Midnight Mass

Red, White…and Blaine? This week, Peaches and Michael are having an Idol Worship celebration of a filmmaker who is truly “Best in Show” – Christopher Guest!  In addition to discussing this comedy auteur’s foundational work in the mockumentary space, our hosts delve into the fabulous troupe of performers who populate his world. Joining the conversation is producer extraordinaire Brian Nolan, who shares how crucial WAITING FOR GUFFMAN was to his own experiences in the creative space. Then, acclaimed film & TV star Sam Pancake stops by to talk about the power of improv comedy in the “Guest style” and his analysis of that gently hilarious world. From Mitch & Mickey to HOME FOR PURIM, this episode has it all! Go! 

Death for running a stop sign? This week, Peaches and Michael are taking a trip to Valkenvania in celebration of 1991’s NOTHING BUT TROUBLE! In addition to discussing this film’s undeniably powerhouse cast, our hosts delve into the ultimate rollercoaster ride that is “Mister Bonestripper.” Joining the conversation is BALONEY co-founder and acclaimed choreographer Rory Davis, whose love of the movie brings further context to its vastly expensive weirdness. Then, celebrated creator and exec Jeffrey McCrann stops by to talk about this emerging cult classic’s horror parallels, mutant babies, and what it means to have a lifetime of devotion to a true cinematic underdog. From Tupac Shakur to tasty sausages, this episode has it all! Go!  

Killers come in all sizes! This week, Peaches and Michael aren’t toying around as they celebrate 1989’s PUPPET MASTER! In addition to discussing the sheer glamour of leech vomiting living dolls, our hosts delve into the multi-faceted appeal of this cult classic’s many sequels. Joining the conversation is Nat Brehmer, acclaimed author of PUPPET MASTER COMPLETE: A FRANCHISE HISTORY, whose lifelong obsession with the creations of Andre Toulon led him to write the definitive book on the matter. Then, celebrated professional wrestling superstar Allie (aka The Bunny) pops by to talk about how she went from being a deeply devoted fan of the franchise to one of the stars of the most recent entry – DOKTOR DEATH! From psychic gatherings to switchblade splattering, this episode has it all! Go! 

The true nature of sacrifice! This week, Peaches and Michael are dancing around the maypole in honor of 1973’s THE WICKER MAN! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s five decades of cinematic influence, our hosts delve into its foreboding commentary on the precarious nature of belief. Joining the conversation is filmmaker and acclaimed horror host Melissa LaMartina (aka Aurora Gorealis), whose evolving love of the movie led her to create a uniquely immersive experience. Then, producer extraordinaire Bren O’Callaghan speaks on his own devotion to the film, sharing details on creating Summerisle specific scratch-n-sniff cards, as well as his visits to the movie’s actual shooting locations. From hobby horses to Christopher Lee’s Cher wig, this episode has it all! Go! 

The ultimate underground movie! This week, Peaches and Michael dig deep in celebration of 1990’s TREMORS! In addition to discussing how this fan favorite brought the creature feature into the modern era, our hosts delve into the phallic nature of the Graboids. Joining the conversation is THIS ENDS AT PROM’s Harmony Colangelo, whose lifetime of love for this ongoing franchise has made her the unofficial “Mayor of Perfection.” Then, CERTIFIED FORGOTTEN’s Matt Donato stops by to examine why this comedic horror’s legacy not only endures, but breaks new ground. From dusty daddy Fred Ward to survivalist siren Reba, this episode has it all! Go! 

You’re so cool, Brewster! This week, Peaches and Michael are joined by special guest host Cream to reflect on their recent live show celebrating 1985’s FRIGHT NIGHT! In addition to discussing the queerness of vampirism, this unholy trio also delves into the progressive politics of having the undead next door. Featuring exclusive audio from the live event, the conversation continues with The Overlook Theatre’s Terrell Trotty, who dishes on his lifetime of love for this cult classic. Then, horror royalty and star of the film Stephen Geoffreys stops by to talk about living with FRIGHT NIGHT’s legacy and bringing Evil Ed to life! From horror hosts to satanic shoulder pads, this episode has it all! Go! 

