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Fun fact: Rose Red was originally conceived as a feature film for Steven Spielberg in 1996. Stephen King envisioned it as a loose remake of Robert Wise's 1963 film The Haunting (in other words, a take on the beloved Shirley Jackson novel The Haunting of Hill House). Instead, it was reworked years later as a TV miniseries that became a ratings smash for ABC in 2002. Several members of the Losers’ Club even recall watching it when it first aired. Now, 20 years later, they’ve gathered to revisit the estate’s phantom halls. Join the Losers as they discuss the series’ impressively bizarre ensemble, its wretched CGI, and the surprise tragedy that nearly derailed production. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The heat is on, and the Losers are sweating as they check out Keith Thomas' new re-imagining of Stephen King's fiery 1980 novel Firestarter. Join Losers Michael Roffman, Randall Colburn, Jenn Adams, and special guest Ashley Casseday of the Keep It Weird podcast as they burn through the new blockbuster. Together, they discuss Scott Teems' translation from page to screen, the intriguing new turn for John Rainbird, the body horror, John Carpenter's muscular score, and much more. Stick around, though, because later on, Keith Thomas joins the Losers for a chat about the making of the film! The Vigil filmmaker discusses how he got involved in the production, the dangers of shooting with real fire, the dream of working alongside Carpenter, horror vs IP, and how they resurrected this story in a post-Stranger Things climate. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the latest installment of their On Writers series, the Losers talk to My Heart Is a Chainsaw author Stephen Graham Jones about the book’s long road to publication, “likable” characters in fiction, and his own evolving relationship to the slashers of yore. Jones also discusses his favorite Stephen King books and the Skeleton Crew story that helped inspire My Heart is a Chainsaw. He also teases what’s to come in the trilogy’s next two volumes. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Here's a preview of our new Patreon exclusive series Talkin’ Hawkins. It’s a limited spinoff podcast that flips King’s Dominion Upside Down to discuss all things Stranger Things in anticipation of the fourth season. There will be four episodes dedicated to each season and each installment will see your Losers and a special guest discussing the kids, the adults, the '80s references, their favorite needle drops, and, naturally, all the connections to Stephen King – and there are many. This first episode covers Season 1 and you can get it now by becoming a member of our Patreon, The Barrens (Patreon), by visiting www.patreon.com/thebarrens. You'll also unlock hundreds of hours of bonus content that includes our Stephen King archival series, our Dark Tower Detour spinoff series, our spooky Soul’s Midnights, dozens of commentaries on all your favorite Stephen King movies, in-depth interviews, and over 20 locked episodes from the past five years. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stephen King and Peter Straub's Black House is an odd duck, a behemoth of a sequel (to The Talisman) that’s as grisly as it is hilarious. In this episode, the Losers grapple with the story’s tonal irregularities and celebrate its unbridled nastiness. They also discuss its role as a narrative bridge in King’s Dark Tower saga, and how its portrait of Mid-World dovetails with the fantasy world of The Talisman. Is its stark portrait of good and evil simplistic or subversive? Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The ice is gonna break. In the latest installment of The Long Watch, the Losers return to Castle Rock to channel their thoughts on David Cronenberg's The Dead Zone. Joining them at the Weizak Clinic is Manhunt author Gretchen Felker-Martin who helps them chip through the harrowing drama. From getting the script right with Jeffrey Boam to being saved by producer Debra Hill, scrapping alternate endings to shooting on haunted locales, the Losers take aim at everything. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Lawrence Kasdan's Dreamcatcher. It had the tools, it had the talent. So, what went wrong? That's a question the Losers attempt to answer in their latest movie episode. Grab a toothpick and join co-hosts Randall Colburn, Michael Roffman, Rachel Reeves, and I Blame Society writer-director Gillian W. Horvat as they revisit the curious Kasdan joint and meditate on a kind of blockbuster we just don't get anymore (and probably never will again). Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The heat is on across King's Dominion. So, once again, the Losers are putting on their shades, revving up their Plymouth Fury convertible, and heading to Hollywood King. This month, they're weighing in on news surrounding HBO Max's forthcoming It prequel series Welcome to Derry, returning to the Overlook with Ben Stiller, and weighing in on King's recent interview with The Archbishop. They also digress on favorite concerts, the Oscars, and why Disclosure should have been made into a 16-bit video game. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Here's a preview of our new Patreon-exclusive Lobstrosities episode on Firestarter: Rekindled. Want to hear the full track? Become a member of The Barrens (Patreon) by visiting www.patreon.com/thebarrens. You'll unlock over a hundred hours of exclusive, bonus content that includes other hilarious Ka-mmentary tracks, our King archival series, our Dark Tower Detour spinoff, weekly mini-sodes requested by members, dozens upon dozens of locked episodes, and monthly Zoom hangouts. