Terror at Collinwood

[PennyDreadful]

Terror at Collinwood Episode 122: A TaC Christmas Episode
 DS 60th Anniversary Event Details, TaC Questionnaire, Channel 58 & Family Memories
This yuletide episode kicks off with information about the 60th Anniversary Dark Shadows Event in Los Angeles, happening July 31-Agust 2, 2026. After that, you’re invited to participate in the anonymous Terror at Collinwood questionnaire to help shape future episodes of the podcast. The second half of the show features a trip down memory lane as Penny D revisits family memories and talks about her fondness for WCVX-TV58, a commercial channel out of Cape Cod Massachusetts that aired DS in the 1980s.
 
AUDIO VERSION:
www.terroratcollinwood.com/episodes/terror-at-collinwood-episode-122-a-tac-christmas-episode-ds-60th-anniversary-event-details-tac-questionnaire-channel-58-amp-family-memories
 
VIDEO VERSION:
https://youtu.be/rTuM62E0gJ0

Terror at Collinwood anonymous questionnaire:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeupZcyKqpqYH68cJ_PsfAmItVvEYUrBpvfIcL5vwJkBsov6A/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawOu2P9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFTajEyWlJJVkxSbzFwa2cwc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpSTN4LFZ8RY1BuexPa29VlvG7__dvT86e8mBnvZ89Qkciu1zCyJipQE_1sp_aem_V694tOjyjXuBIZu2s-uGsA

[Mysterious Benefactor]

talks about her fondness for WCVX-TV58, a commercial channel out of Cape Cod Massachusetts that aired DS in the 1980s.

That's the station that I was also able to watch DS on in syndication.    In fact, I've shared a few of their DS promos on the forum...

I'll definitely check out your memories. 

[PennyDreadful]

talks about her fondness for WCVX-TV58, a commercial channel out of Cape Cod Massachusetts that aired DS in the 1980s.

That's the station that I was also able to watch DS on in syndication.    In fact, I've shared a few of their DS promos on the forum...

I'll definitely check out your memories. 

That's really cool, MB! I loved watching DS on channel 58. I will have to poke around on the forum to check out those promos, which I would love to see again! I wonder if you posted, or have, the one I described on the podcast from when they *gasp* threatened to take DS off the air during the Quentin's ghost/werewolf storyline. It'd be great to see that again!

I was also trying to figure out exactly when WCVX aired DS. I want to say it was 1985-1988 or maybe 1986 to 1989.
Earlier, my uncle's friend Mark was getting him tapes of multi-generation recordings from sydicated broadcasts starting in 1982 and trickling through 1983 and maybe into 1984. I seem to remember some of these were out of Indiana and other places.

It took a while before we found out Channel 58 was airing DS, locally, because there was what felt like a long gap between the end of the fan tapes and the discovery of the WCVX broadcasts.
We started watching channel 58 early on in the Adam storyline, so they had been running it for a year by then.

I also wonder when the time changed, because I definitely watched it mainly at 4:00 or 4:30, but I think initially it was on in the late mornings. Maybe I'll try to track down some old Boston-area TV guides or look at microfilm for Cape Cod-area TV listings for that timeframe.

[Mysterious Benefactor]

I wonder if you posted, or have, the one I described on the podcast from when they *gasp* threatened to take DS off the air during the Quentin's ghost/werewolf storyline. It'd be great to see that again!

I know I do. Though I don't currently have access to my syndication tapes. But once I do I'll definitely track it down.

I was also trying to figure out exactly when WCVX aired DS. I want to say it was 1985-1988 or maybe 1986 to 1989.

It was definitely 1985-1988. And I'll have to check out the exact date it started, but I know that it was sometime in the summer of 1985. I will never forget when I was checking out the TV Guide listings in September of 1985 and I suddenly saw that DS was airing on Channel 58. At the time I could barely get the station - but I was soon at my local Radio Shack to get a good UHF antenna and a signal booster. Thank heavens for Radio Shack's gadgets!! 

I also wonder when the time changed, because I definitely watched it mainly at 4:00 or 4:30, but I think initially it was on in the late mornings. Maybe I'll try to track down some old Boston-area TV guides or look at microfilm for Cape Cod-area TV listings for that timeframe.

Again, something I'll have to track things down, but I'm pretty sure at first it aired at 11:30am, but then during the 1795 storyline it switched to nights at 9:00pm (right around the time Barnabas dies and Joshua buries him in the mausoleum - and I was pissed because there was no warning of the time change beforehand - I just happened upon it by accident after I went to watch my tape, found out DS hadn't aired that morning, but just happened to go by Channel 58 while channel surfing and there were Josette and Countess DuPres discussing Barnabas' death in the Old House's drawing room right before Joshua has the servants take Barnabas' coffin out of the house - needless to say I grabbed a tape and started recording and after the ep was done I reprogrammed my VCR), and then it went to 4:00 or 4:30, but that time there was warning.

