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.

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

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

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!

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.

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?

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?

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:

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.

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!

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.