MonsterVision (1996)
TNT's beloved late-night cult movie showcase, hosted by the one and only Joe Bob Briggs from 1995 to 2000.
MonsterVision - Series Information
- Original Title: MonsterVision
- First Air Year: 1996
- Last Air Year: 2000
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (120 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 239
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: TNT
- Production Companies: Turner Network Television, tall pony productions
MonsterVision - Plot
MonsterVision is an American variety series that aired on TNT from March 1, 1993 to September 2000. The series was hosted by Joe Bob Briggs from 1995 to 2000, and featured classic B and cult films from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Penn and Teller guest-hosted MonsterVision marathons before Briggs came on board as the full-time host. Late in its run, the show changed formats, discarded "Last Call," and became Joe Bob's Hollywood Saturday Night and Monstervision.
MonsterVision - Trailer
Watch the official MonsterVision trailer and get a taste of the cult movie magic:
MonsterVision - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- John Bloom
Writers
- John Bloom
Executive Producers
- Marsha Armstrong
MonsterVision - FAQs
What is MonsterVision about?
MonsterVision was a late-night TNT variety show built around screening classic B-movies and cult films from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Host Joe Bob Briggs provided irreverent commentary, trivia, and humor between film segments, making it a beloved destination for fans of schlocky, genre cinema.
Who hosted MonsterVision on TNT?
Joe Bob Briggs — the on-screen persona of writer John Bloom — hosted MonsterVision from 1995 until the show ended in September 2000. Before Briggs took over full-time, Penn and Teller guest-hosted special marathon editions, helping establish the show's irreverent, cult-friendly identity.
How many seasons and episodes does MonsterVision have?
MonsterVision ran for 5 seasons and 239 episodes in total. Season 1 (1996) was by far the largest with 160 episodes, followed by Season 2 with 40, Season 3 with 37, Season 4 with 31, and Season 5 (2000) wrapping things up with 25 episodes.
What happened to MonsterVision at the end of its run?
Late in its run, MonsterVision underwent a format change, dropping its signature "Last Call" segment and rebranding under two alternate titles: Joe Bob's Hollywood Saturday Night and Monstervision. The show ultimately ended in September 2000 after a seven-year run on TNT.
When did MonsterVision first air on TNT?
MonsterVision first aired on TNT on March 1, 1993, though the TMDb record tracks the show from 1996 onward. Joe Bob Briggs joined as the permanent host in 1995, and the series continued until September 2000, giving it a remarkable run of nearly a decade.
Is MonsterVision similar to Elvira's Movie Macabre?
Very much so. Both shows share the same DNA: a charismatic host, campy commentary, and a lineup of beloved B-movies and cult horror films. Elvira's Movie Macabre (1981) is probably the closest spiritual cousin to MonsterVision, and fans of one almost always enjoy the other.
What genre is MonsterVision?
MonsterVision blends Comedy, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy — a fitting mix for a show built around screening wild, genre-bending B-movies. The host's deadpan humor and sharp commentary added a strong comedic layer on top of the action and horror films being featured each week.
What are some shows similar to MonsterVision?
If MonsterVision is your kind of show, Elvira's Movie Macabre (1981) and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995) are natural starting points. For something more recent, Gen V (2023), Creature Commandos (2024), and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (2023) capture a similarly irreverent, genre-savvy spirit.
More About MonsterVision
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