Seasoned Skeptics

About Seasoned Skeptics

Welcome to Seasoned Skeptics — the horror podcast where a total newbie gets thrown into the deep end of scares, guided (and occasionally roasted) by a no-filter horror veteran. Hosted by Nick (the wide-eyed horror rookie who's barely scratched the surface of movies, let alone the blood-soaked world of slashers, supernatural terrors, and creature features) and Derral (the seasoned expert with decades of deep dives, hot takes, and zero patience for bad tropes or lazy jump scares). Together, we break down the latest and greatest (and weirdest) in horror: from fresh releases and underrated gems to classics that still hold up — plus in-depth recaps of must-watch series like HBO's IT: Welcome to Derry (we're basically your #1 obsessive source for all things Pennywise and Derry drama). Expect unfiltered reviews, plot-hole probing, skeptical side-eye at overrated hits, celebration of gloriously trashy B-movies, and plenty of "wait, what just happened?" moments. We can't help but veer wildly off-topic — whether it's debating golf etiquette, unpacking wild pop-culture conspiracies, geeking out over comics, or riffing on whatever random tangent sparks mid-scream. It's chaotic, honest, hilarious, and always real — no scripted fluff, just two friends arguing, laughing, and geeking out over what makes horror tick. If you're a horror die-hard looking for fresh perspectives, a newbie wanting to dip your toes in without going in blind, or just love podcasts that feel like hanging out with friends who won't shut up about scary movies... hit play. We've got the scares covered — so you don't have to face them alone.Subscribe now for weekly(ish) episodes packed with screams, skepticism, and zero apologies. New here? Start with our creature features, revenge thrillers, or the latest IT: Welcome to Derry breakdowns — trust us, you'll be hooked.What are you waiting for? Turn down the lights, crank the volume, and join the skepticism.

Publisher

Nick and Derral

Category

fiction · tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 Nov 2025

Latest episode

7 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Mar 2026

   Skeptic vs. the Absurd: Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers (1988), Oily Maniac (1976) and Tourist Trap

   Seasoned Skeptic goes full exploitation mode this week with a triple bill of retro weirdness. From the blood-soaked, chainsaw-swinging cult in Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers to the polio-afflicted avenger morphing into an Oily Maniac in Shaw Brothers style, plus the mannequin-stalking terror of Tourist Trap—we're covering killers who wield (or become) the strangest weapons imaginable. Tune in for our no-holds-barred reviews, skeptical side-eye at the plots, and celebration of B-movie madness that somehow still entertains decades later. Oily Maniac (1976) Tourist Trap (1979) Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers (1988)

2. 

   13 Feb 2026

   Horror Movie Reviews: Becky (2020), Wrath of Becky (2023), and Sinister (2012)

   Seasoned Skeptics is back with a vengeance-themed triple bill! We tackle the Becky saga: the original 2020 film where a rebellious teen turns the tables on invading convicts (Kevin James as a surprisingly menacing bad guy), and The Wrath of Becky (2023), where an older, angrier Becky unleashes hell on a group of extremists after they mess with the wrong girl (and her dog). Then we shift gears to Sinister (2012), the found-footage nightmare that still haunts with its eerie Super 8 reels and Bughuul lurking in the shadows. Skeptical eyes on: Does the revenge fantasy deliver? Is the sequel worth it? And why does Sinister remain one of the creepiest horrors out there? Grab your popcorn (and maybe leave the lights on)!

3. 

   29 Jan 2026

   Horror Movie Reviews Smile 2 (2024) Black Phone 2 (2024) and Vicious (2025) Dakota Fanning's Character.

   The latest episode of the Seasoned Skeptics Podcast is out now, and we're diving deep into some of the freshest (and freakiest) horror releases while keeping our signature skeptical eye peeled for what works, what flops, and what just leaves us grinning... or grimacing. We kick things off with Smile 2 (2024), the sequel that takes the cursed smile entity to new nightmare levels. Following pop sensation Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) as she battles terrifying hallucinations, fame's pressures, and her own dark past ahead of a massive world tour, this one amps up the psychological horror with body horror flair and a standout lead performance. We break down whether it tops the original, how it handles trauma and mental health themes, and if that ending curse-spreading twist hits as hard as it aims to. (http://to.Next) Next (http://to.Next) up: Black Phone 2 (2025), bringing back Finney and Gwen Blake years after the Grabber's defeat. Now older, the siblings face new supernatural chills at a snowy winter camp tied to mysterious past murders, ghostly payphone calls, and lingering evil that refuses to stay buried. Ethan Hawke's shadow looms large, and we discuss the film's shift in focus, its '80s throwback vibes, dream visions, and whether it delivers satisfying sequel scares or gets tangled in its own phone lines. We also tackle Vicious (2025), Bryan Bertino's (The Strangers) latest—a claustrophobic, supernatural mind-bender starring Dakota Fanning as Polly, a struggling woman who receives a cursed wooden box from a mysterious elderly visitor one fateful night. Forced to make horrifying "payments" of things she hates, needs, and loves to survive, the film spirals into anxiety-fueled terror with metaphorical depth. We unpack the box's twisted demands, Fanning's intense performance, and whether this slow-burn haunts as effectively as it unnerves. And because no Seasoned Skeptics episode is complete without a detour into the absurd: we somehow ended up debating Arby's roast beef—is it genuinely underrated comfort food, a guilty pleasure masterpiece, or just over-hyped sliced nostalgia? (Spoiler: opinions were as heated as the roast itself.) Grab your headphones, stifle that involuntary smile, and join us for laughs, scares, and a side of fast-food skepticism. New episode drops now—listen wherever you get your podcasts! #HorrorPodcast #Smile2 #BlackPhone2 #ViciousMovie #SeasonedSkeptics

4. 

