Classic Television - Late Night

Screaming Yellow Theater with host Svengoolie

Original channel

WFLD 

Original run

September 18, 1970 –  1973

Screaming Yellow Theater with host Svengoolie is a hosted horror movie show. The title was derived from Screaming Yellow Zonkers, a yellow, sugary glazed popcorn snack, first produced in the 1960s. It wasn't until the revival that the show title and host's name were one and the same. It debuted on September 18, 1970 on WFLD (Channel 32) and ran until late summer 1973. Svengoolie was played then by Jerry G. Bishop. In later seasons, Rich Koz – a fan who sent in sketch ideas – became a show writer. In 1973, Kaiser Broadcasting took over WFLD from Field Communications and Screaming Yellow Theater was cancelled and replaced with The Ghoul from Cleveland.

"Svengoolie", the titular character of the show, is the host that introduces the film, tells jokes and relates factoids about the movie. The character was originally portrayed by former WCFL-AM personality Jerry G. Bishop (1936–2013), from 1970 to 1973. When the show returned in 1979, the role was taken up by Rich Koz, who plays the part today.