One particular act that each and every one of us will commit in our lifetimes… is a grave mistake. One grounded in a decision that seemed logical and sensical at the time, and of course… it isn’t until others point out how we did great wrong that we face the reality that we chose poorly and caused all kinds of devastating trouble accordingly. The kind that could cost us a great deal from a career or personal standpoint and of course… that motivates us to in turn, pick up the pieces and move on and do our best to move forward to try and fix what we’ve done. But perhaps the only good thing about the mistake… is that our goofs rarely cost people their lives. Ours are grounded in the kind of damage that we can heal from and that does beg an important question.
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In that, how does one come back from a mistake that involves the death of others? Because that’s the kind of misstep that costs so much more than a paycheck or a relationship. Lives are gone, a void is created, and that person will never be seen or heard from again. Well, it just so happens that the next episode of The Walking Dead takes the time to answer that question and that made ‘Consumed’ quite the fascinating tale. Simply because this Daryl and Carol centric tale used a return to everyone’s old stomping ground to have Carol address the question at hand. For the mystery car brought them back to Atlanta, and eventually the very woman’s shelter that Carol once stayed in during her darker days and well… exploring the city and its trappings, and Carol’s past, allowed for reflection to come into play.

The kind that definitely forced Carol to face the fact that she acted out of fear back at the prison and her choice made her pay dearly in ways we already know. But what was fascinating about this search for forgiveness, is that Carol had in fact… found it externally. Since Rick welcomed her back, thanked her constantly and she of course, even made peace with Tyreese over what she’d done. Which means that, our first step in coming back from something this ugly, is to do just that, make reparations with those we hurt and find that peace whether we like it or not. But the most important step, is to forgive ourselves. Because we are nothing without that and we will make more mistakes when we don’t find that. Which is of course, easier said than done since taking a life is indeed the worst, but in a world where the dead walk and eat the living, and survival is key, perhaps there is license to have that kind of forgiveness.

But while that made for some fascinating and powerful moments for certain. The kind that also spoke to how much healing Carol still has to do because of the life she’s lived, there was more to celebrate in this tale. For this is a story that was a zombie story lover’s dream come true. Since it finally gave us a grand exploration of what a major metropolitan city would look like after being infested by living death and how difficult and dangerous that kind of location would be to navigate. Plus, it also brought back Noah and helped us to understand the kind of healing he needs as well since he wants revenge against Dawn for her actions, and of course… it also filled in the blanks as to how Carol ended up at Grady Memorial. Which as it turned out, involved a collision with a GMH car because of a good old case of right place, wrong time.

But what matters more, is that this was an intimate story through and through. One that really did a fine job of exploring a supremely dark concept and one that gave us something we always love. Daryl and Carol adventures. The kind where they learn from each other because they’re so good for one another. Which is perhaps the final lesson in this story as well, in that, we also need to keep great company to help us heal and find our way back and now that we’ve reached the end of this dark and dreary tale… the time has come to turn attention to far darker matters. Because the next couple of episodes plunge our heroes into some supremely tough times, the kind that will put them in a pained place emotionally and force them to make some important and life-changing decisions. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Tales of the Walking Dead’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Something that is genuinely fascinating about storytelling at this current point in time, is how few stories are bothering to examine the pandemic and its meaning and what led to its quick and terrifying spread. Because the entertainment industry really has avoided that particular analysis through and through, likely for several reasons. After all, it is still happening as we speak, so it may be foolish to begin to analyze it when the dust hasn’t quite settled it. Not to mention, the vast majority of us haven’t really taken inventory on such an event and come to understand what it meant to our lives and our inner circle. But regardless of the reason, it has been a taboo topic in popular media, but that is apparently… starting to change.
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Because little by little, stories are starting to analyze aspects of it, or they are injecting it into plotlines as well to create stories that live in the moment of it, and it just so happens… that horror is finally starting to begin its deep dives into this matter. For last night’s episode of Tales of the Walking Dead, went full bore into the matter and that made, ‘Amy/Dr. Everett’, one fascinating tale. One that really did ponder upon our troubled relationship with science in this modern age, and what helped the pandemic to spread and of course… as horror is wont to do, how we can potentially avoid the issues we ran into the first time around. Feats that this particular episode accomplished, by offering up quite the unique storyline for this horror tale.