   20 Jan 2026

   Horror Movie Reviews: Smile (2022) Black Phone (2021) and Gremlins (1984)

   Join hosts Nick and Derral on Seasoned Skeptics as the horror genre rookie (Nick) gets schooled by long-time fan Derral in this chilling yet fun breakdown! We dive deep into three wildly different scares: The eerie psychological terror of Smile (2022), where a cursed grin spreads unstoppable dread. The tense supernatural thriller The Black Phone (2021), with a kidnapped kid getting ghostly help from beyond via a disconnected line. The wild holiday horror-comedy classic Gremlins (1984), where cute critters turn into mischievous monsters after breaking just a few simple rules. From jump scares and trauma themes to laughs amid the chaos, we share unfiltered reactions, hot takes, and whether these hold up for newbies and vets alike. Perfect for horror fans or anyone curious about the genre—hit play and join the skepticism!" #horrorfilm #horrorpodcast #horrormoviereview

5. 

   14 Jan 2026

   Horror Movie Reviews: Companion (2025), Together (2025), and The Monkey (2025)

   Join hosts Nick and Derral on Season Skeptics as we dive into three wild 2025 horror releases we binged this week! We break down: The Monkey (Osgood Perkins' Stephen King adaptation) – cursed wind-up toy + outrageous gore + dark laughs Companion – twisted sci-fi thriller with shocking reveals and demented domestic vibes Together – supernatural body horror that takes "growing closer" to horrifying extremes Skeptical takes, no-holds-barred opinions, spoilers ahead (we warn you!), and our verdict on whether these are must-watch or skip-worthy. Perfect for horror fans hunting fresh scares! What did you think of these? Drop your ratings in the comments! Subscribe for more unfiltered horror movie/series reviews, deep dives, and all things spooky. #horrormovies #themonkey #companion #together #horrorpodcast #SeasonSkeptics Feel free to mix and match or let me know if you want it more spoiler-free, shorter, funnier, or focused on specific tones!

6. 

   19 Dec 2025

   Horror Movie Reviews: Christmas Episode: Terrifier 2 (2022) and 3 (2024), and The Mean One (2022)

   Dive into the chills with Nick and Derral's festive fright, On Seasoned Skeptics, where horror takes flight! This holiday episode's a bloody delight, Reviewing slashers that haunt through the night. First, Terrifier 2: Art the Clown rises once more, Stalking brave Sienna on Halloween's gore-soaked floor. Resurrected and ruthless, with kills beyond extreme, A destined warrior fights in this nightmare dream. Then Terrifier 3 brings Christmas chaos and dread, Art unleashes pure evil while families sleep in bed. Snow turns to slaughter in Miles County's despair, Ultra-violent mayhem—viewer beware! And The Mean One twists Grinch into gruesome and green, A bloodthirsty beast in a Santa suit mean. Stealing joy and lives in a mountain town's woe, This parody slasher steals the holiday show. Join the skeptics' banter, laughs mixed with the screams— Perfect for horror fans chasing dark yuletide dreams! Subscribe now for more thrills that skeptically gleam.

7. 

   17 Dec 2025

   Breaking Down IT: Welcome to Derry Finale "Winter Fire"

   Join hosts Nick and Derral on the Seasoned Skeptics Podcast as we dive deep into the explosive season finale of HBO's IT: Welcome to Derry – Episode 8, "Winter Fire"! In this spoiler-filled discussion, we recap the chaos: A deadly fog engulfs Derry after the military disrupts one of the ancient pillars, awakening Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård) early and unleashing his most terrifying rampage yet. The young Losers – including Marge, Lilly, Ronnie, and Will – team up with Dick Hallorann and the Hanlons in a desperate battle to contain the evil entity before it escapes the town's borders and spreads fear across America. We break down the epic showdown on the frozen river, shocking deaths, connections to Stephen King's broader universe (including ties to The Shining and the original IT films), the heartbreaking funeral scenes, and that chilling 1988 epilogue cameo tying directly into the Losers' Club we know and love .Is this the best episode of the season? How does it set up potential future cycles? And what does Pennywise's time-bending revelation mean for the lore?

8. 

