There are no tricks, just treats, as The Nostalgia Network (NOST) adds Dr. Paul Bearer’s Creature Feature to its programming lineup. Airing this week, on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 9 p.m. ET, the iconic tv show originated as a tv horror-movie series starring Dick Bennick Sr. as Dr. Paul Bearer, hosting a different classic horror film every Saturday. Now, Dr. Bearer’s character is reimagined by Richard Koon who honors the legacy role with delightfully spooky, often eye-rolling humor and puns, while also breathing new life with fresh content and sets, including some current movie selections.
Bennick Sr. holds the record for the longest-ever continuous run as a tv horror-movie host with 22 years on WTOG in St. Petersburg, Fla., also broadcast across Florida. The original series ended in 1995 after his death and fans mourned the loss. Enter Koon, who since 2009 has been keeping the character alive and “spooktacular” as the new, official Dr. Paul Bearer II.
“The original ‘master of scare-emonies’ made generations of people fall in love with the horror genre,” said David Bishop, president of NOST. “The brilliant way he engaged viewers created a deeper connection, offering entertainment, humor and of course, a scare here and there. I am thrilled Richard stepped in to not only keep Dr. Bearer’s character alive, but to build upon its already incredible legacy. I am proud to add this programming to our lineup with the hope that it might deepen a love of the horror genre in people familiar with the original show, as well as spark an interest among new audiences.”
To quote the legendary Dr. Bearer, we’ll “be lurking for you” to tune in on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 9 p.m. ET. The first episode of Creature Feature nods to an election theme with the movie Werewolf of Washington. New episodes and movies will be featured weekly. While viewers might be afraid of Dr. Bearer’s creepy antics, they need not worry, as he will be featuring the same “horrible old movies” they cannot help but love.