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TCM Underground
NetworkTurner Classic Movies
LaunchedOctober 13, 2006; 18 years ago (2006-10-13)
ClosedFebruary 24, 2023; 21 months ago (2023-02-24)
Country of originUnited States
OwnerWarner Bros. Discovery
Key people
  • Rob Zombie (former host)
  • Eric Weber (programmer, 2006–2007)
  • Millie De Chirico (programmer, 2007–2023)
HeadquartersAtlanta, Georgia
FormatCult film
Running timeAround 4 hours

TCM Underground was an American weekly late-night cult film showcase airing on Turner Classic Movies.[1] Developed by former TCM marketing director Eric Weber, it was originally hosted by industrial rock/heavy metal musician and independent filmmaker Rob Zombie. The films were programmed by Eric Weber until 2007, when TCM programmer Millie De Chirico took over the role. The block ended on February 24, 2023, following layoffs in December that included De Chirico.[2][3]

The series was launched in an attempt to attract more young viewers to Turner's older-skewing audience.[4] TCM began airing a new program titled Friday Night Spotlight and, in effect, TCM Underground was moved from its Friday time slot to Saturdays beginning April 6, 2013 (a TCM broadcast day runs from 6 am – 5:59 am EST the following day, making Underground, in fact, airing on Sunday); however, on March 10, 2018, the series returned to its original Friday night time slot. Promotional bumper material and opening credit sequences were created by Raygun. The series was periodically preempted by special month-long or seasonal scheduling themes, such as February's "31 Days of Oscar" film series and the month-long "Summer Under the Stars".[5] When it did not conflict with a special theme, TCM Underground aired in its usual slot early on Saturday morning.

The cult films featured in TCM Underground belonged to a number of genres, including but not limited to blaxploitation films (Coffy, Darktown Strutters, The Mack), horror, slasher, and giallo films (Let's Scare Jessica to Death, Black Christmas, Hatchet for the Honeymoon), and counterculture films (An American Hippie in Israel, Ciao! Manhattan, Blue Sunshine). On October 13, 2006, Plan 9 from Outer Space was the block's first film broadcast, paired with Bride of the Monster; it was also the block's final film when it closed on February 24, 2023, paired with various drug education short films.

List of feature films in the TCM Underground block

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List of short films (under 45 minutes) in the TCM Underground block

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "New 'TCM Underground' book recommends rare cinema gems and must-see cult classics". WABE-TV. December 19, 2022. Archived from the original on December 19, 2022.
  2. ^ De Chirico, Millie [@milliedechirico] (December 22, 2022). "Well, it's been a great 18 1/2 years, but my job was cut in a company restructure recently which means tomorrow is my last day at TCM. Very grateful to anyone who supported my programming work over the years, including @TCMUnderground. Means a lot!" (Tweet). Archived from the original on December 24, 2022. Retrieved February 22, 2023 – via Twitter.
  3. ^ @TCMUnderground (February 22, 2023). "On February 24, TCM Underground will be airing its final film" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 15, 2023. Retrieved February 22, 2023 – via Twitter.
  4. ^ Dempsey, John (October 23, 2005). "TCM digs deep for database". Variety. Archived from the original on January 18, 2016. Retrieved December 2, 2006.
  5. ^ "TCM Announces Upcoming Programming Slate, Specials on Marlon Brando, Steven Spielberg, and Jane Fonda & a New Pilot". TCM Movie News (Press release). December 1, 2006. Archived from the original on November 10, 2006. Retrieved December 9, 2006.
  6. ^ "Turner Classic Movies Lists Airing of Belladonna of Sadness Film on March 5". Anime News Network. February 7, 2024.
  7. ^ a b "TCM Underground Schedule". i.cdn.turner.com. Archived from the original on January 2, 2014. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  8. ^ "Guru, The Mad Monk". American Genre Film Archive.
  9. ^ "The Pyramid". American Genre Film Archive.
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