Lunatics Radio Hour: The History of Horror

The Lunatics Project

Lunatics Radio Hour is a non-fiction history podcast about the history of horror and the horror of history. Each episode explores real, documented events where fear, violence, survival, and the unknown shaped human lives and cultures. The show also traces how historical events influenced film, examining how real-world horrors became the stories and images that appear on screen. Topics include dark history, psychological phenomena, folklore rooted in fact, and the historical roots of horror cinema. Most episodes focus on researched historical subjects. Occasional short fiction stories are included and clearly labeled. If you’re drawn to the darker side of history and the real events behind horror films, Lunatics Radio Hour explores where history, fear, and cinema intersect.

  1. Aug 4

    Episode 202 - The History of Horror Sequels

    This week on Lunatics Radio Hour, we're exploring the history of horror sequels. It might seem like an unusual topic, but sequels have played a major role in the development of the horror genre. Horror has embraced sequels and franchises more successfully than almost any other genre, creating some of the most recognizable characters in film history and filling the genre's archives with long-running series. In this episode, we trace the evolution of horror sequels from the Universal monster films of the 1930s through the slasher boom of the 1980s and into the modern era. We discuss why horror became the genre most closely associated with franchises and how sequels helped shape the industry. We're also kicking off the Second Scary Scuffle, our head-to-head tournament that pits horror's greatest sequel monsters and villains against one another to determine the ultimate champion. Listen in as we examine the history behind horror sequels and begin the battle to crown the greatest horror sequel character of all time.Sources Fangoria article by Will Jones: How The Horror Genre Created The World of Legacy Sequels  Den of Geek article by David Crow and Joe George: The 31 Best Horror Franchises of All Times, Ranked Entertainment Weekly article by Steven Thrash: The 20 best horror sequels of all time  Forbes article by Mark Hughes: Top 10 Most Successful Horror Sequels of All Time Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep. Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. Jul 21

    Episode 200 - The History of The Final Girl

    In this episode of Lunatics Radio Hour, we explore the history of the Final Girl, one of horror’s most recognizable character archetypes. From early examples in horror literature and film to the rise of the slasher genre in the 1970s and 1980s, we examine how the trope developed and why it became so important to horror storytelling. We discuss the academic origins of the term, the characteristics traditionally associated with the Final Girl, and how characters like Laurie Strode, Nancy Thompson, and Sidney Prescott helped define and evolve the role. We also look at how modern horror films have challenged, expanded, and reinterpreted the trope for new audiences. Join us as we trace the history of the Final Girl and her lasting impact on horror cinema. Follow @Sonrisalibrary on Instagram. Sources Men, Women, and Chain Saws by Carol J Clover (1992) Fandom article: Halloween Flips The Final Girl Trope on Its Head by Kim Taylor-Foster In Session Film article by Codie Allen: The Scream Queen’s Legacy: Janet Leigh and the Evolution of Horror Dread Central article by Mary Beth McAndrews: Jess’s Choice: How ‘Black Christmas’ (1974) Responsibly Addresses Abortion and Bodily Autonomy  Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep. Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4.7
out of 5
63 Ratings

About

Lunatics Radio Hour is a non-fiction history podcast about the history of horror and the horror of history. Each episode explores real, documented events where fear, violence, survival, and the unknown shaped human lives and cultures. The show also traces how historical events influenced film, examining how real-world horrors became the stories and images that appear on screen. Topics include dark history, psychological phenomena, folklore rooted in fact, and the historical roots of horror cinema. Most episodes focus on researched historical subjects. Occasional short fiction stories are included and clearly labeled. If you’re drawn to the darker side of history and the real events behind horror films, Lunatics Radio Hour explores where history, fear, and cinema intersect.

You Might Also Like