For when we meet Dr. Everett in this tale, we find him in a supremely precarious place. For he lives in an isolated slice of the world that was never easy for humanity to enter when mankind ruled the world. Allowing for him to set up a base camp that keeps him safe and able to observe and study the dead from afar. For the good doctor is obsessed with Homo Mortus, or the reanimated corpses of Homo Sapiens if you will and has spent years since the end of everything working to understand how they function, how they thrive and their relationship to humanity and how they helped to contribute to the downfall of it. Research that was going well, until a woman named Amy drops into his life, eager to find shelter and seemingly use his knowledge of the area to save her people, who are looking for a genuinely safe space.

But of course, as is often the case in The Walking Dead Universe, that particular request goes nowhere since Dr. Everett only wants to focus upon his research. Which of course, has personal meaning to him since one of the living dead study subjects he watches closely in the field is a former colleague turned walker. Something that Amy doesn’t have any understanding of, leading to a bevy of moments in this tale that are grounded in conflict and misunderstanding and eventually… a seeming truce of sorts. Wherein the good doctor offers some help to his new friend since he is a good man that does have good intentions, but truly, it is the final act of this story that holds great weight, since it is what brings about the commentary in question.

For a big fight between the dead, which includes that old friend, and some of Amy’s friends… leads to a falling out between Amy and Dr. Everett. For he pushes to keep an old friend safe and she, cannot reconcile his obsession with the dead. Which in turn motivates her to just leave him behind, despite some critical warnings about where her friends have set up camp. Which in turn, leads to disaster. Since the dead find her camp, and they lay waste to all things as they always do. Leaving the good doctor alone again and able to continue his research with fresh subjects that will last him a good long time and that bleak and ugly ending, truly gives rise to the commentary on the pandemic in question, since everything that happens in the finale and in this episode, reflects the past couple of years nicely.
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Because Amy in essence, represents the folks that firmly believed that the science was wrong, or a lie, or all the other stupid nonsense regarding this once in a lifetime event. Something she expresses through her constant putting down of the doctor’s research and her demands that he leaves it behind to just live that everyday life. Not to mention, she doesn’t seem to give science much regard since she puts herself in harm’s way often, regardless of science’s recommendations to her. Making it clear that there are components of our modern world that just believe science is a joke, despite using its benefits daily and of course… that misinformation and ignorance and a doubling down upon that… led to the spread of something that could have been contained if the science was respected and held to.

But of course, there was mention that this story also dug deeper and pondered upon what might prevent such an occurrence again and well, that message… was one we’ve heard before. Because this is as story that makes it clear that unity and understanding, kindness and aid, are the keys to surviving a crisis. Something we did not do collectively, in the slightest, when it happened since people fought over something as simple as wearing a mask or respecting the lockdown and the six feet of space. But it is essential that we find common ground in a crisis and lift each other up and be kind, because we only have each other on this tiny rock hurtling through space and doing otherwise is just detrimental and dumb since it takes minimal effort to the do the right thing. And this is indeed a message that George Romero expressed often in his Living Dead saga.

In the end, this was simply… a surprising episode. Largely because the last three episodes were made up of back stories and charm and fun and story experimentation. But this is just a reminder that this series can go hard when it wants to and really hammer home some powerful messages, and this episode deserves a round of applause for finally tackling a topic that we’ve been avoiding a bit. Because this is stuff, we need to be discussing so it doesn’t happen again and so we can figure out how to stop this stupid push to deny science and its benefits, and now that we’ve reached the end of this quality and thoughtful tale, it’s on to the next one. And we simply haven’t a clue what type of story awaits us there since this series continues to surprise through and through. Until next time.  

One thing that we can all agree upon, is that the human desire to survive and push beyond dark times, is extremely strong. For time and time again, we’ve either seen someone close to us, survive the worst and forge ahead or we’ve taken part in such an act ourselves because of the power of that survival instinct. And it is so strong and so important to us, that we cherish it often and celebrate anyone that got through the worst through sheer will, regardless of what they had to do to get there and that… is actually a touch problematic. Because that allows for toxic behavior to be celebrated for certain, the kind that undoubtedly caused internal or external harm when the chips were down for the survivor in question.
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Which means that we need to take a different look at how we survive and how we celebrate it and offer up help to those in need when they’re going through it. So, people aren’t hurt physically and emotionally and also because, we’re all in together and we can be better. Period. If anything, the harsh reality of how people actually act when they’re projecting strength while trying to reconcile tough times, and the danger those unrestrained actions actually present, is top of mind today because it served as the focus of the next episode of The Walking Dead. For ‘Self Help’ put all of that on display in a harrowing and heartbreaking manner. One that also managed to feature a huge reveal that was also featured in the source material for the show.