Your luck just ran out! This week, Peaches and Michael are going for the gold in celebration of 1993’s LEPRECHAUN! In addition to discussing the titular monster’s capitalist leanings, our hosts delve into Jennifer Aniston’s place in the pantheon of horror’s Final Girls. Joining the conversation is legendary drag king Landon Cider, who talks about his lifetime of love for this cult classic and the importance of turning a mean, green look. Then acclaimed screenwriter of LEPRECHAUN RETURNS Suzanne Keilly stops by to dish about the power of legacy and what it means to tackle a franchise that’s gone everywhere from the hood to space. From pogo sticks to buckle shoes, this episode has it all! Go! 

Nothing so appalling in the annals of horror! This week, Peaches and Michael offer up a blood red celebration of the Godfather of Gore – HERSCHELL GORDON LEWIS! In addition to discussing this exploitation legend’s many contributions to underground cinema, our hosts delve into his undeniable influence on the splatter films of today. Joining the conversation is cult phenomenon Babette Bombshell, who not only shares stories of her time making movies with Lewis, but also offers insight on his razor-sharp acumen. Then, acclaimed editor of ULTRA VIOLENT magazine Art Ettinger stops by to dig into his lifetime of love for Lewis’s gore-soaked cinema, as well as his thoughts on some of this foundational filmmaker’s “deep cuts.” From Suzie Cream Puff to She-Devils on Wheels, this episode has it all! Go! 

When Idol Worship meets queer excellence! This week, Peaches and Michael embark on a very special episode celebrating the legacy of drag superstar Heklina. In addition to discussing Heklina’s legendary club nights, our hosts delve into this singular iconoclast’s curation of queer punk rebellion. Joining the conversation is acclaimed photographer and drag royalty José Alberto Guzmán Colón (aka Putanesca), who talks about his lifelong friendship with Heklina and how that association helped define his journey. Then, recording artist and cabaret/drag sensation Trixxie Carr stops by to share stories of her adventures with Heklina over the years and remembrances of that infamous cackle. From sleazy talk TV to legendary floorshows, this episode celebrates the life of a legend and beyond. Go! 

An old flame returns! This week, Peaches and Michael are clawing their way to the crown in celebration of 1987’s HELLO MARY LOU: PROM NIGHT II! In addition to discussing the titular Mary Lou’s legacy as one of horror’s few enduring female villains, our hosts also delve into her place as a representative of queer id. Joining the conversation are celebrated spooky drag icons The Boulet Brothers, who share their admiration for the film’s aspirational villainy. Then, acclaimed SCREAM, QUEEN! MY NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET co-director Roman Chimienti stops by to dig into the goth punk power of Hamilton High. From confessional booths to carousel horse hooves, this episode has it all! Go! 

Ease on down the road! This week, Peaches and Michael are headed to Oz in celebration of 1978’s THE WIZ! In addition to discussing the Motown majesty of the film’s power cast, our hosts delve into the impact of reframing a classic story from a different point of view. Joining the conversation is writer and STRANGELORE creator Viktor T. Kerney, whose lifetime of love for this cult phenomenon continues to inform him today. Then, filmmaker and WHAT IS QUEER’s Parker Sargent stops by to discuss her unique relationship growing up with this legendary musical and its ongoing queer resonance. From mean old lions to floating space babies, this episode has it all! Go! 

If you want to sing out…sing out! This week, Peaches and Michael explore unconventional connection in celebration of 1971’s HAROLD AND MAUDE! In addition to discussing the film’s remarkable use of music, our hosts delve into Harold’s place as one of cinema’s first proto-goths. Joining the conversation is cult filmmaker Chris LaMartina, who digs into the continued impact this classic has had on his life and outlook. Then, Vintage Annals Archive’s own Richard Wexler stops by to offer up some of the more nuanced bits of the movie’s storied history. From modified hearses to Cat Stevens verses, this episode has it all! Go! 

Take me to your teacher! This week, Peaches and Michael navigate the evils of high school in celebration of 1998’s THE FACULTY! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s considerable power cast, our hosts delve into the movie’s layered commentary on teen assimilation. Joining the conversation is celebrated actor and producer Ben Baur, who not only muses on the film’s queerness, but also its parallels to another “disturbing” 90s shocker. Then, acclaimed actor Joshua Tonks stops by to dig into his lifetime of love for this alien romp and the ongoing legacy of writer Kevin Williamson. From John Stewart to alien squirts, this episode has it all! Go!

