On August 9, 2017, a TV show premiered with two huge names attached — Stephen King (one of the most successful writers alive) and David E. Kelley (one of the most successful TV creators alive) — and no one saw it. That show? Mr. Mercedes, an adaptation of King’s 2014 novel, the first in a trilogy about a detective named Bill Hodges and the psychopath that got away. But while your mileage may vary when it comes to the book — and the work of Kelley, who created shows like The Practice and Ally McBeal — neither of them are to blame. The problem was that it premiered on the Audience Network, a pay channel owned by AT&T that nobody knew how to find.
After the Audience Network folded in 2020, Mr. Mercedes, which somehow managed to get three full seasons, rolled over to Peacock. A good thing, too, as it’s got a cast to die for — Brendan Gleeson,...
After the Audience Network folded in 2020, Mr. Mercedes, which somehow managed to get three full seasons, rolled over to Peacock. A good thing, too, as it’s got a cast to die for — Brendan Gleeson,...
- 5/17/2024
- by Randall Colburn
- bloody-disgusting.com
After releasing The Colorado Kid and Joyland via the Hard Case Crime imprint, Stephen King made his grand debut into the world of hard-boiled crime fiction with Mr. Mercedes. The first in a trilogy, the 2014 novel introduced readers to Bill Hodges, a crusty, retired detective who finds his golden years interrupted by the taunts of a psychopathic killer he failed to apprehend.
A divisive book among the King faithful, Mr. Mercedes is nonetheless an important one, as it introduces Holly Gibney, a recluse-turned-investigator King would go on to feature in four subsequent novels (and one novella), including last year’s Holly.
Join The Losers’ Club’s Randall Colburn, Jenn Adams, Ashley Casseday, and Rachel Reeves as they detail the book’s origins, how it differs from the author’s previous forays into crime, and the ways in which it reflects evolving societal fears about domestic terrorism. They also discuss the...
A divisive book among the King faithful, Mr. Mercedes is nonetheless an important one, as it introduces Holly Gibney, a recluse-turned-investigator King would go on to feature in four subsequent novels (and one novella), including last year’s Holly.
Join The Losers’ Club’s Randall Colburn, Jenn Adams, Ashley Casseday, and Rachel Reeves as they detail the book’s origins, how it differs from the author’s previous forays into crime, and the ways in which it reflects evolving societal fears about domestic terrorism. They also discuss the...
- 5/3/2024
- by Randall Colburn
- bloody-disgusting.com
The Losers’ Club: A Stephen King Podcast closes out April with another trip to prom with Carrie White, only this time there’s no Brian De Palma, no Sissy Spacek, and no Amy Irving. Instead, they dial back to 2002, when NBC aired a new vision of Carrie that may or may not have been the backdoor pilot for a would-be TV series.
Join Jenn Adams, Ashley Casseday, Dan Pfleegor as they jump in the limo to burn through this early aughts nightmare. Together, they discuss Bryan Fuller‘s “vision”, the digital aesthetics, the garish CGI, Angela Bettis and Patricia Clarkson’s performances, how it hews closer to the page, and more. Never seen it? It’s streaming on Tubi.
Stream the discussion below and stay tuned next week for their coverage on Mr. Mercedes. For further adventures, join the Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts, Spotify,...
Join Jenn Adams, Ashley Casseday, Dan Pfleegor as they jump in the limo to burn through this early aughts nightmare. Together, they discuss Bryan Fuller‘s “vision”, the digital aesthetics, the garish CGI, Angela Bettis and Patricia Clarkson’s performances, how it hews closer to the page, and more. Never seen it? It’s streaming on Tubi.
Stream the discussion below and stay tuned next week for their coverage on Mr. Mercedes. For further adventures, join the Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts, Spotify,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
Stephen King’s ‘Doctor Sleep’ Returns to ‘The Shining’ With Mixed Results [The Losers’ Club Podcast]
“Life was a wheel, its only job was to turn, and it always came back to where it started.”
The Losers’ Club: A Stephen King Podcast heads to Frazier, New Hampshire to review Stephen King’s 2013 novel, Doctor Sleep. The sequel to 1977’s The Shining follows a much-older Danny Torrance, whose battle with alcoholism becomes all the more complicated when he crosses paths with a young child who also has the shine.
Join Losers Randall Colburn, Michael Roffman, and Dan Caffrey as they discuss the True Knot, dirty dishes with poundcake, and debate if King should have ever burned down The Overlook Hotel. Note: This episode was recorded in 2019 and is being re-released today as part of their ensuing chronological read-through.
Stream the discussion below and stay tuned next week for an episode on Bryan Fuller’s Carrie. For further adventures, join the Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts,...
The Losers’ Club: A Stephen King Podcast heads to Frazier, New Hampshire to review Stephen King’s 2013 novel, Doctor Sleep. The sequel to 1977’s The Shining follows a much-older Danny Torrance, whose battle with alcoholism becomes all the more complicated when he crosses paths with a young child who also has the shine.
Join Losers Randall Colburn, Michael Roffman, and Dan Caffrey as they discuss the True Knot, dirty dishes with poundcake, and debate if King should have ever burned down The Overlook Hotel. Note: This episode was recorded in 2019 and is being re-released today as part of their ensuing chronological read-through.
Stream the discussion below and stay tuned next week for an episode on Bryan Fuller’s Carrie. For further adventures, join the Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts,...
- 4/19/2024
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
“And then the world exploded.”
Fifty years ago, Stephen King published a slim novel about a lonely girl finding her power and the world of horror has never been the same. We all know the story by now. Outcast Carrie White gets bullied by her classmates and abused by her ultra-religious mother. Good Girl Sue Snell convinces her boyfriend to take Carrie to prom in her place. Mean Girl Chris Hargenson orchestrates a plot to get Carrie voted Prom Queen then coronates her with a bucket of pig’s blood. They all laugh and Carrie unleashes her deadly powers of telekinesis. King’s story of high school morality and bloody revenge has woven itself into the fabric of American life, extending its reach well past genre limits. To mark this milestone, The Losers’ Club celebrates the birth of a legend with a Twinner book episode on the 1974 novel Carrie.
Already an accomplished short story author,...
Fifty years ago, Stephen King published a slim novel about a lonely girl finding her power and the world of horror has never been the same. We all know the story by now. Outcast Carrie White gets bullied by her classmates and abused by her ultra-religious mother. Good Girl Sue Snell convinces her boyfriend to take Carrie to prom in her place. Mean Girl Chris Hargenson orchestrates a plot to get Carrie voted Prom Queen then coronates her with a bucket of pig’s blood. They all laugh and Carrie unleashes her deadly powers of telekinesis. King’s story of high school morality and bloody revenge has woven itself into the fabric of American life, extending its reach well past genre limits. To mark this milestone, The Losers’ Club celebrates the birth of a legend with a Twinner book episode on the 1974 novel Carrie.
Already an accomplished short story author,...
- 4/5/2024
- by Jenn Adams
- bloody-disgusting.com
The Losers head down to North Carolina for a summer job at Joyland circa 1973, a time when Rod Stewart was still in Faces, Dark Side of the Moon was the cutting edge new album, and moments could only be captured by Hollywood Girls and their professional cameras. It was also a time when local legends could flourish and remain mysterious enough to linger in our minds. And that’s of major interest to us today as we try to unravel the eerie murder within Stephen King‘s Hard Case Crime novel Joyland.
Published in 2013, King’s second Hard Case Crime novel brought the author even closer to his crime era with The Bill Hodges Trilogy, while also paving the way for his then-highly anticipated sequel to The Shining, aka Doctor Sleep. As they discuss in today’s book episode, Joyland has several connects to the entities, particularly The Shining. They...
Published in 2013, King’s second Hard Case Crime novel brought the author even closer to his crime era with The Bill Hodges Trilogy, while also paving the way for his then-highly anticipated sequel to The Shining, aka Doctor Sleep. As they discuss in today’s book episode, Joyland has several connects to the entities, particularly The Shining. They...