Feats that this episode accomplished by catching up with Abraham’s rag-tag survivor group as they made their way toward Washington D.C. Because what should have been a milk run of sorts, quickly took a sour turn when loss after loss mounted for this group. For the truck failed, they ran into a wall of living death and well… that broke Abraham. Simply because, all this time, he had been working hard to project strength and bravado and machismo in a desperate effort, to not deal with what really hurt him. Which was the death of his wife and children during the early days of the end. Making his journey quite clear that when we use strength and other concepts to patch our emotions, we pay the price personally and eventually crumble and collapse and with proper care and support, this could have been avoided. 

As for the greater notion of how others can be hurt when it comes to projecting strength, well that was handled by Eugene Porter. For we came to learn that he was sabotaging the mission and that he lied about having scientific credentials or a cure for this plague of living death. All because he was broken and lost and without direction or meaning, and he firmly believed that projecting strength and lies would somehow give him healing and purpose… when in fact he needed time and the right people around him. And of course, the fact that so many died for this cause and this false strength, hammers home the message and of course, changes everything for the group. Since now… they don’t know what comes next for them without a mission at hand.

But what matters more, is that this was another powerful character study from a show that thrives in such a storytelling environment, and it deserves a round of applause for exploring toxic behaviors at a time when it wasn’t on everyone’s radar as it is now, and for offering up a better examination of such behaviors and how to fix them. Making this episode progressive in nature for certain and of course, critical to The Walking Dead Universe. Since that reveal about Eugene was one of those big-time comic book moments come to life. Not to mention, it also featured some magnificent performances from Josh McDermitt and Michael Cudlitz, since they sold the commentary in a powerful manner and well… now that the truth is out and the mission aborted, the time has come to turn our attention to a story that focused on another powerful concept. Specifically, how we find forgiveness and agency when we’ve committed ugly acts. Until next time.

Over the course of the past couple of days, we’ve talked at length about how season five of the AMC series, The Walking Dead, has been picking gently at quite the heavier topic. Specifically, what it means to be a good human being in a world gone mad and how we maintain that. Simply because this is a season that pushed the good will of these characters like never before and put them on the brink of becoming vastly different people. As evidenced by Rick’s actions in ‘Four Walls and a Roof’. Not to mention, it’s also done a wonderful job of following up on plot threads that have been left hanging since resolution is popping up left and right and well, those explorations and that push are only continuing to grow as this season rolls along, as evidenced by the next chapter in this tale.
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Since ‘Slabtown’ is a story that accomplishes both of those things since it catches us up with Beth Greene. Who went missing near the end of season four in ‘Alone’ and thankfully… we quickly learn here that she is mostly okay. For it turns out that the person in that car, brought her back to Atlanta, to Grady Memorial Hospital to be specific and well… it is simply a relief to see her okay after all this time and healing as well. Since her wounds received treatment and this was a quick and easy way to resolve an important lingering question/plot thread, and it is a good thing the show got this out of the way quick. So, we could instead start to dig into that deeper exploration regarding the human condition, since Beth’s new sanctuary, was a twisted hellscape in the end.

For we also learned… that a small contingent of Atlanta Police Officers had holed up in this hospital and built their own little fiefdom. One that should have and could have been a bastion of hope since the expectation here, was that everyone earned their keep and did their best to keep this tiny community thriving. But alas, the wild and erratic actions of the top officer here, Dawn… made it clear that this was a place designed to satiate her need for control at a time when the world offered none, and that she was broken and angry over this reality and ready… to do what must be done to keep that control. Which made this place a scary sanctuary, where people lived and died at her choice. To the point where Beth was ready to escape if and when the opportunity presented itself. Which it did, and that of course, ended badly.

