A horror host is a particular type of television presenter, often tasked with presenting low-grade films, including many horror movies, to television, and Internet, audiences. This tradition is primarily American, though there have been a few international hosts over the years. The style of each host varies a bit but most will comment on the particular film or show that is being screened, along with commentary about the acting, subject matter, and cast and crew, among other things.
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Film packages
In October 1957, Screen Gems released a bundle of old Universal horror movies to syndicated television, naming the collection "Shock!". They encouraged the use of hosts for the broadcasts. This is why many of the early programs were called "Shock Theater". Viewers loved the package, as well as the concept, and ratings soared. A "Son of Shock!" package was released in 1958.
Creature Features was another film package that was released in the early 1960s and added to in the 1970s. The films in this package ranged from horror and science-fiction films of the 1950s, British horror films of the 1960s, and the Japanese "giant monster" movies of the 1960s, and 1970s. This package also included an uncut print of Night of the Living Dead.
In 2011, Apprehensive Films released a film package of free and clear, clean prints of public domain films, called the "Shlock!" Package.
Early hosts
The first television horror host is generally accepted to be Vampira. The Vampira Show featured mostly low budget suspense films, as few horror films had yet been released for television broadcast. Despite its short 1954-1955 run, The Vampira Show set the standard format for horror host shows to follow.
Hosts were often plucked from the ranks of the studio staff. In the days of live television, it was not uncommon for the weather man or booth announcer to finish a nightly news broadcast and race madly to another part of the soundstage for a quick costume change to present the evening's monster tale.
While a few early hosts like Zacherley and Vampira became the icons of this nationwide movement, most hosts were locals. The impact of these friendly revenants on their young fans cannot be overestimated. The earliest hosts are still remembered with great affection today.
Later hosts
The tradition was continued throughout the 1960s and 1970s and gained national attention in the early 1980s, after the death of L.A.'s Host, Sinister Seymour. Cassandra Peterson auditioned for a replacement host and won the role. She became Elvira, Mistress of the Dark who is arguably the most widely recognized horror host in history. In the late 1980s, Mystery Science Theater 3000 would capture the popular imagination and build a massive fan base.
Current hosts
In the past 10 years, a new generation of hosts have appeared in local markets as well as on a national level. Cinema Insomnia with host Mr. Lobo may be one of the most notable hosted horror programs of the 2000s, recently raising over $10,000 for their anniversary season. Elvira and Svengoolie have also returned to syndication and seem to be more popular than ever. The crew of Fright Night Cinema also raised over $2000 for their 4th season proving that internet horror hosting is popular and going strong .