In a year that’s felt like a never-ending horror movie, some might actually find relief in watching thrillers on-screen this Halloween. But why is it that some people love all things spooky on screen while others can only watch through parted fingers?  What makes horror films so scary yet so alluring? And does our fascination with horror media actually help us cope with the horrors of real life? Host Dr. Alok Patel zeros in on the science of fear, enlisting the expert guidance of a horror researcher, a neuroscientist, and the Emmy-winning Foley artist behind the tantalizing and terrorizing sounds in movies and shows like Invisible Man and Monsterland.Learn more about <a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/">NOVA</a> and subscribe to our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjHz5SVHeMT0AViCYZvsGDA">YouTube </a>channel.

In a year that’s felt like a never-ending horror movie, some might actually find relief in watching thrillers on-screen this Halloween. But why is it that some people love all things spooky on screen while others can only watch through parted fingers? What makes horror films so scary yet so alluring? And does our fascination with horror media actually help us cope with the horrors of real life? Host Dr. Alok Patel zeros in on the science of fear, enlisting the expert guidance of a horror researcher, a neuroscientist, and the Emmy-winning Foley artist behind the tantalizing and terrorizing sounds in movies and shows like Invisible Man and Monsterland. Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

In a year that’s felt like a never-ending horror movie, some might actually find relief in watching thrillers on-screen this Halloween. But why is it that some people love all things spooky on screen while others can only watch through parted fingers?&nbsp; What makes horror films so scary yet so alluring? And does our fascination with horror media actually help us cope with the horrors of real life? Host Dr. Alok Patel zeros in on the science of fear, enlisting the expert guidance of a horror researcher, a neuroscientist, and the Emmy-winning Foley artist behind the tantalizing and terrorizing sounds in movies and shows like Invisible Man and Monsterland.Learn more about <a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/" rel="noopener noreferrer">NOVA</a> and subscribe to our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjHz5SVHeMT0AViCYZvsGDA" rel="noopener noreferrer">YouTube </a>channel.&nbsp;

The science of fear

Ever wonder what's really going on in the world of science? We've got you covered. Join us for conversations with the researchers making tomorrow's breakthroughs, deep dives into the universe's biggest mysteries, and clear explanations of the discoveries that matter most. We're talking climate breakthroughs, space mysteries, AI developments, and quantum leaps, all explained by the people doing the work. Whether you're curious about breaking headlines, fascinated by black holes and alien worlds, or ready for mind-bending conversations with brilliant scientists, NOVA Presents delivers four incredible series that make complex science feel like chatting with your smartest friend. For over 50 years, NOVA has been your trusted guide to understanding the world, now we're bringing that same curiosity and clarity straight to your ears. Come explore with us. Discover more <a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/">NOVA</a> content and subscribe to our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjHz5SVHeMT0AViCYZvsGDA">YouTube</a> channel.

Science

Ever wonder what's really going on in the world of science? We've got you covered. Join us for conversations with the researchers making tomorrow's breakthroughs, deep dives into the universe's biggest mysteries, and clear explanations of the discoveries that matter most. We're talking climate breakthroughs, space mysteries, AI developments, and quantum leaps, all explained by the people doing the work. Whether you're curious about breaking headlines, fascinated by black holes and alien worlds, or ready for mind-bending conversations with brilliant scientists, NOVA Presents delivers four incredible series that make complex science feel like chatting with your smartest friend. For over 50 years, NOVA has been your trusted guide to understanding the world, now we're bringing that same curiosity and clarity straight to your ears. Come explore with us. Discover more NOVA content and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Ever wonder what's really going on in the world of science? We've got you covered. Join us for conversations with the researchers making tomorrow's breakthroughs, deep dives into the universe's biggest mysteries, and clear explanations of the discoveries that matter most. We're talking climate breakthroughs, space mysteries, AI developments, and quantum leaps, all explained by the people doing the work. Whether you're curious about breaking headlines, fascinated by black holes and alien worlds, or ready for mind-bending conversations with brilliant scientists, NOVA Presents delivers four incredible series that make complex science feel like chatting with your smartest friend. For over 50 years, NOVA has been your trusted guide to understanding the world, now we're bringing that same curiosity and clarity straight to your ears. Come explore with us. Discover more <a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/" rel="noopener noreferrer">NOVA</a> content and subscribe to our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjHz5SVHeMT0AViCYZvsGDA" rel="noopener noreferrer">YouTube</a> channel.&nbsp;

Share The science of fear

Sign up to save your podcasts

The science of fear

The science of fear

More shows like NOVA Presents

TED Radio Hour

Stuff You Should Know

Radiolab

Freakonomics Radio

Fresh Air

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

On the Media

Classical Performance

Big Picture Science

MASTERPIECE Studio

Under the Radar with Callie Crossley

Science Friday

Boston Public Radio Podcast

Sidedoor

The FRONTLINE Dispatch

Molly of Denali

Throughline

Mining Poldark

The Creeping Hour

Short Wave

Antiques Roadshow Detours

Pinkalicious & Peterrific

Unexplainable

Particles of Thought