- 3/29/2024
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
In 2009, Stephen King asked his fans what they’d rather get first — a sequel to The Shining or a new Dark Tower book. They voted for Shining sequel, but the Dark Tower book came first anyway. That book? The Wind Through the Keyhole, a (relatively) trim tale that revisits our favorite gunslinger and his ka-tet in between the events of Wizard and Glass and Wolves of the Calla. In it, Roland spins an eerie tale from his youth over a roaring fire as a starkblast rages outside. As far as Dark Tower stories go, it’s a cozy one.
Join The Losers’ Club‘s Randall Colburn, Dan Caffrey, and Dan Pfleegor as they palaver about its nesting story structure, fairy tale detour, and emotional peek at a young gunslinger in the throes of grief. More importantly, was this book the one that best presaged King’s drift towards crime fiction?...
Join The Losers’ Club‘s Randall Colburn, Dan Caffrey, and Dan Pfleegor as they palaver about its nesting story structure, fairy tale detour, and emotional peek at a young gunslinger in the throes of grief. More importantly, was this book the one that best presaged King’s drift towards crime fiction?...
- 3/22/2024
- by Randall Colburn
- bloody-disgusting.com
Lobstrosities is a Patreon-only segment of The Losers’ Club that journeys into the barren wastelands of Stephen King movies and sequels. In the past, they’ve covered Pet Sematary 2, Creepshow 3, A Return to ‘Salem’s Lot, every sequel to Sometimes They Come Back, and a third of the Corn franchise. Today, in light of its 25th anniversary, the gang is unlocking their 2020 installment on the 1999 sequel, The Rage: Carrie 2.
Directed by Katt Shea, the direct sequel to Brian De Palma‘s Carrie follows Rachel Lang (Emily Bergl), the younger, also-telekinetic half-sister of Carrie White, who learns that her best friend’s suicide was prompted by a group of dickhead male classmates who exploited her sexually. The film brings back Amy Irving as Sue Snell and stuffs enough connective tissue between the cracks to make this whole thing work as a sequel.
Read: ‘The Rage: Carrie 2’ Twenty Five Years...
Directed by Katt Shea, the direct sequel to Brian De Palma‘s Carrie follows Rachel Lang (Emily Bergl), the younger, also-telekinetic half-sister of Carrie White, who learns that her best friend’s suicide was prompted by a group of dickhead male classmates who exploited her sexually. The film brings back Amy Irving as Sue Snell and stuffs enough connective tissue between the cracks to make this whole thing work as a sequel.
Read: ‘The Rage: Carrie 2’ Twenty Five Years...
- 3/15/2024
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
“Question not my judgment, Malachai. I am the giver of His word.”
It’s the summer of 1984. The pavement is hot, the corn is high, and the eerie voices of children can be heard singing in a distant barn. Something sinister walks behind the rows. Is it a cult of killer children ripped from the Old Testament? Is a vengeful deity who demands human sacrifice? Is it a roving mound of dirt speeding through the corn or a loud little girl who draws in her sleep? In the latest episode of The Long Watch, The Losers’ Club will pick up their scythes and venture into the fragrant fields to unearth the secrets of Fritz Kiersch’s Children of the Corn.
Burt (Peter Horton) and Vicky (Linda Hamilton) are driving across the country when a detour off the main highway takes them straight through a never ending sea of corn. When...
It’s the summer of 1984. The pavement is hot, the corn is high, and the eerie voices of children can be heard singing in a distant barn. Something sinister walks behind the rows. Is it a cult of killer children ripped from the Old Testament? Is a vengeful deity who demands human sacrifice? Is it a roving mound of dirt speeding through the corn or a loud little girl who draws in her sleep? In the latest episode of The Long Watch, The Losers’ Club will pick up their scythes and venture into the fragrant fields to unearth the secrets of Fritz Kiersch’s Children of the Corn.
Burt (Peter Horton) and Vicky (Linda Hamilton) are driving across the country when a detour off the main highway takes them straight through a never ending sea of corn. When...
- 3/8/2024
- by Jenn Adams
- bloody-disgusting.com
With their Bag of Bones mailbag episodes, The Losers’ Club answers questions submitted by their Overlook patrons. Each Bag features assorted Qs that traditionally range from absurd to essential, genius to gross, and weird to wild. As such these are freewheelin’ outings for the gang that are as unpredictable as they are hilarious — and they’re for everyone.
Join Losers Randall Colburn, Dan Caffrey, Ashley Casseday, and Justin Gerber as they answer questions like: “How has Stephen King informed or influenced your personal vocabulary?”, “What should be the first Stephen King adaptation for A24?”, “Which Muppets would you cast for The Dark Tower?”; and “What are the three best and worst Stephen King sequels?”
Stream the unpredictable chat below and stay tuned next week when the Losers celebrate 40 years of the original Children of the Corn. For further adventures, join the Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts,...
Join Losers Randall Colburn, Dan Caffrey, Ashley Casseday, and Justin Gerber as they answer questions like: “How has Stephen King informed or influenced your personal vocabulary?”, “What should be the first Stephen King adaptation for A24?”, “Which Muppets would you cast for The Dark Tower?”; and “What are the three best and worst Stephen King sequels?”
Stream the unpredictable chat below and stay tuned next week when the Losers celebrate 40 years of the original Children of the Corn. For further adventures, join the Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts,...
- 3/1/2024
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
Nearly three decades ago, Stephen King stumbled upon a copy of Lars von Trier‘s Danish miniseries The Kingdom in a dusty Colorado video store. Roughly seven years later, ABC premiered Kingdom Hospital, the author’s own take on von Trier’s haunted hospital. While conceived as a miniseries, King was so excited about the project — developed alongside his Storm of the Century and Rose Red collaborators — that he was ready to start work on a second season. The series premiered strong, but ratings dwindled and ABC pulled the plug just months later.
Join The Losers’ Club as they unpack both the 13-episode series and King’s candid thoughts about the adaptation and its swift cancellation, which he detailed in a 2004 EW column. Was it ahead of its time? Are the Twin Peaks comparisons warranted? And just how much did it inspire season 2 of American Horror Story? These questions and...
Join The Losers’ Club as they unpack both the 13-episode series and King’s candid thoughts about the adaptation and its swift cancellation, which he detailed in a 2004 EW column. Was it ahead of its time? Are the Twin Peaks comparisons warranted? And just how much did it inspire season 2 of American Horror Story? These questions and...
- 2/23/2024
- by Randall Colburn
- bloody-disgusting.com
The Losers return to a very familiar place: ‘Salem’s Lot. But things look a tad different in 2004.
Starring Rob Lowe, Donald Sutherland, Samantha Mathis, and the late and great Andre Braugher and Rutger Hauer, this TNT miniseries updated the 1975 novel by shifting the vampiric action into modern times. This affords the narrative a more topical lense, particularly the mutual feelings of a nation still reeling from 9/11 and the ensuing war overseas.
Join the Losers in the popular Stephen King town as they weigh in on the miniseries’ 2004 vibes, the eerie connection to Wolves of the Calla, the changes to the source material, and the phenomenal cast — particularly Sutherland and Brauer. They also debate whether it’s cynical or earnest, why all the characters are jerks, the edge lord vibe of it all, and its connection to a more recent miniseries cut from the same cloth: Chapelwaite.
Tune in and return...
Starring Rob Lowe, Donald Sutherland, Samantha Mathis, and the late and great Andre Braugher and Rutger Hauer, this TNT miniseries updated the 1975 novel by shifting the vampiric action into modern times. This affords the narrative a more topical lense, particularly the mutual feelings of a nation still reeling from 9/11 and the ensuing war overseas.
Join the Losers in the popular Stephen King town as they weigh in on the miniseries’ 2004 vibes, the eerie connection to Wolves of the Calla, the changes to the source material, and the phenomenal cast — particularly Sutherland and Brauer. They also debate whether it’s cynical or earnest, why all the characters are jerks, the edge lord vibe of it all, and its connection to a more recent miniseries cut from the same cloth: Chapelwaite.
Tune in and return...