[Mysterious Benefactor]

and I was pissed because there was no warning of the time change beforehand

I probably should have mentioned that the TV Guide didn't even have the time change until a couple weeks after it happened. 

[PennyDreadful]

Thanks for the info, MB. I knew they switched it around at some point but didn't realize they did it more than once. And thanks for confirming '85-'88!

Terror at Collinwood Episode 123: Why 1897 Works with Danny Horn and Laramie Dean

Danny Horn of the Dark Shadows Every Day blog and author Laramie Dean of the Shadows on the Wall online fanzine return to Terror at Collinwood to discuss the elements and characters that make 1897 such a popular and compelling DS storyline. Other topics include: A character analysis chat about Barnabas Collins, why Quentin Collins is so enjoyable, the 1897 Collins siblings, Laramie’s thoughts on the new Curse of Dark Shadows graphic novel, and information about Danny’s Fantastic Miss Piggy Podcast and Laramie’s new book, Haunt Me, Then. The episode concludes with some talk about whether we need a new DS TV series or not. Join us for this fun and convivial conversation!
 
AUDIO VERSION:
www.terroratcollinwood.com/episodes/terror-at-collinwood-episode-123-why-1897-works-with-danny-horn-and-laramie-dean
 
VIDEO VERSION:
https://youtu.be/X2_zVttwSII

[PennyDreadful]

Terror at Collinwood Episode 124: Hopes for the DS 60th Anniversary Event and More with Guy Haines

Guy Haines returns to the podcast! We discuss and share our hopes for the Dark Shadows 60th anniversary event in Los Angeles, happening July 31st-August 2nd, 2026. In addition, we run down the merchandise that has been announced for 2026 thus far and talk about some things we’d like to see. The Monsterama convention in Atlanta (Aug. 7-9) also gets a shoutout. We also go over the recent sale of Seaview Terrace (Collinwood from the original TV series) to artist Hunt Slonem. In addition, Guy shares his memories of attending the 1988 Dark Shadows Off-Broadway play in New York. Won’t you pour yourself a sherry and join us?

AUDIO VERSION:
www.terroratcollinwood.com/episodes/terror-at-collinwood-episode-124-hopes-for-the-ds-60th-anniversary-event-and-more-with-guy-haines

VIDEO VERSION:
https://youtu.be/sKC4OuIRi4g

[PennyDreadful]

Terror at Collinwood Episode 125: A Look Back at ShadowCon and Fiction with Jean Graham

Jean Graham, née Peacock, was one of the founders of ShadowCon, the original Dark Shadows convention which started in 1977, predating the Dark Shadows Festivals by several years. With the last Dark Shadows convention on the horizon, Jean visits the podcast to talk about her memories of the very first one. She also discusses the challenges of early DS syndication days in the 70s, her DS fanfic and how that led to pro fiction publishing, her DS music arrangements and piano playing, and her fandom for The Man from U.N.C.L.E and Star Trek. Other topics include: dark fairy tales, the appeal of Barnabas, Mr. Spock, and Illya Kuryakin to outsiders, San Diego Comic Con - then vs now, sneaking into a movie theater balcony to watch House of Dark Shadows, and throwing a DS Halloween party in 1970. 
 
AUDIO VERSION:
www.terroratcollinwood.com/episodes/terror-at-collinwood-episode-125-a-look-back-at-shadowcon-and-fiction-with-jean-graham
 
VIDEO VERSION:
https://youtu.be/tilODNRtuzw

[PennyDreadful]

Terror at Collinwood Episode 126: Most Amusing Character Moments with Richard Halpern

Although Dark Shadows was a supernatural Gothic drama, there were several characters who displayed humorous traits throughout the series. From the outrageous Carl Collins and Pansy Faye to the eccentric Eagle Hill Cemetery caretaker and the put-upon Mrs. Johnson, this episode takes a look at the lighter side of Dark Shadows. Returning to the podcast to discuss these amusing character moments is entertainer and groovy Austin Powers tribute artist, Richard Halpern. In addition to our main discussion, we talk about Richard’s experiences as emcee at the Dark Shadows Festivals, Baby Dark Shadows, the Collinsport Players, his recent Austin Powers adventures, and much more!
 
AUDIO VERSION:
www.terroratcollinwood.com/episodes/terror-at-collinwood-episode-126-most-amusing-character-moments-with-richard-halpern
 
VIDEO VERSION:
https://youtu.be/PDjnhGNLE1o

[PennyDreadful]

Terror at Collinwood Episode 127: Sy Tomashoff: Dark Shadows by Design book by Patty Karapinar

Scenic Designer Sy Tomashoff was instrumental in creating the look for Dark Shadows. From the Collinwood Foyer and Drawing Room, to the Old House, to the Collins Mausoleum, and the Blue Whale, Sy’s iconic sets and innovative designs were integral to establishing and perpetuating the feel and mood of the series. For the first time, Sy’s career, with a special focus on Dark Shadows, is spotlighted in the upcoming book, Sy Tomashoff: Dark Shadows by Design by Patty Karapinar. Patty, a respected and skilled architect, offers unique insights into Sy Tomashoff’s work in a meticulously researched book that includes blueprints, artwork, photos, and interviews. Join us as we discuss Patty’s process in putting the book together and talk about some of our favorite Dark Shadows sets.