But what matters more here, is how this episode dug deep into the lasting horrors of this world and showed us up close and personal, the impact it has upon the human psyche. Because Dawn was outright unable to comprehend that the end had indeed come and that no help was on its way, no backup, nothing. Just days ahead and days gone by, and that pushed good intentions into sour places. Wherein she felt she had to make ugly choices in the name of a greater good to square the fact that she was projecting and abusing those within her stead. A move that teaches us once again, that dark times give us a choice when it comes how to we treat others, and that no number of bad deeds committed in the name of good, will help us to maintain the purity in our souls. It’s up to us to hold steady to that and find redemption within and well, it is obvious here that Dawn is basically a lost soul because she chose to let the darkness overwhelm.

Which makes this episode, a powerful and harrowing character study for certain. One that takes the time to show us how this world and bad moments can corrupt and damage even those that take oaths to prevent harm to others, and this episode deserves a round of applause for offering up a foil to Rick Grimes’ initial journey and for teaching us how hard it would be to maintain the good in this world. Because if Dawn and doctors and other peace officers that once risked everything to help others can become this dark and this vacant, anyone can. Which once again added to worry regarding Rick and his future, all while this episode set the stage for a collision course between the Grimes Gang and the Dawn Patrol. Since Carol found her way into the heart of Grady Memorial. Until next time.

There are a great many reasons as to why fans of The Walking Dead have made a point to clear their Sunday Night schedule to watch the show for years on end. For some, the human component of this tale is utterly compelling and addictive. For others, the zombie, the gore and the terror are too much to resist. For others, a chance to enjoy a lasting and quality post-apocalyptic show also proves to be quite the draw. But of the many reasons people tune in, there is one reason above all that we truly adore this show. In that, it is one of the few shows out there, that always wraps up its plot threads. Sure, it might take a little while in some cases, but the show will get the job done, as evidenced by the next episode from season five.
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For ‘Four Walls and a Roof’ is a story that brought a bevy of plot threads to a conclusion. After all, this is where we came to learn that Father Gabriel didn’t abide by the teachings of the Bible when the dead returned to life and attacked the living. He instead let his humanity take over and he hid from his congregation and listened as the living dead either wounded them well enough to join their ranks or tore them to shreds. Giving us the answer, we sought regarding his secret and there was more resolution to be found in this tale as well. Since Bob was returned by the Hunters from Terminus and revealed his bite and was eventually able to die peacefully and truly pass on amicable and uplifting terms, bringing resolution to his long and winding and sometimes difficult journey.

Plus, this is also a story that brought forth violent closure regarding the villains that have been tormenting this group for a hot minute. Because despite dropping off Bob, likely due to the fact that he referred to himself as ‘tainted meat’ because of his bite, a move that should have signaled a clean break from their pursuit of the Grimes Gang… they kept watch and made their presence known. Courtesy of some intense gunfire, and that prompted Rick to put together a wicked little plan to end them once and for all. One where it seemed as though Rick and his best fighters were going to head to the nearby school where the Hunters set up camp, to make them pay for harming a friend and once they were gone… Gareth and his buddies moved into the church.

Wherein they were treated to quite the surprise. Since Rick and his friends doubled back and incapacitated the Hunters to put fear into their hearts. A move that once again, harkened back to the central theme of this season, regarding whether we can maintain our humanity during dark times. Mainly because Rick left us in question as to how easy that might be to accomplish. Because Rick was downright scary here, to the point where watching him put down a bad guy that deserved every hack and slash that came his way… was uncomfortable in nature because of that fury. But none the less, Gareth and his despicable ilk were dealt with, and the end of this chapter brought forth several new and intriguing ones.

For this is also a story that saw Eugene and a contingent begin the trip to Washington under tense circumstances and of course… it also brought Daryl back with a surprise to be revealed later. But while that doesn’t speak to closure in that moment, make no mistake about it, we got plenty here. For Bob and Gabriel’s hanging storylines were dealt with, as were the Hunters. And truly, their end is so impactful and so powerful… that it still makes one squirm after all these years. But what matters most, is that this was a great episode. One that once again sucked us in with big and moving moments and well, now that one evil has been dealt with, it is on to a new one, one that was revealed to us through the lens of a character that has been missing for some time now. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Who Invited Them’.
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These days, there are two key ‘possessions’ one can have to find respect and stature in our modern world. Specifically, having a family and owning a home. Because for some reason, getting married and having a kid or two and owning your own home… just speaks to success and stability and achievement. As though that person figured out how to properly seize the American Dream and enjoy all it has to offer since they seem so happy and so at peace. Which is why so many people push to obtain those items as quickly as possible, to grab hold what they believe will be the perfect life with the perfect partner, but as is often the case in this world, what we chase and what we obtain… doesn’t always provide us with what we need or were hoping for. 
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Because sometimes we come to learn that the person we marry, isn’t who we thought they were, or we grow apart. Or it turns out that the house we rush to buy has secrets hidden behind its beautiful exterior, the kind that can either cost us a fortune or surprise us in other ways. If anything, the basic lesson inherent here is that we shouldn’t rush into such matters since we miss so much in doing so. We should instead… take our time to find the right partner and the right home, so that we have exactly what we want and well, the problems that come about from rushing into a relationship and into our first home is top of mind today, simply because they are explored in a harrowing manner in the new Shudder feature, Who Invited Them.