- 2/16/2024
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
Since Valentine’s Day is next week, we thought we’d unlock a sweet treat for you: Our Valentine’s Day special from last year! We called it The Sweetest Slice, because in this episode, we played Kinky Cupid and tore out our favorite sex scenes from Stephen King’s works. So, if you want two hours of sensual smut, aka poundcake, stream below … with a cool glass of milk!
But, don’t forget to return next week as the Losers head to ‘Salem’s Lot circa 2004 with Rob Lowe, Donald Sutherland, Samantha Mathis, and the late and great Andre Braugher and Rutger Hauer. For further adventures, join the Losers’ Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS.
You can also unlock hundreds upon hundreds of hours of exclusive content in The Barrens (Patreon) — from deep dives into uncollected King works to...
But, don’t forget to return next week as the Losers head to ‘Salem’s Lot circa 2004 with Rob Lowe, Donald Sutherland, Samantha Mathis, and the late and great Andre Braugher and Rutger Hauer. For further adventures, join the Losers’ Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS.
You can also unlock hundreds upon hundreds of hours of exclusive content in The Barrens (Patreon) — from deep dives into uncollected King works to...
- 2/9/2024
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
This past December marked the 40th anniversary of John Carpenter‘s Christine. To celebrate, the Losers are revisiting the 1983 adaptation of Stephen King‘s 1983 novel — more on that later — with their first Long Watch movie review episode in over a year.
Join the Losers and special guest Kayleigh Jensen of the Glitter & Gore podcast as they chart the (very) short production history from page to screen, the iconography of the Plymouth Fury, the sounds of the film, and those timeless effects.
Stream the episode below. Then return next week when the Losers celebrate Valentine’s Day by getting steamy with Stephen King’s best sex scenes. Plenty of poundcake for everyone — don’t forget the milk! For further adventures, join the Losers’ Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS.
You can also unlock hundreds upon hundreds of hours of exclusive...
Join the Losers and special guest Kayleigh Jensen of the Glitter & Gore podcast as they chart the (very) short production history from page to screen, the iconography of the Plymouth Fury, the sounds of the film, and those timeless effects.
Stream the episode below. Then return next week when the Losers celebrate Valentine’s Day by getting steamy with Stephen King’s best sex scenes. Plenty of poundcake for everyone — don’t forget the milk! For further adventures, join the Losers’ Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS.
You can also unlock hundreds upon hundreds of hours of exclusive...
- 2/2/2024
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
The Losers’ Club returns to Lisbon Falls for one last ride: Hulu’s 11.22.63.
Produced by J.J. Abrams, Stephen King, Kevin Macdonald, Bryan Burk, and Bridget Carpenter, the 2016 miniseries stars James Franco as Jake Epping, Sarah Gadon as Sadie Dunhill, and Chris Cooper as Al Templeton. It was one of the first Hulu original series, but was it a hit? Did it just come and go? Was it the true origin of the King Renaissance? The Losers weigh in.
Stream the episode below. Then return next week when the Losers turn the key on John Carpenter’s Christine as they continue to catch up on last year’s anniversaries and missed adaptations. For further adventures, join the Losers’ Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS.
You can also unlock hundreds upon hundreds of hours of exclusive content in The Barrens (Patreon...
Produced by J.J. Abrams, Stephen King, Kevin Macdonald, Bryan Burk, and Bridget Carpenter, the 2016 miniseries stars James Franco as Jake Epping, Sarah Gadon as Sadie Dunhill, and Chris Cooper as Al Templeton. It was one of the first Hulu original series, but was it a hit? Did it just come and go? Was it the true origin of the King Renaissance? The Losers weigh in.
Stream the episode below. Then return next week when the Losers turn the key on John Carpenter’s Christine as they continue to catch up on last year’s anniversaries and missed adaptations. For further adventures, join the Losers’ Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS.
You can also unlock hundreds upon hundreds of hours of exclusive content in The Barrens (Patreon...
- 1/26/2024
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
In all of Stephen King’s massive catalog, few works are as bleak as his 2010 novella collection Full Dark, No Stars. Rather than supernatural entities, these four dark tales feature human monsters and deal with the horrors that live inside the human heart. Two novellas serve as mirror images of each other, exploring the female response to predatory men. “Big Driver” follows cozy mystery writer Tess Thorne on a mission of revenge against the stranger who raped her and left her for dead. “A Good Marriage” centers Darcy Anderson, a happily married woman faced with a horrifying choice when she discovers her husband’s secret life.
Both novellas were faithfully adapted into feature films in the year 2014 – for better or worse. Premiering on Lifetime, Big Driver tackles King’s rape-revenge story with Maria Bello staring as the vigilante writer and Olympia Dukakis as her literary detective. Ann Dowd and Joan Jett...
Both novellas were faithfully adapted into feature films in the year 2014 – for better or worse. Premiering on Lifetime, Big Driver tackles King’s rape-revenge story with Maria Bello staring as the vigilante writer and Olympia Dukakis as her literary detective. Ann Dowd and Joan Jett...
- 1/19/2024
- by Jenn Adams
- bloody-disgusting.com
If you recall from last week’s episode, we’re spending the next two months catching up on all the Stephen King adaptations and anniversaries we missed over the past year. So, to stay on theme, we’re unlocking a very topical episode of The Stephen King Archives, our Patreon exclusive imprint in which your Losers search the vault of King material – dusting off unpublished short stories, long-forgotten interviews, coffee-stained manuscripts, and alternate versions of your favorite tales. This particular entry was recorded in June 2022 and finds the Losers dusting off their copy of Stephen King’s World of Horror.
Having aired in 1986 and released on VHS in 1988, the 45-minute doc covers the works of King and his influence on pop culture. Peppered between segments with King are a number of clips from essential horror titles alongside interviews with John Carpenter, Clive Barker, Tom Savini, etc. Together, Michael Roffman, Randall Colburn,...
Having aired in 1986 and released on VHS in 1988, the 45-minute doc covers the works of King and his influence on pop culture. Peppered between segments with King are a number of clips from essential horror titles alongside interviews with John Carpenter, Clive Barker, Tom Savini, etc. Together, Michael Roffman, Randall Colburn,...
- 1/12/2024
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
Seven years, eight seasons! The journey continues…
Join Losers Michael Roffman, Randall Colburn, and Jenn Adams as they share their highlights from 2023, which includes an official audio drama and a live recording, before previewing all the books, movies, and events they’re covering throughout 2024. There will be Carrie, there will be Christine, there will be Cujo, but there will also be Hodges and Holly.
Stream the episode below and don’t forget your calendar. Then return next week when the Losers return to Dallas to cover Hulu’s 11.22.63 miniseries starring James Franco and Sarah Gadon. For further adventures, join the Losers’ Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS.
You can also unlock hundreds upon hundreds of hours of exclusive content in The Barrens (Patreon) — from deep dives into uncollected King works to Dark Tower detours to feature-length King commentaries to...
Join Losers Michael Roffman, Randall Colburn, and Jenn Adams as they share their highlights from 2023, which includes an official audio drama and a live recording, before previewing all the books, movies, and events they’re covering throughout 2024. There will be Carrie, there will be Christine, there will be Cujo, but there will also be Hodges and Holly.
Stream the episode below and don’t forget your calendar. Then return next week when the Losers return to Dallas to cover Hulu’s 11.22.63 miniseries starring James Franco and Sarah Gadon. For further adventures, join the Losers’ Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS.
You can also unlock hundreds upon hundreds of hours of exclusive content in The Barrens (Patreon) — from deep dives into uncollected King works to Dark Tower detours to feature-length King commentaries to...
- 1/6/2024
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
’11/22/63′: Stephen King Finds the Best Ending to His Greatest Love Story [The Losers’ Club Podcast]
The Losers’ Club reaches the last page of Stephen King‘s time-traveling drama: 11/22/63. In the sixth and final episode of their coverage, the Losers return to the present to discuss the tear-jerker of an ending, dust off King’s original finale, and share their final thoughts. They also meditate on the book’s connections (?) to Mid-World and other what-ifs.
