Janelle Monáe to Host This Year’s ‘Fear Fest’ from AMC Networks

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Photo of Janelle Monáe Courtesy of AMC Networks.

There was a time in the world of horror, where television audiences received their dose of spooky from a horrific guide of sorts. Someone that would offer up some quips and some puns and some commentary while hosting a late-night horror show that provided viewers with a delightful horror feature, they’d never seen and well, audiences loved this. Because it helped them process the scares and introduced them to some unique characters. Such as Elvira, the Mistress of the Dark or Svengoolie or some regional hosts, such as Bill ‘Chilly Billy’ Cardille. And in later years, creatures like the Crypt Keeper took over such duties. But shortly after Monstervision left the airwaves, the horror host disappeared, and no one knew why.
 
But thankfully, the horror host has returned with a vengeance. Since Joe Bob Briggs has returned to this world via The Last Drive In, and the Creep is taking care of such matters in the world of Creepshow, and even Elvira and Svengoolie are receiving newfound attention. Because we crave the horror host and all that provide us with, and that is why today’s announcement is of note. Since earlier AMC Networks let it be known that this year’s month-long Fear Fest celebration will be hosted by Janelle Monáe. Who will undoubtedly do the hosting role the justice it deserves since she is as talented as they come, and a horror fan to boot, and to properly celebrate this news, here are all the details on this announcement, and some programming highlights for Fear Fest, and a trailer, courtesy of AMC Networks.
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‘Today, AMC and AMC+ announced award-winning artist, musician and horror enthusiast Janelle Monáe (Glass Onion, Antebellum, Homecoming) as the official host of “FearFest,” the long-running, annual horror and genre programming event featuring over 700 hours of iconic horror films franchises, new series, specials and more, now available across linear and streaming.  Monáe will be featured throughout the month-long, monster-sized party in the official “FearFest” trailer and social campaign sharing her love of the genre, favorite thrillers, and showcasing her horror score knowledge and musical prowess.
 
Monáe has also curated a list of her favorite horror films for a special collection on AMC+ available to stream during the month of October. “Janelle Monae’s ‘FearFest’ Faves” includes An American Werewolf in London, Candyman (1992), The Fly, Killer Klowns From Outer Space, Puppet Master, Carrie, Jeepers Creepers and more.
 
Said Monáe, “My passion for spooky season is entrenched in who I am. As a child, my cousins and I would watch our favorite horror films and my nose would bleed while I smiled. There’s something truly thrilling about sharing the chills that send shivers down my spine. That’s why I’m so excited to partner with AMC’s 'FearFest' this year and let you all dive into my world of heart-pounding frights. I hope you enjoy my handpicked collection of thrills, screams, and eerie delights. Gather your friends and get ready, because this ride is about to get terrifying!"
 
“Janelle Monáe is an icon whose fearless creativity and love of the horror genre makes her a dream host for this year’s ‘FearFest,’” said Kim Granito, Chief Marketing Officer for AMC Networks. “AMC’s massive horror audience is going to love having Janelle’s signature style and artistic fingerprints across all touchpoints of this mega-programming event.  From hosted linear events and curated streaming playlists, to custom social creative, Janelle, our ‘HalloQUEEN,’ is the ultimate host of the season.”
 
“FearFest” programming highlights include fan-favorites such as Halloween and A Nightmare on Elm Street, celebrating its 40th anniversary this fall, to Stephen King’s library, a new season of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol, new series Horror’s Greatest, The Midwich Cuckoos: Village of the Damned, and ghoulish holiday specials including The Last Drive-In with: FearFest: Friday the 13th.  The goosebump gala also features themed marathons, such as “Fear the 80s” on October 13, “Slasher Sunday” on October 20, and “Creature Features” on October 26.
 
The full “FearFest” schedule can be found HERE.  Original programming highlights for “FearFest” on AMC and AMC+ include:
 
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol 
New Season Premieres Sunday, September 29 on AMC and AMC+ (9:00pm ET/PT on AMC)
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol picks up where season one left off, following fan-favorite characters Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) and Carol Peletier (Melissa McBride). They both confront old demons while she fights to find her friend and he struggles with his decision to stay in France. Additionally, Genet (Anne Charrier)’s movement builds momentum, setting Pouvoir on a violent collision course with the Union of Hope in the fight for France's future.
 
The Last Drive-In: FearFest: Friday the 13th
New Special Premieres Wednesday, October 9 at 8:00pm ET (Part 1) and 10:40p ET (Part 2) on AMC
The legend of Jason Vorhees lives on in this special AMC “FearFest” edition of The Last Drive-In. Joe Bob and Darcy celebrate the most prolific slasher of them all with a demented double-feature of the original Friday the 13th followed by Friday the 13th Part 2 - including an interview with the original final girl, Adrienne King. 
 
The Midwich Cuckoos: Village of the Damned
New Series Premieres Thursday, October 17 on AMC+
One summer evening, every person inside the small English village of Midwich suddenly and inexplicably falls unconscious. As they recover from the devastating effects of the blackout, a horrifying discovery is made. Something deeply disturbing and supernatural has taken root – and the idyllic town will never be the same again. From the Emmy®-nominated creator of The Night Manager, Keeley Hawes (Orphan Black: Echoes, Bodyguard) stars in this “brilliantly compelling mystery” (Daily Mirror) based on the iconic John Wyndham novel that inspired John Carpenter’s chilling film adaptation.
 
Joe Bob’s Beezlebub Bash
LIVE Special Premieres Friday, October 25 on Shudder TV and AMC+ TV; Available On Demand Beginning Sunday, October 27
This Halloween, Joe Bob and Darcy are raising hell on Joe Bob’s Beelzebub Bash, hosting a double-feature so devilish that they'll need two special guests to handle the necessary pitchforks. 
 
Horror’s Greatest (Shudder Original Series)
Episodes to Air Weekly on Thursdays From October 3 Through October 24 on AMC; Season Binge Currently Available on AMC+
Celebrating the very best the genre has to offer, Horror’s Greatest is a deep dive into everything we love about horror. From fresh looks at classics to unearthing scores of hidden gems, this series has something for every fright film enthusiast. A gallery of ghoulish pros, including actors, directors, writers, composers, and special effects artists, draw on their unique knowledge to answer the big questions: What are the must-see films in horror’s many sub-genres? What’s the appeal of horror tropes, and how do today’s filmmakers subvert our expectations? What shape does horror take in countries outside of the United States? The answers encompass the breath of the nightmares we watch for our entertainment.
 
JANELLE MONÁE is a 10-time Grammy-nominated musician, actor and producer. She is known worldwide for her inimitable style and visionary sound, which celebrates the spectrum of identity. Following her critically acclaimed 2018 album Dirty Computer, Monáe released her newest album, The Age of Pleasure, in 2023. The album garnered two Grammy nominations in the ‘Best Progressive R&B Album’ and ‘Album of the Year’ categories. On screen, Monáe can be seen in Netflix’s GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY across Daniel Craig. She received National Board of Review’s 2023 “Best Supporting Actress” honor, as well as a Critics’ Choice Awards nomination, on behalf of her role. Additional credits include Focus Feature’s biopic film HARRIET, Academy Award-nominated HIDDEN FIGURES and Academy Award-winner MOONLIGHT. Monáe’s first book, NYT bestseller The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories from Dirty Computer, was published in 2022 and is a collaborative effort between Janelle and an incredible array of talented writers. As a humanitarian, she was recently honored as the Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year by Trevor Project, is a co-chair for When We All Vote, an ambassador for Fashion Trust U.S., and her Fem the Future initiative creates opportunities for young women and girls in music, arts, and education.’

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