Calling all stations, clear the air lanes, clear all air lanes for the big broadcast.
The character of Svengoolie originated in Chicago on WFLD (Channel 32) in September 1970 on a show called Screaming Yellow Theater. The show’s premise was simple but brilliant: a comical host introducing and commenting on horror and sci-fi films.
Svengoolie introduced a horror or science fiction movie in each episode, often from the Universal classic catalogue.
Throughout the film, he interjected with humorous skits, song parodies, and facts about the film. A recurring gag involved rubber chickens being thrown at Svengoolie at the end of a joke.
Jerry G. Bishop (pictured) initially portrayed the character, with Rich Koz (a long-time fan of the character and former writer for the show) taking over in June 1979 as “Son of Svengoolie” before ultimately becoming just “Svengoolie”.
Svengoolie has had a few interruptions but has been consistently on-air since the ’70s. Although the precise episode count is elusive due to the show’s format and syndication changes, it has been airing for well over a half-century.
Svengoolie
Jerry G Bishop (1)
Rich Koz (2) Doug Graves
Doug Scharf Zallman T. Tombstone/Kerwyn/Boddy Sorrell
Rich Koz (voice) Durwood the Dummy
Jerry G Bishop (voice)
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Svengoolie introduced a horror or science fiction movie in each episode, often from the Universal classic catalogue.
