Spooky Season is here, and honestly, it feels like coming home.

Every year we build up to this, stacking our schedule with movies, events, bonuses, and surprises. But this year feels different…not just because we’ve packed the calendar tighter than ever, but because the energy in our community has been electric. From the Discord halls of Hack or Slash U to the Slasher Digest FM airwaves, there’s a feeling in the air that this isn’t just another Halloween season.

It’s our season.

September is our runway. While October is when we take off, this month we’re lining the path with glowing jack-o’-lanterns of podcast episodes, live recordings, blog posts, and chances to connect with each other. We’re trying new things, sharing more behind-the-scenes content, opening up access to our bonus segments, and celebrating horror’s ability to bring people together.

Spooky Season is more than a collection of horror films and Halloween decorations. For us, it’s a feeling. It’s a sense of belonging, nostalgia, and shared enthusiasm that builds all year long until it finally bursts open.

We’ve spent the last few months laying the groundwork for something bigger, not just in terms of content, but in how we show up together. From doubling down on our podcast episodes, to expanding our blog and opening up B-sides for everyone, we’re making sure that this season brings everyone into the fold.

Because at the heart of Hack or Slash (and this newsletter) is a community of people who love horror as deeply as we do. A group of listeners, patrons, friends, and fans who turn every episode into a conversation, every comment into a connection, and every shared scream into a memory.

We see you hyping up watch parties in Discord. We hear your feedback on new episodes and bonus segments. We read your blog comments and podcast reviews, and we cherish the energy you bring into every corner of what we do. You are the reason this podcast is what it is today.

Seven years, 400 episodes, and counting.

So this month, as we officially kick off our Spooky Season celebration, we want to make sure you know how much you matter to us. Whether you’re brand new or a long-time listener, whether you’re binging through the archives or joining us every Friday for a fresh episode, we’re glad you’re here.

We’ve got a full slate of episodes on the way (including some live recordings you won’t want to miss), special bonus content, and of course, the return of our 31 Days of Horror.

This is the season where everything comes alive. And we want you to be part of all of it.

Whether you’re carving pumpkins with our 31 Days of Horror tracker open, tuning in for our B-sides, or grabbing your seat at a live episode taping, we hope you feel like you’re part of something special.

If you love what we do and want to help us keep growing, consider sharing this newsletter with a friend. Your support makes everything possible.

Here’s to the magic, mischief, and mayhem ahead.

• We witnessed evil pass from one child to the next in Sinister 2 (2015).

• We got scorched by vampire romance in Near Dark (1987).

• We unraveled the mysterious disappearance of children in Weapons (2025).

• We explored faith, fear, and courtroom possession in The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021).

• We questioned the cost of belief with Heretic (2024).

It’s the most wonderful time of the fear.

The decorations are going up, the horror marathons are kicking off, and around here, we’re cracking open the crypt for another magical Spooky Season. Whether you’re a diehard slasher fan or just horror-curious, this is the time to dive headfirst into the madness with us.

We’ve transformed Hack or Slash into a full-fledged horror university this season, and every week is packed with extra credit.

🎧 Your September Syllabus

We’re doubling up content every week. Fridays bring movie reviews, and Tuesdays bring bonus drops, including special video episodes, seasonal surprises, and behind-the-scenes looks at our favorite horror themes.

Movies being reviewed this month:

• The Conjuring: Last Rites – We confront the Warrens’ supposed final case in a franchise that refuses to rest in peace.

• Hell House LLC: Lineage – Another terrifying tour through the Abaddon Hotel… and yes, we’re bringing our found footage baggage with us.

• Sinners – We shine a light on a new indie shocker that might just rattle your soul.

• The Rocky Horror Picture Show – Because no Spooky Season is complete without a little time warp and a whole lot of fishnet.

✅ Excited for your favorite movies? Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you don’t miss a beat. And if you’ve never experienced our B-sides, now’s your chance…

This Season, Everyone Gets the Bonus Treatment

We’re making our B-sides public all season long. Normally reserved for patrons, these extended editions give you extra reactions, tangents, bloopers, and the behind-the-scenes banter that doesn’t quite fit the main cut.

Every episode this Spooky Season comes with a free upgrade.

Make sure you’re following us wherever you listen so you get the extended cut with Free-sides every Friday.

Events. Episodes. Chaos. Connection.

We’re going all in on community this year — because horror’s better when it’s shared. Here’s how to join the celebration:

🧟‍♂️ Watch Parties every week in our Discord

📣 Live Recordings where you can listen in and chat real-time

🎙️ Slasher Digest FM going public on YouTube for September and October

📲 Instagram Takeovers from the hosts in October

📅 31 Days of Horror Tracker so you can log your watches, rate each movie, and even see how your taste compares to the community

🎁 Join us on Patreon and unlock even more perks — including early access, bonus episodes, and this year’s limited-edition poster, free with all new annual memberships.