It’s a rousing conclusion to what has been the Club’s greatest journey thus far. For the last month and change, the Losers have spent 22 hours dissecting the 2011 tome — from discussing its origins, to needling through the conspiracies left off the page, to relishing all the time we get with some of our favorite characters in King’s Dominion. It’s been a ride, alright.
Stream the final episode below, in addition to all seven prior episodes as part of this series. For further adventures, join the Club via Apple Podcasts,...
It’s a rousing conclusion to what has been the Club’s greatest journey thus far. For the last month and change, the Losers have spent 22 hours dissecting the 2011 tome — from discussing its origins, to needling through the conspiracies left off the page, to relishing all the time we get with some of our favorite characters in King’s Dominion. It’s been a ride, alright.
Stream the final episode below, in addition to all seven prior episodes as part of this series. For further adventures, join the Club via Apple Podcasts,...
- 12/29/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
We (mostly) kept JFK conspiracy talk out of our 11/22/63 episodes, as the story is best enjoyed on Stephen King‘s terms. We did, however, think it would be enriching to chat with some smart people about King’s assertion that “it is very, very difficult for a reasonable person to believe” that Lee Harvey Oswald wasn’t the lone shooter.
Previously, we spoke with Brendan James of Blowback about the book, Oswald, and King’s political evolution. You can find that episode just a bit further down the feed. Now, we’re speaking with Jim Dieugenio, one of the leading experts on the political assassinations of the 1960s. Jim is the author of two books about the Kennedy Assassination, one of which was the basis for Oliver Stone’s documentary JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass. He also has a new book out, The JFK Assassination Chokeholds and a website,...
Previously, we spoke with Brendan James of Blowback about the book, Oswald, and King’s political evolution. You can find that episode just a bit further down the feed. Now, we’re speaking with Jim Dieugenio, one of the leading experts on the political assassinations of the 1960s. Jim is the author of two books about the Kennedy Assassination, one of which was the basis for Oliver Stone’s documentary JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass. He also has a new book out, The JFK Assassination Chokeholds and a website,...
- 12/27/2023
- by Randall Colburn
- bloody-disgusting.com
The Losers’ Club continues their journey through Stephen King‘s time-traveling drama: 11/22/63. In the fifth of six episodes, the Losers spend their time healing at the Parkland Memorial Hospital before the big, titular day. But, can Jake Epping save the world and yet also save the girl? Or will Oswald succeed as love fades away?
Join the gang as they discuss “Pt. 5: 11/22/63”. Together, they chart how King pivots away from the facts for the fiction, mull over Jake’s options as it relates to Sadie and Oswald, and make plenty of Hitchcock puns in the process. They also share some stunning revelations, all before reaching what might be the most spellbinding climax King has ever written.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers continue their coverage with “Pt. 5: 11/22/63”. For further adventures, join the Club via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS.
Join the gang as they discuss “Pt. 5: 11/22/63”. Together, they chart how King pivots away from the facts for the fiction, mull over Jake’s options as it relates to Sadie and Oswald, and make plenty of Hitchcock puns in the process. They also share some stunning revelations, all before reaching what might be the most spellbinding climax King has ever written.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers continue their coverage with “Pt. 5: 11/22/63”. For further adventures, join the Club via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS.
- 12/22/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
The Losers’ Club continues their journey through Stephen King‘s time-traveling drama: 11/22/63. In the fourth of six episodes, the Losers go on a stakeout and get stuck between stations, specifically Dallas and Jodie, Texas. It’s here Jake Epping gets lovingly closer to Sadie Dunhill and yet dangerously closer to Lee Harvey Oswald. Remember, though, time is obdurate.
Join the gang as they discuss “Pt. 4: Sadie and the General”. Together, they weigh in on the sweet and sour of life as it relates to Jake’s latest misadventures and chart the delicate dance King endures as he weaves fiction around facts. They also catch up on all the real-life pop culture that has culminated since 1958 over — you guessed it — a fresh slice of poundcake.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers continue their coverage with “Pt. 5: 11/22/63”. For further adventures, join the Club via Apple Podcasts,...
Join the gang as they discuss “Pt. 4: Sadie and the General”. Together, they weigh in on the sweet and sour of life as it relates to Jake’s latest misadventures and chart the delicate dance King endures as he weaves fiction around facts. They also catch up on all the real-life pop culture that has culminated since 1958 over — you guessed it — a fresh slice of poundcake.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers continue their coverage with “Pt. 5: 11/22/63”. For further adventures, join the Club via Apple Podcasts,...
- 12/15/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
The Losers’ Club continues their journey through Stephen King‘s time-traveling drama: 11/22/63. In the third of six episodes, the Losers head back to Derry, Maine, all before road trippin’ down south to Sunset Point, Fl, then to Dallas, TX, and finally to Jodie, TX. Things take a dark turn along the way, proving – as King writes – it wasn’t all Andy-n-Opie back in 1958.
Join the gang as they discuss Jake Epping’s cross-country adventure (?) that reveals the gritty underbelly of the shiny ’50s. They’ll also hit the history books for some talk about the New Orleans mafia, remark on some of King’s most beautiful prose as he kicks back in the deep Maine woods for a few cribbage lessons, and share our high school theater experiences.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers continue their coverage with “Pt. 4: Sadie and the General”. For further adventures,...
Join the gang as they discuss Jake Epping’s cross-country adventure (?) that reveals the gritty underbelly of the shiny ’50s. They’ll also hit the history books for some talk about the New Orleans mafia, remark on some of King’s most beautiful prose as he kicks back in the deep Maine woods for a few cribbage lessons, and share our high school theater experiences.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers continue their coverage with “Pt. 4: Sadie and the General”. For further adventures,...
- 12/8/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
The Losers continue their journey through Stephen King‘s time-traveling drama: 11/22/63. In the second of six episodes, the Losers head to Derry, Maine, where they reunite with familiar faces and meet a new villain in King’s Dominion: Frank Dunning.
Along the way, they also discuss the evolution of Jake Epping — err, George Amberson — and how this section of the book, “The Janitor’s Father”, affords Constant Readers the perfect opportunity to stakeout our main character … during a stakeout of his own.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers continue their coverage with “Pt. 3: Living in the Past”. For further adventures, join the Club via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS.
You can also unlock hundreds of hours of content in The Barrens (Patreon).
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon | Store
Missed an episode of this series? Catch up below, which includes an accompanying...
Along the way, they also discuss the evolution of Jake Epping — err, George Amberson — and how this section of the book, “The Janitor’s Father”, affords Constant Readers the perfect opportunity to stakeout our main character … during a stakeout of his own.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers continue their coverage with “Pt. 3: Living in the Past”. For further adventures, join the Club via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS.
You can also unlock hundreds of hours of content in The Barrens (Patreon).
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon | Store
Missed an episode of this series? Catch up below, which includes an accompanying...
- 12/1/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
After surviving a full dark night with no stars in sight, the Losers make their way to Lisbon Falls, Maine to try out one of Al Templeton’s world renown Cat Burgers. To their surprise, though, there’s no one in the diner. Just a sulfuric smell that leads them straight to the pantry, where not only frozen meats await but an unforgettable journey into the American past — one filled with death, delights, and deep affection.
Join The Losers’ Club as they put a lens to Stephen King‘s first crack at historical fiction: 11/22/63. In the first of six episodes dedicated to the 2011 best-seller and Constant Reader favorite, they wrestle with the novel’s origins, its themes, and its commitment to history. Along the way, they also try to pinpoint what this story might have looked like when King originally dreamt it up way, way back in the early ’70s.
Join The Losers’ Club as they put a lens to Stephen King‘s first crack at historical fiction: 11/22/63. In the first of six episodes dedicated to the 2011 best-seller and Constant Reader favorite, they wrestle with the novel’s origins, its themes, and its commitment to history. Along the way, they also try to pinpoint what this story might have looked like when King originally dreamt it up way, way back in the early ’70s.
- 11/22/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
The sun is setting, it’ll be dark soon. Anxious, the Losers’ Club scans the nearby skyscrapers and gazes at the monstrosities watching from above. The stone monsters. The gargoyles!