A feat that this movie accomplishes by plunging us into the middle of a housewarming party for a young family that consists of Adam, and Margo, and Dylan. And this new house is quite the source of pride for Adam, since it is in the Hills surrounding Los Angeles and of course, was a steal and he is so happy and so eager to share the wonder of his new place with others, that he and his wife, miss the arrival of a pair of unfamiliar attendees named Tom and Sasha. Who are just awkward in nature and seemingly disappear into the fun of the night. That is until Adam and Margo discover, they’re still in the house, late at night, and despite seeming to be quite cool and hip, this duo have an agenda. One that involves the house and its past and it will be up to Adam and Margo to figure out what their intentions are, before their uninvited guests have a chance to unleash them.

Which is a plot that not only speaks to the themes present here but offers up a unique twist on the home invasion trope/subgenre of horror. Since obviously, Tom and Sasha aren’t exactly welcome in this household and basically use guile and charm to ingratiate themselves into this couple’s lives and well… that leads to a very subtle type of horror in this film. Since everything this duo does here… is designed to basically screw with Adam and Margo and see how far they can be pushed. A move that elevates tensions over the course of the movie and leaves the audience guessing as to what these strangers actually want. Which of course, is a question that is answered in the worst way possible in the third act. But what matters more here, is that this that rare slow-burning horror flick that knows how use to tension over gore to freak the viewer out and it succeeds in its mission.
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But there was mention of commentary being present here regarding our often-common desire to get what society believes we need immediately and what it has to say about rushing into such matters is quite powerful to say the least. Since we are privy to moments of regret from our protagonists as they gently reveal how rushing into their relationship altered their lives in ways they were not prepared for. Not to mention, Adam’s desire to basically ignore the warnings about the house and its past, and his lack of additional research to obtain stature, truly comes back to haunt him. As does his desperate need to be liked and fawned over as someone good. All of which perhaps speak to how the American Dream is genuinely flawed and needs a grand redesign to really reflect what people need to obtain happiness in this bold new century.

If anything, this is just a wicked and intelligent horror film. One that also finds ways to lighten the mood through comedy. Something that Tom and Sasha provide with their twisted games, but that works here too, giving rise to a complete motion picture. One that offers up everything we love about horror films and more. Since it has a sinister side and dark humor and incredible tension to boot. Not to mention, the acting is simply outstanding, since Ryan Hansen (Adam) and Melissa Tang (Margo) sell the confusion of our heroes well and of course, Timothy Granaderos (Tom) and Perry Mansfield (Sasha) bring a genuine wickedness to their characters’ plans and really in the end, the best news of all… is that you don’t have to wait to indulge in this wondrous motion picture. For Who Invited Them is available to stream on Shudder right now and we here at NTG hope you give it a look. Because this one is just a wild and twisted ride, and you simply cannot go wrong with a horror flick that is eager to have a little fun while it unsettles your soul.  

One particular aspect of storytelling that the AMC series, The Walking Dead, mastered early on… is balance. For this is a series that can at times, be supremely overwhelming because of the horrible subject matter and actions of the bad people in this rotten world. Or it can be supremely intense because of the violent acts our heroes have to take part in to survive to see another day. But rather than let that go on for far too long, this series knows when it to pull it back, and when to give us, and the characters for that matter… a little time to breathe and process and prepare ourselves for other horrors on the horizon and well, balance is top of mind today, simply because this series opted to offer it once again in its next episode.
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For ‘Strangers’ is a story… that saw the survivors of the West Georgia Correctional Facility and Terminus… take a beat while they searched for somewhere safe. Wherein they were able to reconcile the good deeds that happened in dark times and reaffirm their bond with each other, and it was just… calming and lovely to see this take place. Largely because it has been quite a while since these good people have been able to enjoy any measure of joy in this manner, but also because… it truly spoke to balance. For gone was the sense of dread and danger, replaced instead with feelings of appreciation and enduring love and the introduction of a new character, one that played a huge role in the comics as well and would play a huge role in this show… only added to that. 

