Sorry Henry Rollins, we're havin' a TV party tonight, and we've got one name on the mind: Stephen King. Sit back and relax, Constant Listeners, as the Losers see what they can learn from TV’s treatment of King — the jokes, the references, and the shows that, if not for him, might not exist. Cheers to Perfect Strangers, Lost to Supernatural, Family Guy to Rick and Morty, Randall, Jenn, and Caffrey unpack it all. No remote necessary. Note: This episode was recorded in May 2023 and is being unlocked from the Derry Private Library.
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The Stephen King Influence Over TV

Founded in 2017, The Losers’ Club® is an award-winning weekly series that chronologically digs through the work of Stephen King with humor, irreverence, and a critical eye. Each episode, the Losers gather together to read between the iconic pages and share the latest in King’s Dominion, whether it’s the author’s oft-controversial tweets, the boldest Hollywood headlines, or his endless forthcoming projects. The series also regularly features special guests. In the past, the Losers have spoken to Mike Flanagan, Thomas Jane, Tananarive Due, Chapo Trap House, Owen Teague, Mick Garris, Mary Lambert, Jerry O’Connell, Wil Wheaton, Joe Bob Briggs, and even King himself.

Suitable for readers both Constant and casual. King says check us out.

Edited by Kyle Orozovich. Music by The Most/Charlie Laurence. Produced by Michael Roffman and Randall Colburn.

Arts

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Books

Here's a clip from our latest Patreon-exclusive book episode that sees your Losers leave the path of the beam and jump ahead to Stephen King's newest novel You Like It Darker. Want to hear the full track? Become a member of The Barrens (Patreon) by visiting www.patreon.com/thebarrens. You'll unlock hundreds hours of exclusive content that includes even more episodes of The Stephen King Archives, our Dark Tower Detour series, dozens of Ka-mmentary tracks for your favorite King flicks, all of our Lobstrosities episodes clawing through those silly King sequels, in addition to spinoffs like The Soul's Midnight, Talkin' Hawkins, and CrichtonCast. Not to mention, dozens upon dozens of locked episodes and one-offs, including a 24-7 Discord community featuring Constant Listeners just like you!
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You Like It Darker (Patreon Clip)

You've read the book, now watch the series! In this deep dive into the first season of Audience Network's Mr. Mercedes, Losers Randall Colburn, Justin Gerber, Ashley Casseday, and Dan Pfleegor discuss the ways in which the show improves upon the source material, how a good performance can elevate a dud character, and the cultural turmoil of the time that clearly influenced its production. Later this summer, the Losers will check in on the show’s subsequent seasons as their coverage of the trilogy continues.
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Mr. Mercedes TV Review

After releasing The Colorado Kid and Joyland via the Hard Case Crime imprint, Stephen King made his grand debut into the world of hard-boiled crime fiction with Mr. Mercedes. The first in a trilogy, the 2014 novel introduced readers to Bill Hodges, a crusty, retired detective who finds his golden years interrupted by the taunts of a psychopathic killer he failed to apprehend. 
Join the Losers as they detail the book’s origins, how it differs from the author’s previous forays into crime, and the ways in which it reflects evolving societal fears about domestic terrorism. They also discuss the book’s messy vision of a post-recession America and its musings on class, second chances, and the nature of evil. It’s also one of King’s poundcakiest books, so prepare to blush.
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Mr. Mercedes

The Losers close out April with another trip to prom with Carrie White, only this time there's no Brian De Palma, no Sissy Spacek, and no Amy Irving. Instead, they dial back to 2002, when NBC aired a new vision of Carrie that may or may not have been the backdoor pilot for a would-be TV series. Together they discuss Bryan Fuller's vision, the early aughts aesthetics, the garish CGI, Angela Bettis and Patricia Clarkson's performances, how it hews closer to the page, and more.
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Carrie (2002)

The Losers head to Frazier, New Hampshire to review Stephen King's novel Doctor Sleep. Together, they weigh in on the True Knot, dirty dozens of dishes with poundcake, and argue whether King should have ever burned down The Overlook Hotel. Note: This episode was recorded in Fall of 2019 and is being re-published for our chronological read through.
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The Stephen King Influence Over TV

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