This week we’re reviewing Buddy (2026). We dissect its collision of ’90s children’s television and graphic horror, explore Buddy’s need for love as a form of control, and praise Keegan-Michael Key’s emotional range. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 25:33.
Mentioned in the Episode
Watch the Movie
Buddy (2026)
Main Episode
Casper Kelly dives into the darkness of kids’ television with ‘Buddy’
The Black List Interview: Casper Kelly on BUDDY
Child’s Play (2019)
The Banana Splits Movie (2019)
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
B-side
Barney & Friends
Teletubbies
Blue’s Clues
Pee-wee’s Playhouse
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
Sesame Street
Gullah Gullah Island
The Puzzle Place
Dora the Explorer
Zoboomafoo
The Big Comfy Couch
Bear in the Big Blue House
The Wiggles
Thomas & Friends
Care Bears
ALF
Clifford the Big Red Dog
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Peter Rabbit
Thanks for listening to Hack or Slash! Want more from the show?
Join us on Patreon for extended episodes, bonus reviews, B-sides, watchalongs, behind-the-scenes extras, and more ways to help keep the show alive and slashing.
Support us on Patreon
You can also hang out with us between episodes in our community spaces. Join the Discord for watch parties, episode discussions, horror recommendations, and general spooky nonsense.
Join our Discord
Follow Hack or Slash:
Website
YouTube
TikTok
Have thoughts on this week’s movie? Leave a comment, send us a voicemail, or tag us online. We love hearing your thoughts on the movies we cover.
Happy slashing!
Music Credits: "Hack or Slash" by Daniel Stapleton