Laughing in the Dark: Samantha Hale Brings Horror Fandom to New Special Horror Nerd

In her new comedy special Horror Nerd, comedian Samantha Hale turns a lifelong love of scary movies into a twisted celebration of horror culture. Born out of pandemic-era creativity and a passion for iconic fright-film locations, the special showcases Hale’s unique blend of stand-up and genre obsession.

Horror Nerd isn’t only for horror buffs though; it’s about finding comfort in the spooky side of life. Hale best describes the special as Beetlejuice-like, “It’s irreverent, it’s smart, it’s campy, it’s absurd, it’s nostalgic, it’s welcoming to all kinds of movie lovers. Funny, yet…demonic”. Hale discusses Horror Nerd more in-depth in the interview below.

Learn where you can watch Samantha Hale: Horror Nerd here.

Tell us about Horror Nerd and how it came into fruition?

It truly came from such an unexpected turn of events in the world, really. I had been doing stand-up for about ten years and had several bits on horror films for sure, but the pandemic changed everything. Live entertainment was shut down in Los Angeles, and I was, of course, stressed out and having a hard time staying inspired to write. I couldn’t really work much for almost two years.

So, I had to find ways to pass the time. I started visiting the most iconic horror film locations just for fun, like the Michael Myers house, or the Nightmare on Elm Street house, and would film jokes about the movie in front of them. I had a blast doing it, and people were incredibly receptive and kept asking which house location I would be writing material for next.

That is when I knew I was onto something. I was excited about these new jokes I was writing, and so were my friends and followers who love horror. It happened organically, and I became one of the many people who found new ways of creating art in the chaos of the pandemic.

Do you think stand-up has become more welcoming to horror and pop culture-based material in recent years?

I think pop culture in general has always had a place in comedy, especially in late-night television. Comedians have always dissected current events and media. But it’s still on the rare side for most mainstream comics to do more than one horror reference in their set.

I’m sure there are plenty of comics out there who might talk about a horror franchise if it’s current, or have a joke or two about scary movies, but the only comics I have seen really go to town on horror are Dana Gould and Patton Oswalt. And they are friends!

Actually, Dana hops on Horror Nerd anytime he is in town, and we have a group that goes to all the LA haunts together during spooky season. He’s one of the funniest people you will ever meet.

Do you think women in the genre still have to “prove” their horror cred more than male fans or performers do?

Much like the world of stand-up as well, women still may have to prove their credentials when first breaking into the horror community. I still have been on many shows where I am the only woman on the lineup, but I think it’s definitely better than it used to be. I have seen many comments on female comedians’ social media pages saying, “women just aren’t funny.”

I would imagine that female filmmakers run into men who don’t give them a fair shot or make them prove themselves more than would require a man to. But I will say this: I have worked with many men, both in comedy and within the horror community, who are incredibly supportive and who absolutely view women as equals.

I think overall, people are starting to realize that women love horror just as much, and in many cases, more so than men.

When you’re performing for a mixed crowd—some hardcore horror nerds, some casuals—how do you adjust your material on the fly?

Great question. It’s definitely a challenge sometimes, yet sometimes the crowd seems pretty typical, then winds up being really into the horror material. Whenever I know I’m about to do some of my horror bits, I literally ask them, “Do you like scary movies?”

I go full Ghost Face. I actually love doing crowd work. I love genuinely talking to audiences and getting to know at least a few of them. If I get a good crowd that shouts out their favorite movies, I’ll hopefully already have a bit about that film, and if not, I’ll do a riff on it. But if they blank stare at me when I mention horror, I’ll maybe do just a couple of jokes about more popular mainstream horror films, then move on to material they may be more excited by. It’s always a gamble.

What’s one horror movie scene you’d love to see turned into a stand-up bit—by you or anyone?

I don’t know how I or anyone would do it, but somehow doing an act out of the big grand finale of The Substance would be insane. Like, how could you show an audience the insanity that is Monstro Sue literally falling apart from the pressures of the film industry. That would be iconic, and also symbolic of how hard the stand-up comedy world is as well.

Do you have a favorite horror-comedy film that perfectly captures what Horror Nerd is about?

Beetlejuice is the first film that comes to mind and is in my top three movies of all time. It’s irreverent, it’s smart, it’s campy, it’s absurd, it’s nostalgic, it’s welcoming to all kinds of movie lovers, it’s the exact tone and vibe I want Horror Nerd to be. Funny, yet…demonic.

We heard you did eleven drafts of Horror Nerd. Was there a particular joke or bit that just refused to work until the final draft?

Oh, I love that question. I would say the bit I worked the hardest on might be the opening, where I talk about all the films and characters, female characters especially, that shaped me into who I am today.

I really wanted to get it right, and I really wanted to pay tribute to the horror icons who inspired me and set me off on this horror journey. The bit we really had to rework several times was the one about meeting some of my heroes at conventions.

Of course, all the hardcore horror fans would know what the conventions are like, but we had to assume that many of our viewers may have never been to one before.

What horror movie do you think accidentally nails stand-up structure—setup, tension, and punchline?

Weapons is the first film that comes to mind. The Substance as well. These are films that are taking on very emotional fears, like aging and everything that comes with that – feeling forgotten and the fear of your body not being as healthy or beautiful as it used to be, and being able to make the audience still laugh out loud at horrific circumstances.

Absolutely genius. Amy Madigan and Demi Moore had me feeling ALL of the emotions. Comedy is tragedy plus time, and both those films nailed it.

Have you ever had a joke that horror fans loved but general audiences just didn’t get, or vice versa?

I can usually get away with material on the more mainstream franchises, but I probably won’t go to my deep cuts on a regular show. Every audience is so unique, depending on the energy of the room, the age and demographic of the audience, and where I’m at on the lineup. But you never know.

One time, I had a late twenties looking woman wearing a Jason Voorhees hoodie, and when I asked her if she was a big Friday the 13th fan, she shut me down with a super hard “NO.” When I saw her hoodie, I really thought I would go into my Jason material, but I laughed at how hard she said no, then moved on.

But then, reversely, sometimes I have an older crowd, and they can’t get enough of my Exorcist bits and let me get away with my chunk on 70s films. You just have to roll with it and change course if needed.

Horror and humor can both be coping mechanisms. Has your love of horror ever helped you get through tough times?

Oh absolutely. When I’m feeling sad or stressed, sometimes all I want to do is zone out to one of my scary comfort movies that I have really great memories attached to. I can go from wanting to quit comedy to putting on Poltergeist, and I’m quickly reminded of why I fell in love with horror, and why I’m devoting my comedy to it.

And I’m reminded of the times I watched it with my dad, and it’s refreshing.

Who’s your personal “final girl” role model in life or comedy?

Joan Rivers will always be my final girl. She could make it out of any situation, any show, any roast battle, and come out on top.

I watched her documentary, Piece of Work, and was blown away by her vulnerability, her work ethic, and her ability to take incredibly scary situations and find the humor in them. There is Laurie Strode, then there is Joan Rivers.