Join co-hosts Dan Pfleegor and Dan Caffrey as they celebrate the 35th anniversary of Stephen King and f-stop Fitzgerald’s 1988 coffee table book Nightmares in the Sky: Gargoyles and Grotesques. Together, they discuss the impetus behind the project, King’s essay, and the countless photos within. Bonus: They also revisit Stan Winston‘s 1972 telefilm Gargoyles.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers slip through time with their extensive coverage for 11/22/63. For further adventures, join the Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS. You can also unlock hundreds of hours of content in The Barrens (Patreon).
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon | Store
The post ‘Nightmares in the Sky:...
Join co-hosts Dan Pfleegor and Dan Caffrey as they celebrate the 35th anniversary of Stephen King and f-stop Fitzgerald’s 1988 coffee table book Nightmares in the Sky: Gargoyles and Grotesques. Together, they discuss the impetus behind the project, King’s essay, and the countless photos within. Bonus: They also revisit Stan Winston‘s 1972 telefilm Gargoyles.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers slip through time with their extensive coverage for 11/22/63. For further adventures, join the Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS. You can also unlock hundreds of hours of content in The Barrens (Patreon).
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon | Store
The post ‘Nightmares in the Sky:...
- 11/17/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
The heat is on across King’s Dominion. To cool off, The Losers’ Club put on their shades, put the top down on their 1958 Plymouth Fury convertible, and feel the breeze in Hollywood King. It’s another high-octane news episode that finds Losers Michael Roffman, Jenn Adams, Dan Caffrey, and Randall Colburn cycling through the latest Stephen King headlines.
Topics include King’s new short stories collection You Like It Darker, the forthcoming short story collection, It’s the End of the World as We Know It: Tales of Stephen King’s The Stand, and a whole lotta talk about the adaptations we’ve been waiting for like ‘Salem’s Lot, The Life of Chuck, The Monkey, The Running Man, and more.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers look above to the Nightmares in the Sky for its 35th anniversary. For further adventures, join the Club...
Topics include King’s new short stories collection You Like It Darker, the forthcoming short story collection, It’s the End of the World as We Know It: Tales of Stephen King’s The Stand, and a whole lotta talk about the adaptations we’ve been waiting for like ‘Salem’s Lot, The Life of Chuck, The Monkey, The Running Man, and more.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers look above to the Nightmares in the Sky for its 35th anniversary. For further adventures, join the Club...
- 11/10/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
The Losers’ Club‘s Randall Colburn is joined by one of his favorite songwriters, Zac Pennington (Popular Music/Parenthetical Girls), to unpack the parodic pleasures of U.K. cult hit Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace, a loony hospital horror soap that’s maybe-sorta-definitely taking the piss out of Stephen King.
The pair discuss low-rent ’80s horror, hearing Matt Berry’s voice for the first time, and how genuinely strange it is that Darkplace came out just months before King’s own Kingdom Hospital, his short-lived ABC hospital horror soap. Popular Music’s lush and haunting new album, Minor Works, is available now.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers head to Hollywood King. For further adventures, join the Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS. You can also unlock hundreds of hours of content in The Barrens...
The pair discuss low-rent ’80s horror, hearing Matt Berry’s voice for the first time, and how genuinely strange it is that Darkplace came out just months before King’s own Kingdom Hospital, his short-lived ABC hospital horror soap. Popular Music’s lush and haunting new album, Minor Works, is available now.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers head to Hollywood King. For further adventures, join the Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS. You can also unlock hundreds of hours of content in The Barrens...
- 11/3/2023
- by Randall Colburn
- bloody-disgusting.com
“How’s your marriage?”
What a long dark night it’s been on this trip through Stephen King’s 2011 collection Full Dark, No Stars. After traveling back to 1922 and taking a detour through Big Driver, Losers Justin Gerber, Rachel Reeves, and Jenn Adams make a pit stop in Derry for a nasty little tale of schadenfreude and revenge with the third tale of this sordid collection in Fair Extension.
Then, it’s full speed ahead to Castle Rock with the collection’s final novella A Good Marriage. Inspired by the horrific crimes of Btk, King’s story follows a happily married woman who finds a life-altering secret buried in her garage. Topics range from the ethics of True Crime storytelling, the fine line between art and exploitation, and the lies that get us through the day.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers head to Hollywood King.
What a long dark night it’s been on this trip through Stephen King’s 2011 collection Full Dark, No Stars. After traveling back to 1922 and taking a detour through Big Driver, Losers Justin Gerber, Rachel Reeves, and Jenn Adams make a pit stop in Derry for a nasty little tale of schadenfreude and revenge with the third tale of this sordid collection in Fair Extension.
Then, it’s full speed ahead to Castle Rock with the collection’s final novella A Good Marriage. Inspired by the horrific crimes of Btk, King’s story follows a happily married woman who finds a life-altering secret buried in her garage. Topics range from the ethics of True Crime storytelling, the fine line between art and exploitation, and the lies that get us through the day.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers head to Hollywood King.
- 10/27/2023
- by Jenn Adams
- bloody-disgusting.com
We all know Stephen King loves to write horror fiction, but he also loves to read it. And when the Master of Horror is looking for his next literary fright, he turns to our special guest for this episode: author and Bookstagram star Sadie “Mother Horror” Hartman!
Join The Losers’ Club co-hosts Jenn Adams and Dan Caffrey as they speak to their fellow Constant Reader to discuss her new book 101 Horror Books to Read Before You’re Murdered.
Together, they chat about all things horror fiction, including their favorite subgenres, creepy kids, the importance of modern horror, and what makes a book Stephen King(ish). And, of course, Sadie recommends a few novels perfect for spooky season! We guarantee you’ll come away from this episode with a much longer To Read list!
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers close the book on Full Dark,...
Join The Losers’ Club co-hosts Jenn Adams and Dan Caffrey as they speak to their fellow Constant Reader to discuss her new book 101 Horror Books to Read Before You’re Murdered.
Together, they chat about all things horror fiction, including their favorite subgenres, creepy kids, the importance of modern horror, and what makes a book Stephen King(ish). And, of course, Sadie recommends a few novels perfect for spooky season! We guarantee you’ll come away from this episode with a much longer To Read list!
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers close the book on Full Dark,...
- 10/20/2023
- by Jenn Adams
- bloody-disgusting.com
Because it’s spooky season, The Losers’ Club are dusting off an old Crate episode on 1999’s The Blair Witch Project, a film that even Stephen King asked to turn off for being “too freaky.” Where do you stand? Where do the Losers stand? Hopefully, not in the corner.
Join Losers Michael Roffman, Jenn Adams, Randall Colburn, and Rachel Reeves as they head into the Burkittsville woods to study the found footage classic. Together, they discuss the meta marketing campaign, why less is more, and what got under King’s skin.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers close the book on Full Dark, No Stars. For further adventures, join the Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS. You can also unlock hundreds of hours of content in The Barrens (Patreon) — including their latest episode on Holly.
Join Losers Michael Roffman, Jenn Adams, Randall Colburn, and Rachel Reeves as they head into the Burkittsville woods to study the found footage classic. Together, they discuss the meta marketing campaign, why less is more, and what got under King’s skin.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers close the book on Full Dark, No Stars. For further adventures, join the Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS. You can also unlock hundreds of hours of content in The Barrens (Patreon) — including their latest episode on Holly.
- 10/13/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
The Losers’ Club receive a letter from the Crandalls and return to Ludlow, Maine for the first time in years. Why? There’s been a series of murders. Unspeakable violence that sounds… otherworldly… perhaps from beyond the grave even. Whatever it is, it’s nothing the Losers haven’t seen before. After all, the undead is expected in King’s Dominion.
After much anticipation, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, the long-awaited prequel to Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer’s 2019 remake has arrived. Join Losers Randall Colburn, Justin Gerber, and Jenn Adams as they review the film, thirst over Hot Jud and Norma, praise the practical effects, and debate whether this IP is franchisable.
