Svengoolie

Svengoolie, broadcast on Me-TV since 2011, has been a staple of midwest late-night television since the 1970s. Originally born as "Son of Svengoolie" in 1979 and simply Svengoolie since 1995, the show became a nationally syndicated fixture in the horror movie scene from 2011 onwards, familiar to late-night viewers across the United States by 2016.

Rich Koz, the man behind the character, Svengoolie, serves as the show's host, a personification of corny humor, lighthearted charm, and a genuinely creepy atmosphere. His portrayal of Svengoolie is a classic horror host of the same ilk as Elvira, Vampira, and Zacherley from decades earlier. A mix of a top hat, black wig, makeup, and a touch of gothic grandeur is all it takes to transform Koz into the host with the most for the weekly horror show.

The show follows a predictable yet successful pattern that involves the screening of classic horror films. As the featured film plays out, Svengoolie intercuts the screening with a variety of segments designed to entertain and enlighten the viewers. Filmed from a set that can be best described as a haunted house living room, Svengoolie treats viewers to his comedic sketches, often in the form of quirky parody songs that take jabs at the ongoing movie.

Little is spared from his humor, with jokes riffing on the film's plot, actors, production values, and anything in between. Yet it's all done with an evident respect for the genre and the films being showcased. His light-hearted mockery never feels cruel or belittles the films he is showcasing and serves to amplify the fun of watching these old horror staples.

Svengoolie also engages in educational segments, distinguishing his show from similar ones. Amidst the song and dance numbers and rubber chicken throwing, there are "Sven-Surround" segments, where he provides interesting facts about the film currently being shown. This has seen him delve into the history of the film's production, the actors' anecdotal stories, and the techniques used to create some of the iconic horror sequences.

These on-screen presentations often come coupled with bits of trivia, giving viewers an appreciation for the film's relevance and place within the broader landscape of horror cinema. Whether it's a black and white classic from the Universal Monsters series or a campy low-budget drive-in feature, Svengoolie's fact-filled presentation promotes understanding and appreciation for the genre's history and various iterations.

The interactive portion of the show, "Svengoolie Mail Call," is also a hit with viewers. In this segment, Svengoolie reads viewer mail on-air, which usually contains jokes, fan art, photos, and - oddly enough - rubber chickens. The segment is a testament to the host's continued relationship with his dedicated fanbase. It is an integral part of the show's interactive charm, connecting with its audience beyond the traditional confines of television broadcasting.

There are also several characters that appear regularly alongside Svengoolie, including Tombstone the skeleton, a rubber chicken named Kerwyn, and the disembodied voice of the show itself, which frequently makes tongue-in-cheek remarks and puns to keep viewers entertained.

On the technical side, in the year 2016, the show saw advancements in its presentation. The sets became more elaborate, the accompanying music had gothic undertones adding to the whimsical atmosphere, and the costuming of Svengoolie himself became more extravagant, each detail finely tuned to reflect the horror theme.

In conclusion, Svengoolie in 2016 was a fantastic mix of horror, comedy, and nostalgic charm. The show is a thoughtful blend of the old and new, paying homage to the pioneers of the genre while finding fresh ways to entertain modern audiences. Both scary, funny, and educational, the show flawlessly captures the spirit of classic horror films, replete with a slightly eccentric host and his bag full of tricks to whet your macabre appetite and tickle your funny bones, all in one entertaining package.