Podcast Summary:

Podcast: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Episode: Amy & T.J.’s Deep Cuts Horror Hit List #25 “Late Night With The Devil”
Date: October 7, 2025

Episode Overview

In this Halloween special, Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes continue their countdown of the top horror movies, spotlighting their #25 pick: "Late Night with the Devil". The hosts dive deep into the film's premise, performances, strengths and drawbacks, and its unique standing in the genre. They provide their signature blend of playful banter, genuine enthusiasm, and critical insights, helping listeners decide if this supernatural thriller belongs on their holiday viewing list.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Unique Premise and Setting

• Single Location Horror: The entire film takes place on the set of a 1970s late night talk show, creating a distinctive atmosphere rare in horror.

  • Amy (03:56): “There was some found footage elements… but basically, essentially the whole thing takes place on stage. There’s one setting throughout the whole thing. So that’s really unique and pretty cool.”

• Concept: Host Jack Delroy, desperate to boost ratings after his wife’s death, hosts a Halloween special on October 31, 1977, unwittingly inviting evil into viewers' homes.

  • TJ (04:43): “Jack planned a Halloween special like no other. Unaware he's about to unleash evil into the living rooms of America.”

Acting & Lead Performance

• David Dastmalchian’s Standout Role
  • Hosts repeatedly praise Dastmalchian for his ability to embody both a late-night comic and a figure of tragic depth.
  • TJ (06:12): “This guy deserves more leading roles. He is, he's pretty incredible.”
  • Amy (07:05): “He had that late night talk show comedian thing down and was really great.”
  • Critics highlight his performance as a core strength of the film (08:12, 10:31).

Thematic Depth & Subversion

• Genre-Blending & Innovation
  • The film presents familiar horror themes (possession, ambition) but refreshes them through format and character study.
  • Amy (07:48): “You can’t really tell what’s going to happen. … You can’t quite figure out what’s happening, what’s real, what’s not… and then all hell breaks loose.”
  • TJ (09:19): “An original and disturbing horror film that takes the found footage formula to new ground. … Ambition and winning at all costs kind of is really the foundation of the movie.”

Aesthetics and Immersive Experience

• 1970s Authenticity: The film’s look, costumes, and even its grainy visuals sell the feeling of a genuine TV relic from 1977.
  • Amy (13:40): “You really almost feel like you’re in a time warp. Like you time travel to 1977 to watch this.”
  • TJ (12:59): “They do a really good job with the aesthetic. … The whole movie looks like you’re watching something from the 1970s.”

Intensity, Tone, and Scare Factor

• Building Tension & Payoff

  • The horror elements are slow-building, making the final act particularly rewarding.
  • Amy (12:36): “It all threads together. It all makes sense in the end.”
  • TJ (12:24): “There are moments where you’re on the edge of your seat waiting for what is about to happen. And I promise you, every time you guess you’re going to be wrong.”

• Type of Scares: Focuses more on atmosphere, possession, and psychological horror than traditional jump scares or gore.

  • Amy (14:12): “It doesn’t have jump scares necessarily. But this is just a thriller and a mystery till the end.”
  • TJ (22:46): “This is not overwhelmingly and throughout has gore and violence… but the scenes that do involve a little ick are really icky.”

Audience Reception & Critic Reviews

• Critical Acclaim: 97% Rotten Tomatoes score, 82% audience score.

  • Amy (04:28): “So this was pretty much liked by just about everybody who saw it.”
  • Hosts agree that audience score should be even higher.
    • Amy (26:11): “I think it should have been 100 and 100.”

• Dissenting Opinion: Only one negative review cited, dismissed by the hosts as out of touch with the film’s strengths.

  • Amy (11:19): "Late Night with the Devil could have been an interesting examination of power. Instead it is a sloppy, dull movie that refuses to commit to its own format. ... I couldn't agree less with this person."

Who Should (and Shouldn't) Watch

• For: Fans of demonic possession, atmospheric slow-burns, and those who enjoy innovative takes on classic horror themes.

  • Amy (13:56): “If you love demonic possession, if you love building tension… it's eerie and scary. … This is just a thriller and a mystery till the end.”
  • TJ (14:12): “We've seen a ton [of possession movies] … This one showed us something we’d never seen before.”

• Not For: Viewers averse to supernatural or demonic subject matter, or those watching alone and easily spooked.

  • Amy (21:38): “There are a lot of folks who… just stay away from the devil, any sort of possession… Definitely this movie is not for you. And I would also say if you are watching it alone, I would probably not want to watch this movie.”

• Viewing Recommendation: Best watched late at night, with someone to snuggle next to, not in a noisy group.

  • Amy (22:34): “You want to watch this late at night with someone who you don't mind cuddling up next to.”

Food & Drink Pairing

• Retro 70s Vibes: Martini, Manhattan, nuts, olives, charcuterie—all to match the period feel.
  • Amy (23:12): “Martini, a Manhattan, some nuts, some olives, some charcuterie… just getting into that retro 70s feel.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• TJ (04:43): “Unaware he's about to unleash evil into the living rooms of America. …you're intrigued.”
• Amy (08:12): “[Critic consensus:] 'Delightfully dark, Late Night with the Devil proves possession horror isn’t played out and serves as an outstanding showcase for David Desmalchian.'”
• Amy (08:52): “There are no locks for the devil. And this one is scary and apparently doesn’t care where you are or if cameras are rolling.”
• Amy (12:59): “Instead you get the devil—the guest that no one wants to attend and yet he shows up.”
• Amy (24:34): “If you get it—if you have a talker in the group, don’t invite them. …You really, really want to pay attention to this movie.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:55] - Episode Start/Intro to Movie
• [03:46-04:43] - Movie Synopsis & Setup
• [05:28-06:12] - Box Office Performance & Cast
• [07:05-07:48] - David Dastmalchian’s Performance
• [08:12-08:35] - Critical Reception & Genre Discussion
• [09:19] - Critics on Ambition & Innovation
• [11:19] - Only Negative Review
• [12:36-12:59] - Why it Made the List/Aesthetic Applause
• [13:23-13:56] - Who This Movie is For
• [21:38-22:34] - Who This Movie is Not For, Viewing Context
• [23:12-24:01] - Food & Drink Pairing
• [24:34] - Group vs. Couple Viewing, Final Thoughts
• [25:21] - Teaser for Next Episode

Final Thoughts

Amy and TJ deliver a compelling case for "Late Night with the Devil" as one of the standout modern horror entries—equal parts innovative, immersive, and genuinely unnerving. Their playful chemistry, coupled with deep genre knowledge, makes their breakdown a must-listen for horror fans deciding on this Halloween’s movie night. Their consensus: Don’t miss this gem—just don’t watch it alone in the dark.