MeTV’s Horror Host ‘Svengoolie’ Plans Expansion With Nationwide Talent Search (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at Large “Svengoolie” is growing. The MeTV horror host, whose first primetime special on the classic TV network aired this weekend, is spearheading a nationwide talent search to find fans to appear in “Svengoolie” off-shoots.

The campaign, dubbed “Spawn of Svengoolie,” was announced on October 1 at the conclusion of “Svengoolie Uncrypted,” a one-hour special that followed the character, played by Rich Koz, as he escaped his dungeon and explored the world — and showcased the more than 43 years of the character. “Svengoolie” has been a local Chicago TV staple for more than four decades; Weigel Broadcasting, which owns MeTV, added the character to its national lineup in 2011.

More recently, the network noticed an uptick in viewership on Saturday nights, particularly during the pandemic, as horror fans stayed home to watch “Svengoolie’s” campy and often obscure horror films, and more importantly, Svengoolie’s horror movie facts, trivia and corny dad jokes. “I always say he’s the number one horror host you’ve never heard of,” said Donna D’Alessandro, exec VP and head of content at Weigel Broadcasting. “The show grew 30% in two years, hitting about a million viewers every Saturday night.

That to me was unbelievable statistic. A lot of the coastal cities are learning who Svengoolie is now. But we’re still trying to get him out there.