Enough is never enough! This week, Peaches and Michael are enjoying a heaping spoonful of creamy goodness in celebration of 1985’s THE STUFF! In addition to discussing their fascination with this foodie fright’s branding power, our hosts delve into the legendary legacy of STUFF creator Larry Cohen. Joining the conversation is celebrated screenwriter and producer Mike Zara, whose lifelong love of this cult classic continues to influence him today. Then, acclaimed writer Lea Anderson stops by to shed some light on THE STUFF’s critique of capitalism and the inherent truth of slime. From the ice cream industrial complex to rotating rooms, this episode has it all! Go!Check out Lea Anderson's Fangoria article -  "Be(ware) The Swallowing: Goo is Gonna Get You in The Blob and The Stuff"

Beware the moon! This week, Peaches and Michael unleash the beast in celebration of 1981’s AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON! In addition to discussing the film’s industry changing practical effects, our hosts delve into certain people’s lust for transformation. Joining the conversation is award-winning author Adam Sass, whose lifetime of love for this cult classic has led to a thoughtful queer analysis of its hairy antics. Then, iconic cult artist Skinner stops by to explore the larger function of werewolf symbolism and expression in the world. From wonky porno to savaged bromance, this episode has it all! Go! 

Bad blood runs between them! This week, Peaches and Michael honor one of vampirism’s most elegant duos by celebrating 1973’s GANJA & HESS! In addition to discussing this burgeoning classic’s place among the arthouse undead, our hosts delve into the horror idol status of the incomparable Duane Jones. Joining the conversation is acclaimed actor Verton Banks, who not only speaks to a lifetime of love for the film, but contextualizes filmmaker Bill Gunn's place in Black cinema history. Then, celebrated host and self-proclaimed “Gay Horror Blerd” Mark O. Estes stops by to dig into the many lenses with which one can unpack this dream-like masterpiece. From unapologetic nudity to extreme church services, this episode has it all! Go! 

A Hollywood Story! This week, Peaches and Michael are ready for their close-ups as they celebrate 1950's SUNSET BOULEVARD! In addition to discussing the powerhouse character that is Norma Desmond, our hosts delve into the movie's influence on a particular style of exploitation film that would follow. Joining the conversation is multi-award winning filmmaker Jeffrey Schwarz, whose recent documentary BOULEVARD! A HOLLYWOOD STORY explored a hidden, musical chapter of this cult classic's history. Then, drag legend Bianca Del Rio stops by to talk a lifetime of love for this cinematic masterpiece, as well as dig into the film's costuming and queer influence. From studio lots to swimming pool shots, this episode has it all! GO! 

There’s got to be a morning after! This week, Peaches and Michael are having a topsy-turvy New Year’s Eve party in celebration of 1972’s THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE! In addition to discussing this disaster epic’s influence over a whole subgenre that would follow, our hosts delve into why it just may be the most harrowing movie they’ve covered yet. Joining the conversation is drag icon and dancing diva Love Connie, who shares how her deep love of this classic film’s female characters formed the DNA of her own larger-than-life character. From twisted trees to Stella’s suppositories, this episode has it all! Go!Plus, Peaches and Michael share some important information about their 2023 release schedule! 

Christmas is coming early this year…and it’s murder! This week, Peaches and Michael are making some lewd phone calls in celebration of 1974’s BLACK CHRISTMAS! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s contributions to the foundations of the slasher genre, our hosts delve into why comedy is an essential part of its dark DNA. Joining the conversation is none other than one of the film’s stars, Lynne Griffin, who offers up some behind-the-scenes stories and reflects on nearly five decades of festive fright. Then, Paul Downey and David Hastings, the authors of IT’S ME, BILLY – BLACK CHRISTMAS REVISITED, stop by to talk about the lasting impact of this definitive holiday horror. From glass unicorns to Margot Kidder’s method acting, this holiday special has it all! Go! 

Do you hear what I hear? This week, Peaches and Michael are definitely eating after midnight in celebration of 1984's GREMLINS! In addition to discussing this cult classic's placement in the pantheon of holiday horror, our hosts reminisce about FEMLINS, the large scale drag parody they co-created. Joining the conversation is legendary cabaret performer and music artist Kat Robichaud, who shares how her longtime love of the film influenced her to include little green monsters in her shows. Then, event producer and haunt creator David Flower stops by to unpack the film's delicate balance between cartoonish humor and wild scares. From creepy carolers to blocked fireplaces, this episode has it all! Go!