11: Fright Night (1985)

Welcome to another spine-tingling installment of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead! In this episode, your hosts John and Rachel sink their teeth into the 1985 horror-comedy classic “Fright Night.” As autumn sets in and spooky season gets underway, the duo dives deep into what makes this film a perennial Halloween favorite—with its perfect blend of humor and horror, memorable performances by Chris Sarandon and Roddy McDowall, and impressive practical effects that hold up nearly 40 years later.

From candid first impressions and their signature three-tier horror ranking system (spoiler: “Fright Night” is a “must-see” for both) to behind-the-scenes trivia, the podcast unpacks the film’s history, themes, characters, and that iconic 80s aesthetic. They also explore the movie’s legacy - from its video game adaptation and sleeper hit sequel, to connections with other horror greats - and even share their own creative process, debuting original music inspired by the movie’s narrative.

Whether you’re a die-hard horror buff or just dipping your toe into the genre, this episode offers laughs, insight, and plenty of vampire lore. So grab your garlic and mirrors—because “Fright Night” is about to begin, and the open mic is waiting for you.