134. Late Night with the Devil

This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show, Clay and Amanda turn their attention to one of the freshest cult sensations of the decade: Late Night With the Devil — the stylish, sinister, ‘70s-soaked horror throwback that asks, “What if Johnny Carson accidentally unleashed a demon on live television?” Directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes, the film recreates the world of late-night TV with uncanny detail, following a desperate talk-show host whose Halloween special goes catastrophically, supernaturally wrong. Clay and Amanda dive into its practical effects, its pitch-perfect retro aesthetic, its creeping dread, and its weaponization of the sleazy charm of vintage broadcast entertainment. It’s a tour de force of atmosphere, performance, and good old-fashioned demonic chaos. Now, that’s all very impressive — truly, I’m thrilled for everyone involved — but can someone please explain why I keep getting bumped for the devil? I’ve been backstage for three nights. Three. Nights. I’ve got stories prepped, I’ve got my best blazer steamed, I’ve got anecdotes about my childhood goldfish that kill in front of an audience. And yet, every time the stage manager pokes his head into my dressing room, it’s the same thing: “Hey buddy, really sorry, but… the devil’s here again.” Again! Look, I get it. He’s a big draw. Lots of fire, lots of screaming, lots of the whole “endless abyss of torment” routine. Very flashy. Very ratings-friendly. But I’m starting to take it a little personally. I didn’t realize my segment titled “Fun Facts About Squirrels” was so easily overshadowed by Beelzebub himself. So while Clay and Amanda explore the tension, terror, and uncanny authenticity of Late Night With the Devil, just know I’ll be sitting here, crossing my legs politely, holding my mug of lukewarm coffee, waiting for my moment that will never come. But sure — fine — let the devil have the spotlight again. I hope he at least promotes the podcast. And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda down the muddy path of remakes and reboots too!" Thanks!