In this must-listen/must-watch episode, Daytime Emmy and Saturn Award-winning producer and director Mary O’Leary returns to the podcast to shed light on the question that has haunted Dark Shadows fans since 1971 – WHY DID THE SHOW GET CANCELED? In addition to material she initially presented in her Jonathan Frid documentary, Mary shares information that has never been heard before, including the fact that ABC wanted to cancel another show instead of Dark Shadows. While there are still pieces of the puzzle missing, this episode helps to clear up some long-held misconceptions and may well offer the most compelling answers as to why the show met its demise. IMORTANT NOTE: The VIDEO version of this episode on YouTube features visual evidence in the form of rarely seen letters, articles, and more. Join us for this deep-dive whodunit episode that seeks to answer the question, “why was Dark Shadows canceled?”

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NEWSFLASH! Dark Shadows returns to comics! Curse of Dark Shadows is an officially licensed graphic novel coming from Hermes Press in 2025! In this episode, comics creator Craig Hurd-McKenney (Brontës Infernal Angria, Boris Karloff Gold Key Mysteries, The Lodger), who wrote Curse of Dark Shadows, visits the podcast to give us the scoop on this thrilling new book! Topics of discussion include: Craig’s history with DS and comics, CoDS artwork by Jok and Gervaso, the setting of the story, characters who will appear in the graphic novel, plot teases, and the possibility of an ongoing DS graphic novel series from Hermes! Check out the VIDEO version of this episode on YouTube for an EXCLUSIVE look at the COVER and an INTERIOR PAGE from Curse of Dark Shadows!!!

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The irrepressible Jimmy Hutcheson is a stalwart Dark Shadows fan from Texas who wrote fan fiction and articles for DS fanzines such as Inside the Old House and The World of Dark Shadows. A regular attendee at Dark Shadows Festivals, Seaview Terrace parties, and pop culture events, Jimmy developed friendships with the likes of Lara Parker (Angelique from Dark Shadows) and Jonathan Harris (Dr. Zachary Smith from Lost in Space). In this episode, Jimmy shares some of his fandom memories and reads his fascinating DS fanfic story, ‘An Encounter’, originally published in Inside the Old House issue 44, November/December 1993. Other topics include: Lost in Space and Jonathan Harris, Godzilla, I-Ching wands, the 1991 Dark Shadows series, friendship with ITOH editor Dale Clark, and more!

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Although its run was short-lived, NBC’s 1991 Dark Shadows revival series left indelible fang marks upon its fans. A beautifully produced prime-time series helmed by Dan Curtis himself, the ’91 DS featured the likes of Ben Cross, Joanna Going, Barbara Steele, Jean Simmons, Roy Thinnes, Lysette Anthony, Adrian Paul, and a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt, among many others. While the series generated much excitement among the fanbase and debuted to great success, it was unceremoniously canceled after only twelve episodes. Two of the show’s diehard fans, Dominique Lamssies and Steven Stark, who first became DS fans by way of the 1991 series, visit the podcast to help examine the show’s characters and plotlines. Other topics include: ’91 series merchandise, music, costumes, Collinwood, home video releases, turtleneck sweaters, and more!

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From November 1968 to February 1976, Gold Key Comics published 35 issues of the Dark Shadows comic book series, plus a story digest. The comic featured unique stories, adventures, and supernatural creatures not seen in the TV show. Returning to the podcast to discuss the Gold Key DS comics are noted writers, and longtime comics and DS fans, Dr. Jeff Thompson and Nick Caputo. Listen, as we choose our favorites and talk about some of the notable creators behind this memorable comic series.

From 1966 to 1972, Paperback Library released 32 Dark Shadows novels set in a distinct version of the Dark Shadows universe, existing apart from the events shown in the television series, along with a novelization of the film House of Dark Shadows. These were all written by the prolific Canadian author W. E. Daniel Ross aka Dan Ross, under the pen name “Marilyn Ross”. Visiting the podcast to discuss the world of the DS Ross novels are Joe Escobar, Amy Roeder, and Dr. Jeff Thompson. Join us for this in-depth conversation about the classic DS novel series.

Writer, film critic, and actor Vikrum Mathur visits the podcast to talk about his experiences as a fan of Dark Shadows and how the series connects with many people across cultures and generations. Vikrum recounts stories about his great grandmother’s love of DS and also talks about some of the creatures and folklore of India that would have worked well in the Dark Shadows setting. In addition, Vikrum reminisces about playing Dark Shadows with his friends, shares thoughts about some of his favorite characters from the original series, and discusses the various iterations of DS over the years. Join us for this fun discussion!

Over the course of its five-year run, Dark Shadows featured several classic monster archetypes which were drawn from the pantheon of supernatural horror and folklore. Visiting Terror at Collinwood for an overview of these dark and shadowy creatures are writer and podcaster Jeff Owens, co-host of the Classic Horrors Club Podcast, and podcaster Steven Turek, host of the DieCast Movie Podcast! Longtime Monster Kids and fans of DS, Jeff and Steven join Penny to share their thoughts about the various monsters of DS!

Beloved by Dark Shadows fans for her portrayal of the tragic child ghost Sarah Collins, sister of Barnabas Collins, Sharon Smyth Lentz played a very different character in the 2014 short film On a Country Road, which was directed and produced by husband-and-wife filmmaking team, and longtime Dark Shadows fans, Barry and Karen Dodd. Sharon and Barry reunite in this episode for a fun discussion! The first half of the show is devoted to the making of On a Country Road and the second half of the episode focuses on Dark Shadows. Discussion topics also include: the Ragged Isle web series, the Night is Falling comic book, Village Con, Sharon’s memories of DS castmates, London Bridge Is Falling Down, DS fandom, and much more!