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Losers head to Hobb's End, light up a few smokes, and prove that THIS IS NOT REALITY by mining the Stephen King out of John Carpenter's 1994 Sam Neill stunner In the Mouth of Madness. Note: This episode was recorded in March 2021 and has since been unlocked from our Patreon's Derry Private Library archives. Join today for over 100 hours of exclusive content! Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon | Store See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Few Stephen King novels have as lousy a reputation as Dreamcatcher. Join the Losers as they probe and dissect a book that astounds as much as it baffles. Is it as bad as its reputation suggests? Yes and no. Let's just say, the novel's relentless musings on death and pain hit that much harder when viewed through the lens of King’s own recovery following his 1999 accident. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Losers sit down with singer-songwriter and best-selling author John Darnielle to discuss his latest novel Devil House, the ethics in true crime writing, modern horror, and, of course, Stephen King. It’s the first installment of a new series for The Losers' Club in which they interview modern genre authors about their latest works. Needless to say, they couldn’t have asked for a better inaugural subject as Darnielle’s enthusiasm and curiosity are infectious. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Losers untie another big ol' Bag of Bones and answer your questions. Questions like "Is Pennywise still alive in Derry?"; "Which Loser would work best with King on a new novel?"; "What questions would we ask King?", "Which King story demands a requel and why?"; and "What should be written on King's tombstone?". Want to ask them a question on the next Bag of Bones episode? Become an Overlook patron at www.patreon.com/thebarrens. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Wendy, we're home. In the latest installment of The Long Watch, the Losers return to The Overlook Hotel to unravel Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. Joining them in The Gold Room is writer-producer Jed Shepherd (Host, Dashcam) who helps them deconstruct the late auteur's timeless puzzle. From the storied production history to the rich sonic tapestries, the endless theories to the iconic cast, very little blood is left in the elevator. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the second of two episodes dedicated to King’s 2000 treatise On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, the Losers cut to the chase and weigh in on King's tools of the trade. Together, they debate on the pros and cons of his advice, meditate on the emotional closing section involving his 1999 accident, and grade the memoir with bright, red Pennywise clown noses. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Here's a preview of our new Patreon-exclusive book episode on Stephen King and Richard Chizmar's new novel, Gwendy's Final Task. Want to hear the full track? Become a member of The Barrens (Patreon) by visiting www.patreon.com/thebarrens. You'll unlock over a hundred hours of exclusive, bonus content that includes other hilarious Ka-mmentary tracks, our King archival series, our Dark Tower Detour spinoff, weekly mini-sodes requested by members, dozens upon dozens of locked episodes, and monthly Zoom hangouts. Beware of spoilers for the entire Dark Tower series. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the first of two episodes dedicated to Stephen King's 2000 treatise On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, the Losers take notes from the Master of Horror and ponder whether he's also the Master of The Craft. Together, they discuss how King wields a masterclass from his memories, connect his many anecdotes to his countless works in King's Dominion, and wrestle with their own trials and tribulations when it comes to writing themselves. Stay tuned for part two next week. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Here's a preview of our new series Dark Tower Detour, which studies the minutiae of Roland's quest towards the Tower. The latest episode finds the Dans speaking with author Richard Chizmar, who discusses his latest collaboration with Stephen King, Gwendy's Final Task. Together, they discuss the novel's connections to The Tower, what it's like to team up with America's most prolific author, and just who exactly is the mysterious Richard Farris. Want to hear the full track? Become a member of The Barrens (Patreon) by visiting www.patreon.com/thebarrens. You'll unlock over a hundred hours of exclusive, bonus content that includes other hilarious Ka-mmentary tracks, our King archival series, weekly mini-sodes requested by members, dozens upon dozens of locked episodes, and monthly Zoom hangouts. Beware of spoilers for the entire Dark Tower series. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Losers get all lovey and dovey and name the 10 Stephen King titles everyone should read on Valentine's Day. So, grab some bubbly and celebrate Cupid's big day with Losers Jenn Adams, Dan Caffrey, Michael Roffman, and special guest Julia Marchese of Horror Movie Survival Guide. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon | Store See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

At last, the trailer has arrived for Keith Thomas' highly anticipated adaptation of Stephen King's Firestarter, due out May 13th on Peacock. Because of this, the Losers have returned to The Shop, where they break down the trailer and wrestle with their emotions -- particularly, Jenn "Firestarter" Adams. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.