   15 Dec 2025

   Horror Movie Reviews: Troll, Troll 2, and Frankenstein 2025

   Seasoned Skeptic Podcast: Reviewing Netflix's Troll (2022), Troll 2 (2025), and Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein (2025)! Join hosts Nick and Derral on this epic monster mash episode of the Seasoned Skeptic Podcast – we're breaking down the biggest creature features currently dominating Netflix! We start with Troll (2022) – Roar Uthaug's thrilling Norwegian folklore-inspired blockbuster. An ancient mountain troll awakens and heads straight for Oslo, forcing a ragtag team to uncover myths and stop the destruction. Epic visuals, heart-pounding action, and that perfect blend of scares and spectacle. Next, the highly anticipated sequel Troll 2 (2025) – fresh on Netflix! The stakes are higher with multiple trolls emerging, massive battles, and our favorites Nora, Kalle, and Andreas back in the fight. Does it top the original's rampage? We debate the bigger destruction, deeper lore, and those jaw-dropping set pieces. Finally, Guillermo del Toro's stunning new adaptation Frankenstein (2025) – a gothic masterpiece starring Oscar Isaac as the tormented Dr. Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the tragic Creature. Visually breathtaking, emotionally devastating, and faithful to Mary Shelley's novel with del Toro's signature heart and horror. Spoilers, rants, laughs, and skeptical takes on creation, humanity, and who the real monsters are. Which Netflix beast reigns supreme?

9. 

   10 Dec 2025

   Periwinkle Burnt Down the Blackspot? Welcome to Derry Episode 7 Review

   Welcome to Derry – Episode 7: “The Black Spot” – Episode Summary Episode 7 is a gut-wrenching, lore-heavy penultimate chapter that many fans are calling the strongest of the season. The episode is structured around two timelines:

10. 

    4 Dec 2025

    Pennywise is the Father? IT Welcome to Derry Episode 6 Recap

    Season Skeptics is your irreverent guide to dissecting TV and film seasons through the sharp lens of skepticism, hosted by the dynamic duo Nick and Derral. Each episode, they dive into the highs, lows, plot holes, and hidden gems of a single season—questioning tropes, calling out lazy writing, and celebrating bold storytelling with humor, hot takes, and zero tolerance for filler. From horror hauls like It: Welcome to Derry to sci-fi sagas and prestige dramas, Nick's pop-culture encyclopedic breakdowns pair perfectly with Derral's no-BS fact-checks and conspiracy-busting rants. Whether you're a binge-watcher or a casual critic, tune in for laughs, lore, and lively debates that make you rethink that "perfect" series. New episodes drop weekly—because blind fandom is for amateurs. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your skepticism served straight.

11. 

    3 Dec 2025

    Horror Nerds Movie Reviews: Bring Her Back, Weapons, and The Shining.

    Nick and Derral tear into THREE wild films with zero mercy: WEAPONS (2025) – The controversial new horror-comedy from Zach Cregger (Barbarian) starring Josh Brolin and a truly unhinged Pedro Pascal. Is this the most chaotic, boundary-pushing satire of the year… or did it fumble the bag completely? We debate if it’s genius or just trying way too hard. BRING HER BACK (2025) – A24’s latest mind-bender with Sally Hawkins and a creepy kid who might not be what she seems. Slow-burn psychological horror or pretentious nonsense? We break down the twists and whether it earns its devastating final shot. THE SHINING (1980) – Yeah, we’re finally doing Kubrick’s masterpiece (or is it?). Over 40 years later, does Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation still hold up as the scariest movie ever made, or has time exposed its flaws? Jack Nicholson’s eyebrows, the hedge maze, “All work and no play…” – we argue every frame. Expect hot takes, raging disagreements, and zero sacred cows. Which one survived the skeptic test? Drop your own rankings in the comments!

12. 

    26 Nov 2025

    IT "29 Neibolt Street," Welcome to Derry Cranks Up

    In "29 Neibolt Street," Welcome to Derry cranks up the terror as Pennywise the Dancing Clown finally struts into full view, courtesy of Bill Skarsgård's chilling return. The episode dives deep into the sewers beneath Derry, where ancient lore unfolds. Meanwhile, young Lilly rallies her ragtag crew—including a hallucinatory "survivor" Matty—to rescue their pal Phil from the depths, only to stumble into a nightmare of personal demons and impostor twists. Dick Hallorann grapples with his "shining" gone haywire, unlocking ghostly portals that blur the line between the living and the dead, while the military's bold bid to weaponize Pennywise backfires spectacularly. It's a gory, psychedelic gut-punch that remixes King's mythology with fresh horrors, leaving Derry's barriers cracking and the kids' fears wide open for the feast. Perfect mid-season fuel for the entity's endless hunger—Buckle up, this clown's just getting started.

13. 

    21 Nov 2025

    IT: Welcome To Derry Review

    In this conversation, Nick and Derral delve into the first four episodes of the series set in Derry, exploring character dynamics, plot developments, and the overarching themes of horror and violence. They discuss the significance of Pennywise, connections to Stephen King's universe, and fan theories, while also sharing their predictions for future episodes. The dialogue is rich with insights into the narrative techniques and cultural references that enhance the viewer's experience. Derry, Pennywise, Stephen King, horror, The Shining, character development, fan theories, violence, narrative techniques, TV series

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.