Dark Shadows certainly boasted a memorable and iconic roster of main characters, but there were also a plethora of outstanding supporting and minor characters in the series. These characters, and the actors who played them, brought something special to the show. In this episode of Terror at Collinwood, longtime fan Nick Caputo visits to discuss these noteworthy short-term characters. Nick is a writer, blogger, and Steve Ditko expert who brings his vast comics knowledge to the table during the discussion. Other topics include: Nick’s DS memories, collecting the bubblegum cards, buying comics, Steve Ditko, Roy Thomas, the DS and comics connection, DS Festivals, and more!

On December 16th, 1968, David Selby made his first appearance as Quentin Collins on ‘Dark Shadows’. The character soon became a major sensation and pop culture icon, catapulting the hit show to even greater ratings heights as viewers witnessed Quentin’s intriguing backstory. To help commemorate his legendary character’s 55th anniversary, David Selby visits the podcast for this special holiday season episode. Discussion topics include: Christmas plans, Ansel Faraj’s ‘The Great Nick D’ and ‘Todd Tarantula’, getting cast as Quentin, Dan Curtis, sideburns and Vincent Loscalzo, memories of fellow DS actors, Earl Hamner and ‘The Waltons’, ‘Night of Dark Shadows’ restoration, writing a new novel, coming back for ‘Dark Shadows: Reincarnation’, and some words about the late, great Lara Parker. Please join us for this festive yuletide celebration of Quentin's 55th anniversary!

The episode opens with the sad news of Lara Parker’s passing. Note: The interview with Stuart took place the week before. Please read my post Goodbye, Lara Parker on the Terror at Collinwood Blog — Stuart Manning returns to Terror at Collinwood to discuss the upcoming issue 2 of Daytime Gothic, a charity print fanzine devoted to Dark Shadows. Stuart is still accepting submissions for the new issue, so be sure to listen for details on how to send in your proposals. Other topics include: a chat about issue one and some of its contents, cast and crew involvement in the 'zine, the "Emergency Episode" of DS, and more. Stuart also offers some tantalizing hints about what to expect in issue two!

The Weird Cat is a new anthology edited by Katherine Kerestman and S. T. Joshi. It features more than three dozen short stories, poems, and essays by classic and contemporary masters of horror, including returning podcast guests, the acclaimed authors Katherine Kerestman and Stephen Mark Rainey. They visit the show to discuss The Weird Cat and its contents. Mark and Katherine also talk about how Dark Shadows served as a creative influence. The conversation then steers into discussion about Deathrealm Spirits, Mark's new anthology, and the intriguing idea of a Dark Shadows fiction anthology.

Emmy Award-winning makeup artist Todd McIntosh has over 40 years of experience in the television and film industries, boasting such credits as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Pushing Daisies, Dr. Strange, Dracula Dead and Loving It, Masters of the Universe, The Brady Bunch Movie, and many more. He was the Makeup Department Head on the 2004 WB Dark Shadows pilot and happens to be a huge fan of the original ABC series! In fact, Todd cites Dark Shadows as a major influence on his interests in makeup, monsters, and prosthetics during his formative years. He visits Terror at Collinwood to discuss a variety of topics, including his memories of watching DS, his early experiences as a professional makeup artist, his memories of working on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, memories of working with Mel Brooks, meeting DS cast members, interactions with Dick Smith, and of course his work on the 2004 WB Dark Shadows pilot. Along the way, Todd shares a great story involving some impromptu fangs and Dan Curtis. On August 17, 2023, Todd will be part of a special tribute to makeup legend Dick Smith, presented by the Academy Museum at the Ted Mann Theater in Los Angeles, where he will be introducing House of Dark Shadows to an enthusiastic audience!

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Actress Donna Wandrey is best known to ‘Dark Shadows’ fans for her portrayal of the mysterious Roxanne Drew in 1970 Parallel Time as well as her even more mysterious counterpart in the show’s main time-band. With an extensive background in theatre and television that includes plays such as ‘The Norman Conquests’ and TV series such as ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’, Donna is a prolific actress who continues to perform in shows like the upcoming online production of ‘New York Stories’ on July 22 and 23, 2023. She visits ‘Terror at Collinwood’ to discuss her recent play ‘Fastened to the Moon’, and also shares many wonderful memories of her time on Dark Shadows!

It’s a ghoul-tide trip down memory lane in this Terror at Collinwood Christmas/Holiday special. I sit down with my family to discuss their memories of Dark Shadows. Other topics include: moving to America from Portugal, getting into 60’s pop culture, growing up in the 60’s, Dracula actors, binge watching in the 80’s before it was a thing, family interests in spooky stuff, and much more! Featuring, in order of appearance, interviews with my: aunt Agatha, mom Zezinha, uncle Valdemar, cousin Karen, cousin Elijah, dad Tony, sister Amy, and sister Maggie.

Penny is joined by Dominique Lamssies, writer and blogger at the University of the Bizarre and head necromancer at the House of Silent Graves Etsy shop. Dominique and Penny are sent on an uncertain and frightening journey into the past as they explore Dark Shadows' groundbreaking 1795 storyline! Other topics include Dominique’s introduction to DS, the intersection of classism and sexism in 18th century Collinsport, Sarah’s powers, and more!

Dark Shadows has a huge following among LGBT+ fans, and this episode celebrates that fact with fun and insightful audio clips from passionate LGBT 'Dark Shadows' fans who express why DS resonates so strongly with them, and why they love the show so much. Featuring: Peter Mac, John Dimes, Bobby Lugosi, David-Elijah Nahmod, John Faust, and Julie M. Grizzle.