Episode 144 - Clue

It’s not just a game anymore! This week, Peaches and Michael are doing a thorough investigation in celebration of 1985’s CLUE! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s comedic powerhouse of an ensemble, our hosts delve into the inspired gimmick that was part of its theatrical release. Joining the conversation is Amanda Jane Stern of MURDER MADE FICTION and PLEASERS & PUNISHERS to dig into the film’s thoughtful connections to a plethora of whodunits that came before. Then, Trace Thurman of HORROR QUEERS stops by to chat about why CLUE continues to resonate with queer audiences and beyond. From Debra Hill to singing telegrams, this episode has it all! Go! 

If looks could kill, he wouldn’t need a chainsaw! This Halloween week, Peaches and Michael are headed to the Lone Star State in celebration of 1995’s TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE NEXT GENERATION! In addition to discussing this outlier sequel’s undeniable drag appeal, our hosts delve into how the film inadvertently launched two A-Listers. Joining the conversation is FANGORIA Editor-in-Chief Phil Nobile Jr., whose championing of the movie was initially born out of a bit…and grew into a genuine appreciation. Then, FRIGHT COURT host and cosplay icon Gregory Van Abelar stops by to discuss how it was love at first sight when he learned about this wacky franchise entry…and how his admiration of its underrated final girl continues to shine. McConaughey! Zellweger! The Illuminati! This episode has it all! Go! 

The Great All-Nighter! This week, Peaches and Michael are traversing the city in celebration of 1980’s MIDNIGHT MADNESS! In addition to discussing this ensemble romp’s impact on a generation of viewers, our hosts delve into how the film presents a perfect snapshot of Los Angeles of yesteryear. Joining the conversation are drag impresarios and bonafide legends THE BOULET BROTHERS, who share how their lifelong love of this unexpected cult classic continues to inspire them…and feeds their passion for presenting competitors with peculiar challenges. From a surprise Paul Reubens to the teen angst of Michael J. Fox, this episode has it all! Go! 

We all have our bad days! This week, Peaches and Michael are decidedly not wearing white after Labor Day in celebration of 1994’s SERIAL MOM! In addition to discussing where this tale of suburban slaughter fits into John Waters’ greater oeuvre, our hosts delve into the sheer star quality of the incomparable Kathleen Turner! Joining the conversation is acclaimed author Gabrielle Moss, who explores this cult classic’s prophetic place in predicting pop culture’s true crime obsession. Then, producer extraordinaire Brian Nolan stops by to dig into a lifelong obsession with Beverly Sutphin that continues to inform him creatively. From Suzanne Somers to not rewinding, this episode has it all! Go! 

Too late to call for help! This week, Peaches and Michael have written a letter to daddy in celebration of 1962’s WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE? In addition to discussing how this undeniable classic launched an entire subgenre, our hosts delve into how the film functions as a master class on diva worship. Joining the conversation is PLEASERS & PUNISHERS’ Caitlyn of the North, who digs into how the nuanced dynamics of this cult fave make it more than quotable camp. Then, drag legend Matthew Martin stops by to discuss how a career embodying the likes of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford continues to provide him inspiration. From porcelain dolls to rats for din-din, this episode has it all! Go! 

It’s time for a Ted talk! This week, Peaches and Michael are putting on their gold boots for an Idol Worship celebration of cult movie icon Ted V. Mikels! In addition to discussing this indie maverick’s legendarily lavish lifestyle, our hosts delve into a foundational filmography that includes the likes of THE CORPSE GRINDERS, ASTRO ZOMBIES, and THE DOLL SQUAD! Joining the conversation is acclaimed filmmaker Elijah Drenner, who digs into why movies like BLOOD ORGY OF THE SHE-DEVILS didn’t always deliver on their title, while also exemplifying the wild world of their creator. Then, celebrated horror host Mr. Lobo returns with some remembrances of working on a later Mikels’ picture, as well as a story about how Ted V. Mikels once crossed paths with Ed Wood! From 10 VIOLENT WOMEN to boar’s tooth fashion accessories, this episode has it all! Go! 

And a child shall lead them! This week, Peaches and Michael are walking behind the rows in celebration of 1984’s CHILDREN OF THE CORN! In addition to discussing this enduring tale of innocence perverted, our hosts delve into how the aesthetic of the original film continues to inspire modern folk horror. Joining the conversation is celebrated comedian Alaina Bamfield, who shares how a youthful association with this cult classic led to an ongoing fascination. Then, filmmaker/editor extraordinaire Erick Lorinc stops by to extoll the virtues of the entire Corn franchise and why it persists in pop culture. From Linda Hamilton to the crimes of being an outlander, this episode has it all! Go! 

The most terrifying vision of all! This week, Peaches and Michael are unleashing a swarm of locusts in celebration of 1977’s EXORCIST II: THE HERETIC! In addition to discussing this much maligned and misunderstood sequel’s place in horror history, our hosts delve into the details of its troubled production. Joining the conversation is David Kittredge, the acclaimed filmmaker of BOORMAN AND THE DEVIL, to shed some light on his years long exploration into this notorious classic and what it ultimately reveals about the artist’s journey. From Pazuzu's possession to Linda Blair stepping out on the edge, this episode has it all! Go!  

OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD! This week, Peaches and Michael are taking a trip to Nilbog in celebration of 1990’s TROLL 2! In addition to discussing this unusual fave’s strange connection to vegetarianism, our hosts delve into what it means to be the “best worst” cult film around. Joining the conversation is filmmaker Adam Deyoe, who reflects on how seeing the likes of TROLL 2 made a career in cult cinema seem possible. Then, Horrifying Hot Sauce’s D. Ryan Mowry stops by to share how his love of this peculiar picture inspired two of his spicier concoctions. From green-dripping goblins to pissing on hospitality, this episode has it all! SPECIAL OFFER: In celebration of this week’s discussion, Horrifying Hot Sauce is offering 10% off any hot sauces from 7/20 - 8/31 (2026) for Midnight Mass listeners. Visit http://www.horrifyinghotsauce.com/ and use coupon code MMT2 at checkout! 

The laughs are MONSTROUS! This week, Peaches and Michael are exploring the hilarious House of Horrors in celebration of 1948’s ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN! In addition to discussing this classic’s foundational melding of genres, our hosts delve into the lasting significance of bringing all our fright faves together. Joining the conversation is horror comedian Rick Guzman, who shares how Bud and Lou’s antics have had an ongoing impact on his life and comedy. Then, legendary horror host Penny Dreadful stops by to discuss this landmark film’s impact on all the children of the night who blend camp with chills. From Lon Chaney Jr.’s hairy predicament to Vincent Price’s voice cameo, this episode has it all! Go!