AUDIO VERSION:
www.terroratcollinwood.com/episodes/terror-at-collinwood-episode-127-sy-tomashoff-dark-shadows-by-design-book-by-patty-karapinar

VIDEO VERSION:
https://youtu.be/JQsjiBh88uQ

[PennyDreadful]

Terror at Collinwood Episode 128: The Shadows Behind the Shadows Part One

This episode features part one of an overview that looks at the literary, cinematic, and other influences on the following Dark Shadows story arcs: Victoria Winters’ Arrival, Burke Devlin’s Revenge, Laura the Phoenix, the Blackmailing of Elizabeth, and the Introduction of Barnabas Collins.
 
AUDIO VERSION:
www.terroratcollinwood.com/episodes/terror-at-collinwood-episode-128-the-shadows-behind-the-shadows-part-one
 
VIDEO VERSION:
https://youtu.be/peE8KsoTr6w

[PennyDreadful]

Terror at Collinwood Episode 129: The Shadows Behind the Shadows Part Two

Join Penny Dreadful for part two of Terror at Collinwood’s “The Shadows Behind the Shadows”, an overview that examines the cinematic, literary, theatrical, and other influences on the following Dark Shadows story arcs: the 1795 storyline, the Creation of Adam & Eve and the Dream Curse, Return to 1796, the Werewolf and the Ghost of Quentin Collins.
 
AUDIO VERSION:
www.terroratcollinwood.com/episodes/terror-at-collinwood-episode-129-the-shadows-behind-the-shadows-part-two
 
VIDEO VERSION:
https://youtu.be/hj0u-952fFg

[McTrooper]

Episode 129: The Shadows Behind the Shadows Part Two was really cool 

The 1995 storyline  . . . I can’t say I’ve known any fiction that inspired it, but asa kid and / or teen I made / played a story with my Legos where people went into the future ruined by events in the past.  They tried to bring a helpful character back with them, but it disappeared and the heroes were able to stop the future they visited from happening. 
That was even before I watched the original Dark Shadows series.  Maybe before the 1991 one too. 

So  . . . Maybe traveling to the future is fairly obvious a story, but DS did it with heart and intrigue that really made it special and spectacular. 

[PennyDreadful]

Terror at Collinwood Episode 130: The Shadows Behind the Shadows Part Three

Welcome to part three of Terror at Collinwood’s “The Shadows Behind the Shadows” series. This episode examines the cinematic, literary, theatrical, mythological, and other influences on the following Dark Shadows story arcs: the 1897 storyline, the Leviathans, and 1970 Parallel Time. In addition, the “housekeeping” segment features additional insights and information from past Terror at Collinwood guests, Dominique Lamssies and Stephen R. Shutt.
 
AUDIO VERSION:
www.terroratcollinwood.com/episodes/terror-at-collinwood-episode-130-the-shadows-behind-the-shadows-part-three
 
VIDEO VERSION:
https://youtu.be/rApZQVniB_I

Episode 129: The Shadows Behind the Shadows Part Two was really cool 

The 1995 storyline  . . . I can’t say I’ve known any fiction that inspired it, but asa kid and / or teen I made / played a story with my Legos where people went into the future ruined by events in the past.  They tried to bring a helpful character back with them, but it disappeared and the heroes were able to stop the future they visited from happening. 
That was even before I watched the original Dark Shadows series.  Maybe before the 1991 one too. 

So  . . . Maybe traveling to the future is fairly obvious a story, but DS did it with heart and intrigue that really made it special and spectacular.

Thanks for sharing this great childhood story, McTrooper!
Are you looking forward to the new MOTU movie?? I got my tickets for opening weekend!

[PennyDreadful]

Terror at Collinwood Episode 131: Dark Shadows Legacy book with Kathryn Leigh Scott and John Logan

Actress, writer, and Dark Shadows star Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans, Josette) and screenwriter and playwright John Logan (Michael, Penny Dreadful, Red) return to the podcast to discuss the upcoming Dark Shadows Legacy book. This new hardcover volume is packed with essays about many different aspects of the Dark Shadows phenomenon by cast members representing every version of DS, as well as essays by a variety of fans and creators. In addition, Dark Shadows Legacyshowcases rare photos, artwork, and more. As a special treat for fans, the video version of this episode features a first look at the stunning book cover by Rondo Award-winning artist, Mark Maddox!
 
AUDIO VERSION:
www.terroratcollinwood.com/episodes/terror-at-collinwood-episode-131-dark-shadows-legacy-book-with-kathryn-leigh-scott-and-john-logan
 
VIDEO VERSION:
https://youtu.be/NVlDjZpildk