That’s not all. After you hear their thoughts, you can join Losers Michael Roffman and Jenn Adams as they speak to Pet Sematary: Bloodlines writer-director Lindsey Anderson Beer. Together, they discuss how the prequel came to fruition, what...
After much anticipation, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, the long-awaited prequel to Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer’s 2019 remake has arrived. Join Losers Randall Colburn, Justin Gerber, and Jenn Adams as they review the film, thirst over Hot Jud and Norma, praise the practical effects, and debate whether this IP is franchisable.
That’s not all. After you hear their thoughts, you can join Losers Michael Roffman and Jenn Adams as they speak to Pet Sematary: Bloodlines writer-director Lindsey Anderson Beer. Together, they discuss how the prequel came to fruition, what...
- 10/6/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
“How many unsuspected selves could a person have, hidden deep inside? She was beginning to think the number might be infinite.”
As the temperatures continue to drop and the autumn leaves begin to fall, there’s nothing more pleasant than a long, leisurely drive down a picturesque country road. Unless, the driver is Stephen King. Any road trip navigated by the Master of Horror is bound to twist and turn through the darkest recesses of the human heart. After traveling back to the year 1922, The Losers’ Club continues their coverage of King’s disturbing collection Full Dark, No Stars by shining a light on the rape-revenge tale Big Driver.
Tess Thorne loves to drive. After delivering a lunchtime lecture in Chicopee, Massachusetts, the cozy mystery writer avoids the turnpike in favor of a rural detour and uncovers a hellish trap worse than anything within the pages of her Knitting Society novels.
As the temperatures continue to drop and the autumn leaves begin to fall, there’s nothing more pleasant than a long, leisurely drive down a picturesque country road. Unless, the driver is Stephen King. Any road trip navigated by the Master of Horror is bound to twist and turn through the darkest recesses of the human heart. After traveling back to the year 1922, The Losers’ Club continues their coverage of King’s disturbing collection Full Dark, No Stars by shining a light on the rape-revenge tale Big Driver.
Tess Thorne loves to drive. After delivering a lunchtime lecture in Chicopee, Massachusetts, the cozy mystery writer avoids the turnpike in favor of a rural detour and uncovers a hellish trap worse than anything within the pages of her Knitting Society novels.
- 9/29/2023
- by Jenn Adams
- bloody-disgusting.com
With summer behind us, it’s time to embrace the Fall season ahead. Pumpkins, black cats, and deadly rats. Be sure to keep an eye on your watch as the sun hits that horizon much, much earlier this time of the year. Before you know it: Full Dark, No Stars. Alas, The Losers’ Club has reached the next novellas collection in their journey through Stephen King‘s catalogue.
Released in November 2010, King’s third novellas collection — following 1982’s Different Seasons and 1990’s Four Past Midnight — captures the legendary author at his deadliest. No shit. King is truly the Master of Horror within these four sordid tales of retribution: 1922, Big Driver, Fair Extension, A Good Marriage. These are the stories that never leave the mind.
In the first of three episodes dedicated to Full Dark, No Stars, the Losers dial the clock back to 1922 and return to the familiar rustic landscape of Hemingford Home,...
Released in November 2010, King’s third novellas collection — following 1982’s Different Seasons and 1990’s Four Past Midnight — captures the legendary author at his deadliest. No shit. King is truly the Master of Horror within these four sordid tales of retribution: 1922, Big Driver, Fair Extension, A Good Marriage. These are the stories that never leave the mind.
In the first of three episodes dedicated to Full Dark, No Stars, the Losers dial the clock back to 1922 and return to the familiar rustic landscape of Hemingford Home,...
- 9/22/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
To celebrate 40 years of Lewis Teague’s Cujo, the Losers count down and match up to identify — and crown — the best critter in all of King’s Dominion. Watch out! The critters take control in this episode and duke it out with each other until only one remains. But never fear! No animals were hurt in the recording of this ranking. No, the Losers use a March-Madness style Bracket to narrow down the competitors to a grand champion.
Join Losers’ Club co-host Jenn Adams as she cues up the arena rock and tips off a series of head-to-head battles in which an expert panel that includes fellow co-hosts Michael Roffman, Dan Caffrey, and Sammie Kuykendall slowly narrow down the field to an epic, final showdown. Nail-biters and buzzer-beaters abound in our quest to identify King’s greatest critter.
Who wins? Play along and find out!
Stream the episode below and...
Join Losers’ Club co-host Jenn Adams as she cues up the arena rock and tips off a series of head-to-head battles in which an expert panel that includes fellow co-hosts Michael Roffman, Dan Caffrey, and Sammie Kuykendall slowly narrow down the field to an epic, final showdown. Nail-biters and buzzer-beaters abound in our quest to identify King’s greatest critter.
Who wins? Play along and find out!
Stream the episode below and...
- 9/15/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
By closing the book on 2009’s Under the Dome, The Losers’ Club have finally reached the end of Stephen King‘s prolific run in the ’00s. That means it’s time to hand out some awards.
Constant Listeners, you are cordially invited to another round of The Kingies – a night where the Losers celebrate the best (and not so best) of King’s output from 2000 to 2009. From Best Novel to Best Protagonist, Tastiest Poundcake to Scariest Moments, it’s a whimsical conversation that hits upon nearly every title in this slice of King’s ouevre.
Those titles include On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, Dreamcatcher, Black House, Everything’s Eventual, From a Buick 8, The Dark Tower V: Wolves of the Calla, The Dark Tower VI: Song of Susannah, The Dark Tower VII: The Dark Tower, The Colorado Kid, Cell, Lisey’s Story, Blaze, Duma Key, Just After Sunset, and Under the Dome.
Constant Listeners, you are cordially invited to another round of The Kingies – a night where the Losers celebrate the best (and not so best) of King’s output from 2000 to 2009. From Best Novel to Best Protagonist, Tastiest Poundcake to Scariest Moments, it’s a whimsical conversation that hits upon nearly every title in this slice of King’s ouevre.
Those titles include On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, Dreamcatcher, Black House, Everything’s Eventual, From a Buick 8, The Dark Tower V: Wolves of the Calla, The Dark Tower VI: Song of Susannah, The Dark Tower VII: The Dark Tower, The Colorado Kid, Cell, Lisey’s Story, Blaze, Duma Key, Just After Sunset, and Under the Dome.
- 9/8/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
‘Under the Dome’ TV Series Tries to Be ‘Lost’, Forgets to Be Stephen King [The Losers’ Club Podcast]
Ten years ago, CBS hit it big with its series adaptation of Stephen King‘s Under the Dome. The show arrived on June 24, 2013, shattering records to become the most watched summer drama premiere on any television network since 1992. It was a genuine summer event, and then, well, three years later it was all over. Since then, it’s retreated into obsolescence and even King, who was a producer, has called for a remake on Netflix.
So, what happened?
That’s a question The Losers’ Club tries to answer on today’s episode. After three episodes dedicated to the 2009 novel, the Losers return to Chester’s Mill to put a lens on the series’ three seasons. Together, Michael Roffman, Ana Marie Cox, Ashley Casseday, and Jenn Adams discuss the production history, the cast, the translation from page to screen, the elasticity of the premise, and all the wild, wild arcs that...
So, what happened?
That’s a question The Losers’ Club tries to answer on today’s episode. After three episodes dedicated to the 2009 novel, the Losers return to Chester’s Mill to put a lens on the series’ three seasons. Together, Michael Roffman, Ana Marie Cox, Ashley Casseday, and Jenn Adams discuss the production history, the cast, the translation from page to screen, the elasticity of the premise, and all the wild, wild arcs that...
- 9/1/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
On August 27, 1993, Rob Reiner’s Castle Rock Entertainment continued its expansion into Stephen King’s works with Needful Things. Directed by Fraser C. Heston, the star-studded affair arrived only two years after King published the expansive novel. Screenwriter W.D. Richter took on the Herculean task of adapting the 700 page novel, and what came to fruition is a film as tonally curious as the source material: It’s funny, it’s unsettling, it’s violent, it’s perverse. Simply put, it’s the kind of movie we just don’t get anymore.
