Episodes

Ep 166: Interview w/Kevin Williamson, Writer of “Scream,” “IKWYDLS,” “The Faculty,” and so many more
166
Sept. 4, 2023

Ep 166: Interview w/Kevin Williamson, Writer of “Scream,” “IKWYDLS,” “The Faculty,” and so many more

After writing the 1996 mega-hit, “Scream,” Kevin Williamson became the go-to horror screenwriter — composing scripts for films like “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” “Halloween H20,” “The Faculty,” “Teaching Mrs. Tingle,” and even this year’s pandemic slasher, “Sick.” Tune in to hear stories about writing so many of our favorite horror films, like which “Scream 2” scene was originally meant for “IKWYDLS,” what real-life experience inspired “Teaching Mrs. Tingle,” why he didn’t receive an offici...
Ep 165: But the Windows Weren't Dark!
165
Aug. 28, 2023

Ep 165: But the Windows Weren't Dark!

As slasher lovers, we were very excited to find a new masked killer/stalk & slash film on VOD to discuss this week. But was it a cut above the rest? 🔪 Tune in to hear us break down “Dark Windows” — from the backstory that inevitably came back to haunt its main characters, to all the films it reminded us of, and whether its title was suitable or not.
Bonus Episode: Hellish Hospitals (Patreon Clip)
Aug. 25, 2023

Bonus Episode: Hellish Hospitals (Patreon Clip)

This is a clip from our latest bonus episode! The full ep, along with all our monthly bonus episodes, is available to patrons at Patreon.com/HappyHorrorTime Why are hospitals always so dark and vacant in scary movies? Well two of the biggest horror franchises sure used this to their advantage in the films within this month’s winning theme. “Halloween II” (1981) is a continuation of John Carpenter’s horror classic, with Laurie Strode being rushed to Haddonfield Memorial Hospital. Unfortunately, M...
Ep 164: We're Gonna Need a Bigger Shark
164
Aug. 21, 2023

Ep 164: We're Gonna Need a Bigger Shark

Shark flicks have been popular since the release of “Jaws,” but the Meg series sure knows how to take these movies to the next level… or actually, the next 10 levels! Tune in to hear us break down all the prehistoric creatures and over-the-top action sequences in “Meg 2: The Trench,” while answering the age-old question — is bigger always better?
Ep 163: Talk to the Hand
163
Aug. 14, 2023

Ep 163: Talk to the Hand

We’ve gotta hand it to the “Talk to Me” filmmakers, as we’ve never seen a supernatural film about grabbing an embalmed appendage to communicate with the dead. 🤝 Tune in as we break down this unique Australian horror flick — from those disturbing possessions, to those violent outbreaks, and of course, that intense makeout scene with the dog.
Ep 162: Interview w/John Ottman, Director of “Urban Legends: Final Cut,” Composer & Editor
162
Aug. 7, 2023

Ep 162: Interview w/John Ottman, Director of “Urban Legends: Final Cut,” Composer & Editor

Although John Ottman won an Oscar for editing “Bohemian Rhapsody,” his résumé in horror is what caught our eye, as he directed “Urban Legends: Final Cut” and scored many genre hits. Tune in to hear all about the circumstances John faced while directing the “Urban Legend” sequel, what it was like assembling and working with its hot young cast, and the story behind his original “Halloween H20” score.
Ep 161: Pumpkins, Parents & Poison
161
July 31, 2023

Ep 161: Pumpkins, Parents & Poison

“Cobweb” takes place around Halloween, yet the film’s overprotective parents are definitely not fans of spooky season. But that doesn’t mean this movie isn’t filled with plenty of pumpkins, spiders, and scary knocking sounds. Tune in to hear us break down all the creepies, the crawlies, and whether “Cobweb” was more trick or treat.
Ep 160: Interview w/Adrienne King from “Friday the 13th” (1980)
160
July 24, 2023

Ep 160: Interview w/Adrienne King from “Friday the 13th” (1980)

As the original “Friday the 13th” final girl, Adrienne King survived the very first film in this long-running franchise — back before Jason Voorhees was even the killer! Tune in to hear all about playing Alice Hardy in “Friday the 13th,” the influence Betsy Palmer had on her while filming, and the full story behind her life after the movie came out and how her return in “F13 Part 2” was handled. *Please note: This interview was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike. We did chat with Adrienne abou...
Ep 159: Insidi-Is That It?
159
July 17, 2023

Ep 159: Insidi-Is That It?