Because Rick and company had every reason to distrust Father Gabriel Stokes. Since he was isolated and awkward and seemingly too kind in the moment, as was the case with so many before him before they turned out to be evil. But instead of turning their backs on him, they offered him kindness and understanding, with a hint of trepidation and they of course, didn’t push him. Since it was obvious here that Gabriel was hiding something of significance, as evidenced by the angry graffiti on his church and the response he provided everyone with when they all went to the local Food Bank to load up on meals for the first time in forever. And it was just lovely to see Rick and everyone else offer a measure of trust after so many bad moments and betrayals, and also take a little time here to think toward the future.

After all, this is the episode where Rick Grimes thought that packing up and moving the group to Washington D.C. was a great idea since they were still clueless to the truth about Eugene Porter and his grand lie. But it brought forth hope and forward thinking none the less and for a time there, this episode almost seemed cozy in nature. But alas, this is the world of The Walking Dead, and that means we had to be in store for some scares and worry, and strife. Which we received through Daryl and Carol’s decision to speed off into the night since they might have found a lead on Beth. Courtesy of the appearance of the car with a cross and of course… there is that ending to discuss. Wherein Bob was knocked out and surgically altered so that Gareth and his merry band of cannibals, could eat his freaking leg in front of him.

A scene that still sends chills down one’s spine and brings forth a touch of nausea when Gareth takes that big bite of Bob Brand BBQ and in a way, some might see that as the anthesis to the balance present here. But it most certainly is not, it’s a reinforcement of the balance. Since bad things immediately followed good things, as can oft be the case in our everyday world. But all thematic concepts aside, this really is a great episode. One that really does balance out that epic season premiere nicely and of course, sets the stage for so much more. Such as a renewed and ugly battle with the Hunters from Terminus, and some surprises and farewells along the way, since one character in the group, is harboring a scary secret. Until next time.

September is an interesting time of year, simply because of how people view it. For there are a fair chunk of people that see this as a time to prepare for the winter and soak up everything that the fall season has to offer. From Pumpkin Spice Lattes to simply enjoying the changing of the leaves and the chill in the air, and their view… is juxtaposed nicely by the folks… who see September as the kickoff to Spooky Season.
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Because Halloween is so near, and now is the perfect time to begin to plan our movie viewing activities for the season and to plan for the season in general and Freeform is a network that is eager to help in that planning. For earlier today, they released their programming lineup for the 2022 iteration of ‘31 Nights of Halloween’, and well… without further ado… here is that lineup and a trailer for the event to help you plan your movie marathons, courtesy of Freeform. 

Saturday, Oct. 1
7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Edward Scissorhands”
9:10 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Witches” (1990)
11:20 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)
1:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”
3:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania”
5:10 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 2”
7:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
9:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
11:30 p.m. EDT/ PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)
 
Sunday, Oct. 2
7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Witches” (1990)
9:10 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic”
10:10 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown”
12:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania”
2:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 2”
4:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Maleficent”
6:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
8:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
10:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (2016)
 
Monday, Oct. 3
1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1992) – Freeform Premiere
3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)
5:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters II”
8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters (2016)”
12:00-2:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror” Episodes
 
Tuesday, Oct. 4
11:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)
2:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters II”
4:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Edward Scissorhands”
7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Maleficent”
9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb”
 
Wednesday, Oct. 5
12:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb”
2:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Madagascar”
4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania”
6:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 2”
8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror” Episodes
12:00-2:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror” Episodes
 
Thursday, Oct. 6
11:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Madagascar”
1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania”
3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 2”
5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek Forever After”
7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown”
9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge”
12:00-2:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror” Episodes
 
Friday, Oct. 7
10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Scared Shrekless”
11:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek Forever After”
1:00-11:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Family Guy”
12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 2”
 
Saturday, Oct. 8
7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic”
8:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 2”
10:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”
12:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)
2:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters II”
5:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
7:10 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
9:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Maleficent”
11:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil”
 
