In the 70s and 80s, there was a popular TV concept floating around the U.S.: Horror movie shows.
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The concept was simple: A horror-themed character would host a show that would include sketches, catchphrases and other characters while featuring popular horror films on local broadcasts.
These shows popped up all over the place. There was different popular characters in different markets, including Svegoolie in Chicago.
For Detroit TV watchers, there were two big horror movie show hosts: Count Scary and The Ghoul.
Count Scary
The Count was actually a Detroit-area radio DJ named Tom Ryan.
Count Scary appeared on WDIV from 1982 to the early 1990s as a vampire who loved B horror films. His famous catch phrase was "Ooooh, that's scaary!"
Count Scary would rank the scary level of each movie with a scale of pants, referring to scaring your pants off. It's actually hilarious to re-watch.
Count Scary eventually appeared on other Detroit TV networks, including his final appearance in 1996 in a joint special with The Ghoul.
[I've compiled a bunch of old Count Scary clips right here. It's well worth your time.]
The Ghoul
Ron Sweed, known as "The Ghoul" first appeared on TV in 1970.
With his trademark catch phrases, lab coat and glasses, cult icon The Ghoul made a big impression on a whole generation of kids in the 70s and 80s in Detroit.
He was originally from Cleveland, where his show originated, but experienced high success in the Detroit market.
Sweed died last year following a massive heart attack. He was 70. He appeared at the Redford Theatre in 2015, offering some of his classic hijinks and comedy.
We created a tribute video to "The Ghoul" after his passing - watch it here.