The Lambert family is back, along with their favorite red-faced demon, in what is (supposedly) their final journey into The Further. Tune in to hear us break down all the generational trow-ma in “Insidious: The Red Door” — from the characters who returned, to the new ones we’d like to forget (aka, Nick the Dick), and our thoughts on how they wrapped up this ghostly saga.
Ep 158: The Rabbit Never Ran
158
July 10, 2023

Ep 158: The Rabbit Never Ran

Although Netflix’s new Australian horror film is called “Run Rabbit Run,” it was definitely more of a slow burn. Tune in to hear all sorts of bunny references while we break down the creepy performances, whether there were any hare-raising moments (wink wink), and our thoughts on what was really going on the whole time.
Ep 157: Interview w/Peter M. Bracke, Writer of “Crystal Lake Memories” and “Friday the 13th” expert
157
July 3, 2023

Ep 157: Interview w/Peter M. Bracke, Writer of “Crystal Lake Memories” and “Friday the 13th” expert

Peter M. Bracke conducted over 200 interviews with cast & crew members to write the most extensive book on the “Friday the 13th” film franchise — 2005’s “Crystal Lake Memories.” Tune in to hear how he approached this comprehensive project, his personal thoughts on many of the interviews and controversies reported in the book, and where he’d like to see the F13 franchise go next.
Ep 156: No More Dying First
156
June 26, 2023

Ep 156: No More Dying First

Countless horror tropes have formed over the years, and let’s be honest — the genre has had its share of stereotypes. But “The Blackening” turns all that on its head. Tune in to hear us break down this horror comedy — from what had us laughing our a$$es off, to its many pop culture and horror references. And most importantly, who DID die first??
Ep 155: Interview w/Kate McNeil from “The House on Sorority Row” & “Monkey Shines”
155
June 19, 2023

Ep 155: Interview w/Kate McNeil from “The House on Sorority Row” & “Monkey Shines”

In the 80s, Kate McNeil faced off against a vengeful killer, a homicidal monkey, and worst of all — scheming sorority sisters! But her level-headed characters always survived. Tune in to hear all about making “The House on Sorority Row” & “Monkey Shines,” what it was like working with master of horror, George A. Romero, and which celebrity she spilled food on as a young waitress.
Ep 154: It WAS the Boogeyman
154
June 12, 2023

Ep 154: It WAS the Boogeyman

Although other films have already touched on the idea of the boogeyman (ahem, “Halloween”), this new theatrical release is based on a short story by Stephen King. Tune in as we break down “The Boogeyman” — from all those dark lingering moments, to why no one ever turned on the d*mn lights, and whether this PG-13 thriller managed to scare us.
Ep 153: Interview w/Marcia Karr from “Killer Workout,” “Savage Streets,” and more
153
June 5, 2023

Ep 153: Interview w/Marcia Karr from “Killer Workout,” “Savage Streets,” and more

It doesn’t get much better than playing an aerobics instructor who murders gym-goers with a giant safety pin. But this is just one of Marcia Karr’s memorable roles from the 80s. Tune in to hear all about making thrillers like “Killer Workout,” “Savage Streets,” and “Maniac Cop,” the bold thing she did on her first day in LA, and the movies in which she was supposed to make an appearance.
Ep 152: Stop Influencing Me!
152
May 29, 2023

Ep 152: Stop Influencing Me!