Be True to Your Ghoul 👻

Not sure how to make the most of the season? Chel’s got you covered with our Spooky Pre-Season Survival Guide:

• 🎃 Dress for Success: Wear your favorite horror gear or Hack or Slash merch and tag us on socials

• 📓 Review the Syllabus: Don’t miss out on anything; we’ve got two months of stacked programming

• 📝 Do Your Homework: Prep your 31 Days calendar and check out some horror documentaries (we’ll send you recs soon!)

• 🧛 Make New Friends: Say hi in a new Discord channel, join us on Instagram, or hop into the comments on Patreon

Let’s Make This Semester Legendary

Whether you’ve been creeping with us since episode 1 or you’re just joining the haunted halls of Hack or Slash U, this is your moment. Share the show with a horror-loving friend. Forward this email, or just show up to the next watch party.

And if you’ve ever thought about joining our Patreon, now’s the time.

With 50% off annual plans and a poster that screams collector’s item, this is our biggest membership celebration ever.

We’ve got 8 weeks of screams, laughs, chaos, and connection ahead.

All we’re missing is you.

• In this Economy, We’re Haunting Ourselves

  Why pay rent when you could split utilities with a ghost? Chel makes the case for embracing paranormal roommates in a housing market from hell. Read the blog.

• Host Highlight: The Essential Binx Episodes

  If you’re new to Hack or Slash (or just want to relive the chaos) Nathan curated a list of must-listen moments that showcase Binx at her best. Start listening.

• Ranking Every Friday the 13th Film

  From classic kills to cosmic cringe (looking at you, Jason X), Kris cuts through the carnage to deliver the definitive ranking of the entire franchise. See the list.

• Sweet Revenge Hits the Internet

  Everyone’s favorite masked slasher is back in a 13-minute vignette sponsored by Angry Orchard, serving up bloodshed with a crisp finish. Watch it here.

• Halloween: The Game Announced – And The Shape Returns

  A new asymmetrical horror game set in the world of Halloween is in the works — and Nick Castle is back as Michael Myers. Get the details.

• Anna Faris & Regina Hall Will Return for Scary Movie 6

  Cindy and Brenda are back! After years of speculation, the horror-comedy icons are officially set to star in Scary Movie 6. Read the full story.

• Weapons Slays Its Way to #1 at the Box Office

  Zach Cregger’s Weapons opened strong, topping the domestic box office with a genre-defying debut. See the numbers.

• Good Boy Trailer Drops – And Viewers Immediately Googled One Thing

  The trailer for Good Boy has horror fans excited — and worried. Google Trends shows a spike in searches for “does the dog die.” Watch the trailer.

Hack or Slash U is officially in session!

Our Discord server has undergone a transformation this Spooky Season.

Welcome to Hack or Slash University, the most haunted institution of higher learning this side of the screen. Whether you’re majoring in Final Girl Studies or just here to audit Slasher Theory 101, our reimagined Discord campus has something for every horror-loving student.

If you haven’t logged in lately, here’s a peek at how your favorite channels have been rebranded for the season:

• General Chat → Student Union

• Episode Chat → Study Hall

• Server-Announcements → Morning Announcements

• Show-Announcements → Afternoon Announcements

• Movies → Film Class 101

• TV Shows → Intro to Broadcast Media

• Watch Parties → The Auditorium

• Horror Memes → The Class Clowns

• Book Club → The Library

• Art → The Art Studio

• Pets → University Mascots

• And so much more…

Whether you’re gathering around the vending machines in The Dormitories or debating scream queens in Film Class 101, you’ll find the same vibrant community in a fresh, spooky new format.

🎃 What to keep your eye on this month:

• 🗓️ The Events Tab

  This is your syllabus for the season. We’re hosting live episode recordings open to all students (normally reserved for patrons!), plus community Watch Parties throughout September and October. RSVPing helps us plan, and gives you calendar reminders so you don’t miss class.

• 📌 The 31 Days of Horror Thread

  October is coming fast, and our horror watchlist tracker is already generating buzz. Whether you’re plotting your perfect lineup or comparing notes with other students, the thread is your go-to spot for movie suggestions, tracker feedback, and communal hype.

• 💬 Daily Prompts & Campus Life

  We’ll be asking questions, sharing horror news, and inviting you to show off your spooky décor, costume plans, and Halloween hauls (all in character, of course). Don’t be shy in New Student Orientation if you’re new, and make sure to show your school spirit in Morning Announcements.

If you’re not yet in the server, now’s the perfect time to join the madness. We’re building something special here — a space for horror fans to connect, geek out, and get a little spooky together. And this season, that spirit is louder than ever.

🔪 Go Slashers Go! 🔪

It’s that time of year when we tell ourselves we’re just browsing…and then suddenly our cart is full of skeletons, fog machines, and seven different kinds of killer clown décor.

We’ve been spending an embarrassing amount of time scrolling through Spirit Halloween, both for the classics (yes, we still love a good animatronic jump scare) and the surprisingly solid horror merch lineup this year. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your costume game, decorate your porch like a murder scene, or casually buy a Chucky snow globe (no judgment), Spirit’s got you covered.

🛒 Browse Spirit Halloween on Amazon