Night of the Demons
Witchboard
10/5
The Mutilator
10/6
V/H/S/94
10/7
Creepshow Ep. 303
10/8
Joe Bob’s Halloween Hoedown (9pm ET)
10/11
JD’s Revenge
The House That Screamed
Nosferatu The Vampyre
Nosferatu in Venice
Possum
The Poughkeepsie Tapes
The Shout
Wake Wood
10/12
The Autopsy of Jane Doe
Dream Home
Hellions
House
House II
10/14
Creepshow Ep. 302
The Medium
10/18
Children of the Corn
10/19
The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula Ep. 401
10/21
Creepshow Ep. 305
10/25
The Addiction
Habit
Just Before Dawn
Rituals
10/26
The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula Ep. 402
10/27
Behind the Monsters: Michael Meyers
10/28
Creepshow Ep. 306
Horror Noire
Coming to Shudder UKI in October
Not to be outdone by other regions, Shudder UKI lands some exclusives, originals, and some classics. V/H/S/94 should evoke those classic video nasties we all love so much. But for something outside of Shudder’s production… why not a classic like David Cronenberg’s Scanners?
Scanners are men and women born with incredible telepathic and telekinetic powers. There are many who exercise the benefits of their special gifts in a safe and judicious manner. However, there is a group of renegade scanners who plan to create a race that will rule the world
Scanners synopsis
Originals and Exclusives will be listed in bold. Date format is based on the corresponding region.
4/10
The Ghoul Log 2021 Edition
The Brood
Candy Corn
Night of the Demons
Scanners
Witchboard
5/10
Midnight Man
The Mutilator
6/10
V/H/S/94
7/10
Creepshow Ep. 303
11/10
Boo!
When A Stranger Calls
Xtro
12/10
House
House II
House III
House IV
14/10
Creepshow Ep. 304
The Medium
18/10
Children of the Corn
Pulse
Re-Animator
Trick
19/10
The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula Ep. 401
21/10
Creepshow Ep. 305
25/10
The Addiction
House of 1000 Corpses
Just Before Dawn
26/10
The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula Ep. 402
27/10
Behind the Monsters: Michael Myers
Creepshow Ep. 306
Horror Noire
Coming to Shudder ANZ in October
Looking for fun down under, and maybe a little surprise? Fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race might get on with the gory and glamourous fun of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula which premieres later in the month. But hey, you also get Witchboard to watch too!
When Jim (Todd Allen) and Linda (Tawny Kitaen) decide to throw a party, Linda’s ex-boyfriend — and Jim’s ex-friend — Brandon (Stephen Nichols) brings out a Ouija board to contact a pleasant, childish spirit named David with whom he communicates often. Apparently, the lines get crossed, because they instead reach across the supernatural divide to the decidedly less pleasant Malfeitor, who uses his connection to the world of the living to wreak havoc and terrify his new acquaintances.
Witchboard synopsis
Originals and Exclusives will be listed in bold. Date format is based on the corresponding region.
5/10
The Ghoul Log 2021 Edition
Night of the Demons
Sator
Witchboard
6/10
V/H/S/94
7/10
Creepshow Ep. 303
14/10
Creepshow Ep. 304
The Medium
19/10
The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula Ep. 401
21/10
Creepshow Ep. 305
26/10
The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula Ep. 402
27/10
Behind the Monsters: Michael Myers
28/10
Creepshow Ep. 306
Horror Noire
That is a lot of stuff to watch this month, the spookiest one of the year. Do you have a favorite on the list? Anything you are particularly looking forward to? 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!