Sunday, Oct. 9
7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters vs Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins”
7:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”
9:35 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)
12:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters II”
2:40 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
4:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
6:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Get Out” – Freeform Premiere
9:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloween” (2018) – Freeform Premiere
11:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “A Quiet Place” – Freeform Premiere
 
Monday, Oct. 10
11:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “A Quiet Place”
1:40 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Get Out”
4:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloween” (2018)
6:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Happy Death Day” – Freeform Premiere
8:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Happy Death Day 2U” – Freeform Premiere
12:00-2:00 a.m.  EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror” Episodes
 
Tuesday, Oct. 11
12:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Maleficent”
2:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The House with a Clock in Its Walls”
5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)
7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania”
9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 2”
12:00-2:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror” Episodes
 
Wednesday, Oct. 12
10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The House with a Clock in Its Walls”
1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania”
3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 2”
5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (2016)
8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror” Episodes
12:00-2:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror” Episodes
 
Thursday, Oct. 13 (TIM BURTON DAY)
10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Frankenweenie” (2012)
12:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Edward Scissorhands”
3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”
6:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride”
7:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”
9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride”
 
Friday, Oct. 14
10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Family Guy” Episodes
5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Family Guy” Episodes
12:00-2:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Family Guy” Episodes
 
Saturday, Oct. 15
7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Hook”
10:15 a.m. EDT/PDT – “How to Train Your Dragon 2”
12:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride”
2:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Toy Story of TERROR!” (Disney-Pixar)
2:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Scared Shrekless”
3:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek Forever After”
5:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
7:40 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania”
9:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 2”
11:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation”
 
Sunday, Oct. 16
7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “How to Train Your Dragon 2”
9:10 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride”
10:45 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Scared Shrekless”
11:15 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek Forever After”
1:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania”
3:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 2”
5:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation”
7:40 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
9:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Maleficent”
11:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Witches” (1990)
 
Monday, Oct. 17
12:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)
2:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters II”
5:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)
POP’N KNOWLEDGE DOUBLE FEATURE
7:10 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”
8:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
12:00-2:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror” Episodes
 
Tuesday, Oct. 18
10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)
1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters II”
3:30 p.m. EDT/PDT - “Fright Night” (2011)
6:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (2016)
9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice” POP’N KNOWLEDGE
12:00-2:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror” Episodes
 
Wednesday, Oct. 19
10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Fright Night” (2011)
1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (2016)
4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Maleficent”
6:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
8:00-11:00 p.m.  EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror” Episodes
12:00-2:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror” Episodes
 
Thursday, Oct. 20
11:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Witches” (1990)
1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb”
3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown”
5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge”
7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania”
9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 2”
12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Witches” (1990)
 
 
Friday, Oct. 21
10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Family Guy” Episodes
5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania”
7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 2”
9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Family Guy” Episodes
12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1992)
 
Saturday, Oct. 22
7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1992)
9:00 a.m. EDT/PDT - “Maleficent”
11:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)
1:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters II”
4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (2016)
7:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
9:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
11:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The House with a Clock in Its Walls”
 
Sunday, Oct. 23
7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The House with a Clock in Its Walls”
9:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)
12:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (2016)
3:10 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
5:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
7:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters, Inc” (Disney-Pixar)
9:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters University” (Disney-Pixar)
12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek Forever After”
 
Monday, Oct. 24
12:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride”
2:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”
5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek Forever After”
7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Haunted Mansion” (2003)
9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Maleficent”
12:00-2:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror” Episodes
 
Tuesday, Oct. 25
10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride”
12:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”
3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown”
5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania”
7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 2”
9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation”
12:00-2:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror” Episodes
 
Wednesday, Oct. 26
12:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge”
2:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania”
4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 2”
6:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation”
8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror” Episodes
12:00-2:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror” Episodes
 
Thursday, Oct. 27
11:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Ready or Not”
1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Maleficent”
3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)
5:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters II”
8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (2016)
12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1992)
 
Friday, Oct. 28
10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (2016)
1:30-11:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Family Guy” Episodes
12:00-2:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Office” Episodes
 
Saturday, Oct. 29
7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “How to Train Your Dragon 2”
9:10 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Edward Scissorhands”
11:40 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Frankenweenie” (2012)
1:40 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride”
3:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”
5:40 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”
7:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania”
9:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
11:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters II”
 
Sunday, Oct. 30
7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Witches” (1990)
9:05 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride”
10:45 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”
12:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)
2:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania”
5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
7:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
9:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Maleficent”
11:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil”
 
Monday, Oct. 31
10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)
1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)
3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Maleficent”
7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania”
9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
12:00-2:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror” Episodes
 
All programming is subject to change.