For that reason alone, Needful Things has aged quite well. Yet it’s also a great lookin’ film. Heston shoots the hell out of this picture, capitalizing on the crisp Fall foliage across British Columbia, doubling here for King’s fictional Castle Rock, Maine. Because of this, the film looks like a Stephen King novel reads, a key facet...
For that reason alone, Needful Things has aged quite well. Yet it’s also a great lookin’ film. Heston shoots the hell out of this picture, capitalizing on the crisp Fall foliage across British Columbia, doubling here for King’s fictional Castle Rock, Maine. Because of this, the film looks like a Stephen King novel reads, a key facet...
- 8/25/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
Filmmaker Daphné Baiwir joins The Losers’ Club to discuss her new Stephen King documentary, King On Screen. Before they chat, though, the Losers put on their shades, rev up their ol’ Plymouth Fury, and make a pitstop in Hollywood King, where they discuss all the new King books announced, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, and more.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers head back to Chester’s Mill to review CBS’ Under the Dome. For further adventures, join the Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS. You can also unlock hundreds of hours of content in The Barrens (Patreon).
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon | Store
The post Stephen King News Roundup: On ‘King On Screen’, ‘Pet Sematary: Bloodlines’, and New Books [The Losers’ Club Podcast] appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers head back to Chester’s Mill to review CBS’ Under the Dome. For further adventures, join the Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS. You can also unlock hundreds of hours of content in The Barrens (Patreon).
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon | Store
The post Stephen King News Roundup: On ‘King On Screen’, ‘Pet Sematary: Bloodlines’, and New Books [The Losers’ Club Podcast] appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.
- 8/18/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
The little worker ants of The Losers’ Club conclude their digging through Stephen King‘s Under the Dome. In the third and final episode dedicated to the epic 2009 novel, Losers Randall Colburn, Ashley Casseday, Dan Caffrey, and Dan Pfleegor take stock of the scares and smut within Chester’s Mill.
Together, the Losers tuck in their bibs for the sloppiest plate of poundcake they’ve had in ages. Bellies full, they also discuss their favorite passages, least favorite jokes, and what may or may not be a cameo from our good friend Rf. Speaking of cameos, what’s Jack Reacher doing here? Man, this book is weird.
Stream the episode below and stay tuned next week when the Losers review the new documentary King On Screen. For further adventures, join the Losers’ Club via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS. You can also unlock hundreds of hours...
Together, the Losers tuck in their bibs for the sloppiest plate of poundcake they’ve had in ages. Bellies full, they also discuss their favorite passages, least favorite jokes, and what may or may not be a cameo from our good friend Rf. Speaking of cameos, what’s Jack Reacher doing here? Man, this book is weird.
Stream the episode below and stay tuned next week when the Losers review the new documentary King On Screen. For further adventures, join the Losers’ Club via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS. You can also unlock hundreds of hours...
- 8/11/2023
- by Randall Colburn
- bloody-disgusting.com
Let’s Meet the Heroes and Villains Within Stephen King’s ‘Under the Dome’ [The Losers’ Club Podcast]
The little worker ants of The Losers’ Club continue digging through Stephen King‘s Under the Dome. In the second of three episodes dedicated to the epic 2009 novel, Losers Randall Colburn, Ashley Casseday, Dan Caffrey, and Dan Pfleegor mingle with the heroes and villains of Chester’s Mill.
Together, they answer questions like: “Is Barbie boring?”, “Is Big Jim Rennie Too evil?”, and “What’s going on with Junior?” They also sift through the book’s hundreds-deep ensemble in search of their favorite supporting characters — from the drug-addled Chef to the tragic Dinsmore clan. Along the way, they discuss evolutions in King’s leading men, the fun parts of meth, and the shared delusions that connect the book’s most disparate characters.
Stream the episode below and stay tuned next week when the Losers continue their journey through Chester’s Mill for another episode dedicated to Under the Dome. For further adventures,...
Together, they answer questions like: “Is Barbie boring?”, “Is Big Jim Rennie Too evil?”, and “What’s going on with Junior?” They also sift through the book’s hundreds-deep ensemble in search of their favorite supporting characters — from the drug-addled Chef to the tragic Dinsmore clan. Along the way, they discuss evolutions in King’s leading men, the fun parts of meth, and the shared delusions that connect the book’s most disparate characters.
Stream the episode below and stay tuned next week when the Losers continue their journey through Chester’s Mill for another episode dedicated to Under the Dome. For further adventures,...
- 8/4/2023
- by Randall Colburn
- bloody-disgusting.com
“America’s two great specialties are demagogues and rock and roll, and we’ve all heard plenty of both in our time…”
The little worker ants of The Losers’ Club are wiggling beneath the lens of your magnifying glass in the first installment of their three-part series on Stephen King‘s Under the Dome. Three parts? Yes, three parts — have you seen the size of this thing? The 1,100-page small-town epic is easily one of the author’s most ambitious books, with King dropping an impenetrable alien dome over the quaint town of Chester’s Mill in his efforts to distill and dissect the intersection of politics and evangelicalism in post-9/11 America.
Join Losers Randall Colburn, Ashley Casseday, Dan Caffrey, and Dan Pfleegor as they unpack the 2009 book’s decades-long history, King’s quotes about its creation, and the fractious political and social climate that influenced its themes. Dick Cheney,...
The little worker ants of The Losers’ Club are wiggling beneath the lens of your magnifying glass in the first installment of their three-part series on Stephen King‘s Under the Dome. Three parts? Yes, three parts — have you seen the size of this thing? The 1,100-page small-town epic is easily one of the author’s most ambitious books, with King dropping an impenetrable alien dome over the quaint town of Chester’s Mill in his efforts to distill and dissect the intersection of politics and evangelicalism in post-9/11 America.
Join Losers Randall Colburn, Ashley Casseday, Dan Caffrey, and Dan Pfleegor as they unpack the 2009 book’s decades-long history, King’s quotes about its creation, and the fractious political and social climate that influenced its themes. Dick Cheney,...
- 7/28/2023
- by Randall Colburn
- bloody-disgusting.com
“When all else fails, give up and go to the library.”
And that’s exactly what we’re doing today: Join the Losers at the Derry Public Library, where they meet Sonya Durney, President of the Maine Library Association. Together, they discuss Stephen and Tabitha King’s keynote speech at the Maine Library Association Fundraiser from this past May, particularly how it relates to the role of libraries in today’s communities, the trials and tribulations these institutions face, and more. The Losers were given exclusive use of the keynote recording, but to hear the full thing head here.
Stream the episode below and stay tuned next week when the Losers head to Chester’s Mill for the first of three episodes dedicated to Under the Dome. For further adventures, join the Losers’ Club via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS. You can also unlock hundreds of...
And that’s exactly what we’re doing today: Join the Losers at the Derry Public Library, where they meet Sonya Durney, President of the Maine Library Association. Together, they discuss Stephen and Tabitha King’s keynote speech at the Maine Library Association Fundraiser from this past May, particularly how it relates to the role of libraries in today’s communities, the trials and tribulations these institutions face, and more. The Losers were given exclusive use of the keynote recording, but to hear the full thing head here.
Stream the episode below and stay tuned next week when the Losers head to Chester’s Mill for the first of three episodes dedicated to Under the Dome. For further adventures, join the Losers’ Club via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS. You can also unlock hundreds of...
- 7/21/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
Sorry Henry Rollins, we’re havin’ a TV party tonight, and we’ve got one name on the mind: Stephen King. Sit back and relax, Constant Listeners, as the Losers see what they can learn from TV’s treatment of King — the jokes, the references, and the shows that, if not for him, might not exist. Cheers to Perfect Strangers, Lost to Supernatural, Family Guy to Rick and Morty, the Losers unpack it all. No remote necessary.
Stream the episode below and stay tuned next week when the Losers speak with Dr. Sonya Durney of the Maine Library Association, who will discuss the Kings’ recent keynote speech on the importance of libraries. For further adventures, join the Losers’ Club via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS. You can also unlock hundreds of hours of exclusive content in The Barrens (Patreon).
