Host Highlights: The Essential Sean Collection

Welcome to the first edition of Host Highlights! In this series, we’re taking a look at the history of our show and selecting memorable episodes from our catalogue that really showcase each host’s unique tastes.

Our first article is a dive into the history of our Classic Horror Connoisseur, Sean, who joined us in October 2022. Just in time for…

Episode 235: The Munsters (2022)

It’s no surprise that The Classic Horror Connoisseur has an affinity for Rob Zombie films, because Rob Zombie himself is a big fan of classic horror. The Munsters is a unique film in Zombie’s filmography, but the 60’s influence is really a fitting introductory episode for Sean, and an early example of his interests. For a grittier Zombie episode where Sean gets to shine, check out…

Episode 280: The Devil’s Rejects (2005)  

But, of course, they can’t all be slashes. Throughout our show’s history there have been fun and sometimes contentious debates about whether a movie is a hack or slash. And at times, the team has been very divided on their personal ratings. Sean’s first hack couldn’t have been a more spicy episode…

Episode 244: Barbarian (2022)

This is a huge episode in Hack or Slash history, and memorably, was recorded live in our Discord so the listeners were able to chime in with their thoughts in the chat during the episode discussion. There was a strong 50/50 split, but Ryan had Sean’s back on this one. However, there was one episode where Sean stood alone…

Episode 256: Skinamarink (2022)

Sometimes we stand tallest when we stand alone. And this is arguably the quintessential Sean episode. The lone slash! He’s a fervent defender of Skinamarink. At Hack or Slash we believe horror is for everyone, and that sentiment is highlighted when a host like Sean shows his passion for a film that wasn’t as popular among our other members. 

Speaking of passion, we can’t talk about the Classic Horror Connoisseur without bringing up the plethora of classic horror films Sean has spoken about on the show, and reminiscing on a selection of highlights…

Episode 251: The Mummy (1932)
Episode 257: The Haunting (1963 vs 1999)
Episode 263: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1921)
Episode 316: Frankenstein (1931)
Episode 372: The Wolf Man (1941)

These are standout films from Sean’s time on the show, and they easily explain his choice of nickname. His knowledge of these movies runs deep, and his infectious attitude when it comes to the history of horror makes me excited to watch them so that I can hear Sean’s insights afterwards.

I’d like to throw in a dark horse mention for The Essential Sean Collection. After our beloved Gore Lover Alexis left the show, for the most part Sean has taken over the duties of checking the gore score for each episode. So I just want to give a shoutout to…

Episode 291: Peninsula (2020)

This Train to Busan sequel had an imperceptible body count due to the nature of the film and the high volume of fast moving zombies being taken out left and right, and yet Sean still made the effort to try and get an accurate reading on this gore score. That’s worth a mention in my books.

If you’d like to share your own favorite Sean episodes, or thoughts on any of these movies, feel free to join us in our Discord community to join in on the fun with other members. There will be more Host Highlights released in the future.

In the meantime, don’t be alarmed if your bedroom turns a sudden shade of dark blue. That’s just Sean watching Skinamarink in the background.