At this point, everyone is aware of the fact that Shudder’s original programming, is some of the best horror programming around. For the writers and directors that work with them, pour their heart and soul into their original programs and of course, their exclusives are just top notch. But what we don’t recognize or talk about enough, is that Shudder really is the home to the finest horror documentaries around. Because their documentaries truly dig deep into their topic and expose the tough stuff and engage and teach their viewers along the way, and it just so happens, that another quality documentary from Shudder is around the corner.
​
For we are weeks away from the September 30 debut of Queer for Fear: The History of Queer Horror, a four-part documentary series that will offer up a powerful and definitive exploration of LGBTQ+ individuals and their inclusion in the horror and thriller genres. And to add to the excitement of what will be a groundbreaking documentary… Shudder took the time to release a teaser trailer today for Queer for Fear, and we just so happen to have that trailer to share with all of you. So you can get an idea of how Shudder will once again wow us with a powerful and timely documentary that will teach us so much.

Something that is genuinely popular these days on the internet and on television, are lists. Lists that highlight say… the best sports moments to ever happen in human history or lists that spotlight some of the worst stories ever told. Plus, there are lists that highlight the best movie moments out there or the finest actors to ever step in front of the camera. The bottom line is that everyone is eager to put their stamp on what is the greatest or the worst, to the point where sometimes our feed is just filled to the brim with them, or we see them all over our video queue. In fact, one might cite them to be excessive in nature, where they may not draw people in with the same enthusiasm, they once had for them. 

If anything, what the list needs to really become relevant again, is to have some experts really outline their top (insert topic here). Because that’s when you know in-depth research went into that list and opinion is mostly out of it, and that the expert in question… is eager to really set the record straight and offer up something definitive and acceptable to audiences everywhere and it just so happens… that Shudder is about to be host to quite the definitive and honest list regarding horror films. For next Wednesday will see the debut of The 101 Scariest Horror Movie Moments of All Time, and we here at NTG thought it would be worthwhile to take a moment and spotlight this upcoming series in a spoiler-free manner and discuss exactly why this list themed series deserves our attention through and through.

For instance, this is a series that didn’t just slap together a bevy of hot takes and safe horror moments to highlight. For it becomes clear early on when you watch this show, that heavy debate went into every single scary moment highlighted here, from #101 to #1 and that’s a big deal. Because it means that care went into this series and that everyone involved really wanted to spotlight moments that genuinely gave us nightmares or left us downright uncomfortable, and the wonder of this list doesn’t end there. Because every single one of these moments is given proper attention, complete with commentary on what makes it so scary and so impactful. Something that absolutely separates this show from the pack since so many lists gloss over the significance of their topic.

But while it is nice to have a list that is comprehensive and curated and downright detailed, it means nothing without gravitas and this series makes that happen as well. For a stunning cadre of horror stars, legends and experts on the genre, are here to discuss the moments in question. Which provides thoughtful meaning to all of these moments for certain and it is fascinating to hear creatives and experts discuss the significance of the moment in question from a professional and/or personal standpoint. Simply because it really does offer up new perspective on what we too enjoyed on the silver or small screen, to the point where it might be wise to rewatch some of these stories with the new context we are armed with. All of which makes this an impactful series.

One that engages the viewer in a wonderful manner and excites us to no end. Because seeing your horror favorites pop up on screen to talk about these moments and offer their own take or own experiences regarding it, is a rare treat. But what matters most is that at long last, we are finally going to receive a definitive list of the scariest moments to ever grace the movie side of the horror genre. One that experts agree upon, and one that was curated by the finest horror streamer/network out there and we here at NTG cannot wait for you all to see it when it debuts next Wednesday, September 7, 2022, and geek out about it with all of you shortly after the experts speak to the defining moments of this genre, that call to us and terrify us to this day.