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The post...
Stream the episode below and stay tuned next week when the Losers speak with Dr. Sonya Durney of the Maine Library Association, who will discuss the Kings’ recent keynote speech on the importance of libraries. For further adventures, join the Losers’ Club via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS. You can also unlock hundreds of hours of exclusive content in The Barrens (Patreon).
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon | Store
The post...
- 7/14/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
“I sometimes picture these unfortunates as men and women being pecked to death by predatory birds. The birds are invisible – at least until a psychiatrist who is good, or lucky, or both, sprays them with his version of Luminol and shines the right light on them – but they are nevertheless very real. The wonder is that so many OCDs manage to live productive lives, just the same. They work, they eat, they go to movies, they make love to their girlfriends and boyfriends, their wives and husbands . . . and all the time those birds are there, clinging to them and pecking away little bits of flesh.”
And how! For all the Constant Readers who similarly suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder, “N.” is a special slice of terror from Stephen King, making Just After Sunset a very unique read, to say the least. Without spoiling today’s episode, not all of the...
And how! For all the Constant Readers who similarly suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder, “N.” is a special slice of terror from Stephen King, making Just After Sunset a very unique read, to say the least. Without spoiling today’s episode, not all of the...
- 7/7/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
Look, Stephen King likes to stay busy. The aughts were no exception, and by 2008, the blockbuster author had completed his long-running The Dark Tower series, delivered a Hard Case Crime novel in The Colorado Kid, penned two personal epics in Lisey’s Story and Duma Key, returned to horror with Cell, and started writing a column for Entertainment Weekly.
Somewhere in all of that ruckus, King also agreed to edit The Best American Short Stories 2007. It was during that period, however, that — in classic King fashion — he became inspired to add more to his plate: He wanted to return to the short story medium. If you recall, 2002’s Everything’s Eventual was a scrapbook of then-uncollected works. Not so for Just After Sunset.
And so, King published 12 stories in the 2008 collection, including an older relic in “The Black Cat from Hell”. In the first of two episodes dedicated to Just After Sunset,...
Somewhere in all of that ruckus, King also agreed to edit The Best American Short Stories 2007. It was during that period, however, that — in classic King fashion — he became inspired to add more to his plate: He wanted to return to the short story medium. If you recall, 2002’s Everything’s Eventual was a scrapbook of then-uncollected works. Not so for Just After Sunset.
And so, King published 12 stories in the 2008 collection, including an older relic in “The Black Cat from Hell”. In the first of two episodes dedicated to Just After Sunset,...
- 6/30/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
With their Bag of Bones mailbag episodes, The Losers’ Club answers questions submitted by their Overlook patrons. Each Bag features 19 assorted Qs that traditionally range from absurd to essential, genius to gross, and weird to wild. As such these are freewheelin’ outings for the gang that are as unpredictable as they are hilarious — and they’re for everyone.
Join Losers Michael Roffman, Dan Caffrey, Rachel Reeves, and Justin Gerber as they answer questions like: “If you were to teach a college level course on Stephen King what required reading would you put on the syllabus?”; “Which musician is the most like King?”; “What King books do you think Tabby had the most influence on?”; and more.
Stream the unpredictable chat below and stay tuned next week when the Losers rank their favorite and least favorite stories in King’s 2008 short story collection Just After Sunset. For further adventures, join the...
Join Losers Michael Roffman, Dan Caffrey, Rachel Reeves, and Justin Gerber as they answer questions like: “If you were to teach a college level course on Stephen King what required reading would you put on the syllabus?”; “Which musician is the most like King?”; “What King books do you think Tabby had the most influence on?”; and more.
Stream the unpredictable chat below and stay tuned next week when the Losers rank their favorite and least favorite stories in King’s 2008 short story collection Just After Sunset. For further adventures, join the...
- 6/23/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
And here’s one for the theater nerds.
In 1988, blood pumped hot on Broadway when a musical adaptation of Stephen King’s Carrie splashed across the stage. Created and composed by Dean Pitchford, Michael Gore, and Og Carrie screenwriter Lawrence D. Cohen, the musical was big on ideas but low on white-glove appeal — after a brief run in the U.K., it closed on Broadway after just 16 previews and five regular performances. Critics had a field day ripping the show to shreds and in 1991 it found itself the centerpiece of a book about Broadway flops. Poor Carrie, a laughingstock all over again.
Over the next several decades, however, bootleg recordings of the musical made the rounds and a passionate cult sprung to life. All that persevering interest culminated in 2012 when an Off-Broadway theater brought together the original creators to rework the show. Since that production, the odd project’s found...
In 1988, blood pumped hot on Broadway when a musical adaptation of Stephen King’s Carrie splashed across the stage. Created and composed by Dean Pitchford, Michael Gore, and Og Carrie screenwriter Lawrence D. Cohen, the musical was big on ideas but low on white-glove appeal — after a brief run in the U.K., it closed on Broadway after just 16 previews and five regular performances. Critics had a field day ripping the show to shreds and in 1991 it found itself the centerpiece of a book about Broadway flops. Poor Carrie, a laughingstock all over again.
Over the next several decades, however, bootleg recordings of the musical made the rounds and a passionate cult sprung to life. All that persevering interest culminated in 2012 when an Off-Broadway theater brought together the original creators to rework the show. Since that production, the odd project’s found...
- 6/16/2023
- by Randall Colburn
- bloody-disgusting.com
In the March 1973 issue of Cavalier, Stephen King terrified grown men across the world with sordid short story “The Boogeyman”. The harrowing tale would eventually be collected into his first short story collection, 1978’s Night Shift. Now, 30 years after first being published, the story is haunting theaters nationwide with Rob Savage‘s feature film adaptation.
Join Losers Randall Colburn, Justin Gerber, Dan Pfleegor, and Jenn Adams as they head to Derry’s Aladdin Theatre to check out a screening of the feature. Together, they discuss the creature design, the connection to It, the nastiness of the original story, the mental health metaphor, the in-world rules/lore, whether or not Mr. Bogeman still scares them as adults.
Stream the episode below, in addition to their interview with Savage and their original horror audio drama The Boogeyman: Mortality Rate. For further adventures, join the Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts,...
Join Losers Randall Colburn, Justin Gerber, Dan Pfleegor, and Jenn Adams as they head to Derry’s Aladdin Theatre to check out a screening of the feature. Together, they discuss the creature design, the connection to It, the nastiness of the original story, the mental health metaphor, the in-world rules/lore, whether or not Mr. Bogeman still scares them as adults.
Stream the episode below, in addition to their interview with Savage and their original horror audio drama The Boogeyman: Mortality Rate. For further adventures, join the Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts,...
- 6/9/2023
- by Jenn Adams
- bloody-disgusting.com
Filmmaker Rob Savage is one of the most exciting eyes working in the horror genre today. In 2020, Host became an overnight hit for found footage horror. Last year’s Dashcam took everyone on a ride into the lowest bowels of hell. And, now, wasting zero time, he’s back with The Boogeyman, his Stephen King adaptation for 20th Century Studios.
It’s been a rollercoaster few years for the English filmmaker, and he shows no signs of slowing down, as evidenced in his latest conversation with The Losers’ Club. Last week, Savage sat down with Losers Michael Roffman and Jenn Adams to discuss his roots with King, the monster vs. the metaphor, shooting in the dark, and working with a major studio.
Elsewhere, Savage also shares a few scenes they had to cut for time, the hurdles in transitioning away from found footage, his affinity for Stanley Kubrick‘s The Shining,...
It’s been a rollercoaster few years for the English filmmaker, and he shows no signs of slowing down, as evidenced in his latest conversation with The Losers’ Club. Last week, Savage sat down with Losers Michael Roffman and Jenn Adams to discuss his roots with King, the monster vs. the metaphor, shooting in the dark, and working with a major studio.
Elsewhere, Savage also shares a few scenes they had to cut for time, the hurdles in transitioning away from found footage, his affinity for Stanley Kubrick‘s The Shining,...
- 6/6/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
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