Social media influencers — some people worship them, while others wish they’d all just disappear to some island in the middle of nowhere. 😉🏝️ Shudder’s new horror film, “Influencer,” finds a unique way to mix selfies with suspense. Tune in as we break down all the scheming, all the posting, and quite possibly the longest pre-credits scene we’ve ever witnessed.
Ep 151: Interview w/Peter Barton from “F13 Pt IV: The Final Chapter” & “Hell Night”
151
May 22, 2023

Ep 151: Interview w/Peter Barton from “F13 Pt IV: The Final Chapter” & “Hell Night”

From the cover of teen magazines to being covered in blood, Peter Barton starred in two 80s slasher films that have developed huge cult followings — “Friday the 13th Part IV: The Final Chapter” and “Hell Night.” Tune in to hear all about making these fan favorites, why he almost gave up on acting so early in his career, and some juicy stories on his Hollywood life throughout the 80s and 90s.
Ep 150: Children Ruin Everything
150
May 15, 2023

Ep 150: Children Ruin Everything

Two gay men discussing the pressures women face around having children? What could be more appropriate? 😉 Tune in as we break down Hulu’s latest pregnancy-related horror film, “Clock” — from its uncomfortable imagery, to its (obvious) message, to the very important and mature realization that without the “L” in its title, it just spells 🍆.
Ep 149: Interview w/John Furey from "Friday the 13th Part 2"
149
May 8, 2023

Ep 149: Interview w/John Furey from "Friday the 13th Part 2"

As head counselor, Paul Holt, John Furey fought off Jason Voorhees to become the first final boy of the “Friday the 13th” franchise… well, sort of. Tune in to hear all about making the first sequel in this slasher series, how co-star Amy Steel got him to start attending horror conventions, and, of course, his thoughts on that very ambiguous ending for his character.
Ep 148: Rise and Die!
148
May 1, 2023

Ep 148: Rise and Die!

The latest installment in the long-running Evil Dead series, “Evil Dead Rise,” brings the Deadites out of the woods (and Middle Ages) and into a condemned apartment building. Tune in as we break down all the gory grossness, our favorite lines from the possessed mom (she had quite a few zingers), and whether this sequel lived up to all the hype.
Ep 147: Interview w/Betsy Baker from “The Evil Dead”
147
April 24, 2023

Ep 147: Interview w/Betsy Baker from “The Evil Dead”

After becoming possessed in “The Evil Dead,” Betsy Baker’s sweet, innocent Linda transforms into one of the most memorable Deadites — taunting Bruce Campbell’s Ash with a menacing lullaby and high-pitched laughter. Tune in to hear all about making the original film in this popular horror series, how the idea for her Deadite character came to be, and how everyone in her PTA found out about her iconic role.
Ep 146: Interview w/Mitchell Anderson from “Jaws: The Revenge,” “Deadly Dreams,” and more
146
April 17, 2023

Ep 146: Interview w/Mitchell Anderson from “Jaws: The Revenge,” “Deadly Dreams,” and more

We’ll never forget how Mitchell Anderson literally gave his left arm while portraying Sean Brody in “Jaws: The Revenge.” Tune in to hear all about making the final film (to date) in this popular franchise, which love scene from one of his horror flicks was the most embarrassing moment of his career, and how coming out in the ‘90s affected his career and inspired his current one-man show, “You Better Call Your Mother.”
Ep 145: Shared Scares for Siblings Day
145
April 10, 2023

Ep 145: Shared Scares for Siblings Day

Happy National Siblings Day! To celebrate this underrated holiday, we invited our siblings to join us in reviewing two new horror flicks. First we welcome Matt’s sister, Melissa Emert-Hutner, to break down the new “Children of the Corn” remake. Then Tim’s brother, Jamie Murdock, joins us to discuss “Sound of Silence.” Tune in to hear all our thoughts (and boy did we have a ton) and whether our siblings were aligned. 0:00-40:00 - Matt's sister and "Children of the Corn" discussion 40:00-END - Tim...
Ep 144: Interview w/Duncan Birmingham, Writer/Director of “Who Invited Them”
144
April 3, 2023

Ep 144: Interview w/Duncan Birmingham, Writer/Director of “Who Invited Them”

We were so impressed with last year’s home invasion horror comedy, “Who Invited Them,” that getting the chance to interview the mastermind behind this thriller was an absolute delight. Tune in to hear all about how Writer/Director, Duncan Birmingham, got the idea for this movie, how lucky he felt assembling its talented cast, and most importantly — why there’s no question mark at the end of the film’s title.