Now We Know

173. The Hunt For Red October Nov 18, 2024

Kevin and Chris are joined by Joe Wolohan (Kevin's cousin, for the unitiated) for a dive—a submerging, if you into—into The Hunt For Red October, the "thinking man's thriller" that bravely answers the question: who has more screen presence? Alec Baldwin or Sean Connery?

172. All Dogs Go To Heaven Nov 04, 2024

With the haunted confines of October in the rear view mirror, but the warm, glowing dinners of Thanksgiving still weeks away, we decided to split the difference with a children's animated classic that's equal parts warm and bleak, jokey and disconcerting—All Dogs Go To Heaven, the 1989 Don Bluth feature starring Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, and Judith Barsi (rest in peace, gone too soon).

171. Ernest Scared Stupid Oct 21, 2024

Roger roger it's Trollfighter 1 knowwhatImeanvern*???

*Vern does not appear in this film

170. Halloween Is Grinch Night / It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Oct 07, 2024

This time, Chris offers up a twofer of animated Halloween specials, the latter a towering classic of the genre, the former an oft-forgotten footnote to its Christmas counterpart: Halloween is Grinch Night, and It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Suffice to say the broad approach to the Halloween cartoon doesn't get much further apart than these two, but who cares when the weather's so cozy*?

*It's actually miserably hot at Now We Know studios at time of recording, so we will enjoy our hot spiced cider vicariously through you tonight.

169. Beetlejuice (The Animated Series) Sep 23, 2024

It's Beetlejuice cartoon time, 'know what I mean babe? Huh huh huh I'm the ghost with the most [repeat sequence until funny]

168. Commercials of the 80’s and 90’s Vol. 7 Sep 09, 2024

This time Chris takes the wheel for Commercials of the 80's and 90's Lucky Number Volume 7! Dive in with us as we sift through wine ads that stigmatize male pattern baldness, pre-internet "party lines," and the cosmic horror of the Wendy's buffet bar.

167. Beverly Hills Cop Aug 26, 2024

With a legacy sequel on streaming now, Kevin and Chris look back at the 1980's comedy/action classic—emphasis on the comedy and de-emphasis on the action—Beverly Hills Cop. Starring Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, and the pitching coach from Little Big League, among others. Join us for a deep dive into all the pranks, tricks, endless Axel F needle drops, and the effortless charisma of young Eddie.

166. Captain Planet Aug 12, 2024

Kevin and Chris are joined by first-time guest (and alleged former caller to the Now We Know hotline) Andrea Bloom, here to dish on all things Captain Planet. Join the Planeteers in their pitched battle for the survival of earth against Hoggish Greedly, Verminous Skumm, the sultry Dr. Blight, and more!

165. Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre Jul 29, 2024

Kevin and Chris are joined by friend of the show Rachel Fisher (Hollywood Crime Scene) to revisit, in honor of the passing of the late, great Shelley Duvall, her classic 80's children's passion project: Faerie Tale Theatre. Specifically, the merry trio look back at Hansel and Gretel, starring Paul Dooley, Joan Collins, and young Ricky Schroder and Bridgette Andersen as the titular children.

164. Disney’s Robin Hood Jul 15, 2024

PROGRAMMING NOTE: Want to choose what we cover for our next Patreon episode? Check out our listener poll on Twitter or Instagram, @nowweknowpod.

Although Chris is technically the host of this episode, both he and Kevin are about as diehard fans of this flick as one can be — it's Disney's Robin Hood, released in 1973 to muted/mostly negative reaction, now an oft-cited source of sexual awakening for fans of roguelike foxes. With excellent voice acting, charming set pieces, fantastic tunes, and yes, some admittedly corner-cutting animation, could this be the definitive Robin Hood adaptation?

163. Bionic Six Jul 01, 2024

From the annals of long-forgotten animation, Kevin presents, for your consideration: Bionic Six, a 1987 cartoon starring a family of cyborg heros taking on the nefarious Dr. Scarab. Directed by Osaka Dezaki—the man behind such animes as Space Adventure Cobra, Takarajima (Treasure Island), and the Golgo 13 movies—this show looms large in Kevin's memories, despite being largely forgotten.

162. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Jun 17, 2024

Evan Tognotti joins the show to dig into 2002's The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, an infamous big budget flop (or "disappointment," if you prefer Chris' classification) which had huge ramifications not just for the superhero genre and Hollywood icon Sean Connery's career, but for the Tognotti family's own personal fortunes.

161. Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures Jun 03, 2024

Here he comes to save the day! Kevin, that is, bringing with him six entries (three episodes' worth combined) of Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures, the 1987 Mighty Mouse reboot (not to be confused with 1980's The New Adventures of Mighty Mouse and Heckle & Jeckle). Listen as Kevin gingerly guides Chris through a slate of first season episodes, produced by Bakshi studios under the eye of (now exposed and reviled) Ren & Stimpy creator John Kricfalusi, whose off-kilter influence is abundantly evident.

160. Richie Rich May 20, 2024

Nowadays, America's Culkinheads are all Kieran this, Kieran that. But back in 1994, we were still living in the Macaulay Epoch—though not for much longer, with that year's film adaptation of Richie Rich serving as the final childhood role for the darling young movie star. Nowadays you've probably only heard of this for the scene where Richie has a private McDonalds in his mansion, but fear not, as we're here to go long and deep on this "what if a kid had money" genre picture.

159. Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead May 06, 2024

Once agIan, we're called to the mat by that most predictable and ignoble of occasions—the modern remake. The new 2024 version of this movie dropped back in April, so Kevin decided the time was ripe to revisit the 1991 original: Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead.

158. Aladdin and the King of Thieves Apr 22, 2024

They're finally gettin' married! Following the conclusion of the Aladdin animated series—which itself was kicked off by an earlier straight-to-video sequel—Disney rolled out a final VHS installment headlined by the return of Robin Williams as the Genie. Also featuring Jonathan Rhys-Davies and Jerry Orbach, this movie bravely asks: am I really better than The Return of Jafar?

157. Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light Apr 08, 2024

Throwing back to the classic (if slightly underheralded) animation of our youths, Kevin brings forth Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light, yet another Hasbro-backed vehicle reverse-engineered to sell toys. And, like the far more popular G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, this show was made by Sunbow Productions. Has lightning struck twice?

SPECIAL DISPATCH: Star Wars Marathon Patreon Challenge! Apr 02, 2024

The gauntlet has been laid down: Patreon.com/nowweknow

156. Dragon Ball Z Movies (Dead Zone, The World’s Strongest, The Tree Of Might) Mar 25, 2024

On the occasion of the sad, premature passing of famed and influential manga author Akira Toriyama, Chris and Kevin look back at a trio of Dragon Ball Z movies that aired on American television in the late 90's—Dead Zone, The World's Strongest, and The Tree of Might.

155. X-Men (90s Animated Series) Mar 11, 2024

With a reboot on the horizon, Kevin and Chris look back at 1992's X-Men cartoon series, a childhood staple clearly loved and well-remembered by many. Please, join us for a little mutant madness, and see how this once and future hit holds up in our brave new world.

154. Superman Animated Shorts of the 1940’s Feb 26, 2024

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Fleischer Studios' Superman animated shorts of the 1940's! Well, more accurately, we'll be talking about two of the classic Superman cartoons produced under the watchful eye of Max and Dave Fleischer, and one of the late-run entries produced by Famous Studios, Paramount's Fleischer successor studio. Join us for a look back at a trio of The Last Son of Krypton's adventures—The Mad Scientist, The Magnetic Telescope, and Jungle Drums.

153. The Real Ghostbusters Feb 12, 2024

Who you gonna call? Fortunately, not the police, but rather The Real Ghostbusters! That's right, with the unfathomably bizarre decision to release another self-serious Ghostbusters movie in theaters soon (wasn't what you loved about the original how maudlin it was?), Kevin revisits the classic 80's DIC cartoon series.

152. Babar The Movie Jan 29, 2024

Step aside, Dumbo. Shove off, Horton. Get outta here, elephant... from... Operation Dumbo Drop... it's little Babar's time to shine! This episode we look back at Babar The Movie, a 1989 barely feature length flick which did screen in some theaters, raking in about $1.3 million at the box office, entertaining among others a three-year-old Chris Tognotti in his very first theatrical experience.

151. Commercials of the 80’s and 90’s Vol. 6 Jan 15, 2024

It's that time again, friends! For his first episode of 2024, Kevin revisits a noble Now We Know tradition, taking us on a trip through Christmas cheer, grim reflections on secondhand smoke, and even a visit to the sacred Halls of Medicine—it's Commercials of the 80's and 90's Vol. 6!

150. Titanic: A New Musical Jan 01, 2024

Happy New Year to all our friends, lovers, and of course, listeners! To ring in a new year, Chris finally uncorks an episode he's had in his back pocket since, well, roundabouts Christmas of 1997 — Titanic: A New Musical (now called Titanic: The Musical, as it is no longer in any way new). Debuting on Broadway the very same year as James Cameron's epic movie, although actually releasing several months earlier, it took a ton of rehearsals, a lot of money, some complicated hydraulics, and a public assist from Rosie O'Donnell to keep this show from sinking.

(Note: A new production of the show is now available to stream on BroadwayHD, which is how we watched it. And if you'd like to imagine we're right there watching it with you, your prayers are answered — you can nab a watchalong track at Patreon.com/NowWeKnow. Thanks for your support, and here's to another year!)

149. Babes in Toyland (1986) Dec 18, 2023

Babes! Toys! Lands! Not really the first things you'd think of if you actually watched this made-for-TV movie, but here it is just the same. Noteworthy for performances by young Drew Barrymore, young Keanu Reeves, regular-aged Pat Morita, and for muddling Kevin's memories of 80s Christmastime with the things he watched yet again. Thrill to hear that one guy from Empty Nest say "Cinciwhatski" 100 times!

148. Blues Brothers 2000 Dec 04, 2023

Baaaa bah bah BAH! Ba ba ba baaaah baaaah bah bah bah. BAAAAAH bah bah BAH! Ba ba ba baaaah baaaah bah bah bah. BAAAAAAAAAAH bah bah BAH! Ba ba ba baaaah baaaah bah bah bah! BAAAAAAAAAAH bah bah BAH! Ba ba ba BA buh buh buh BA BA buh buh buh BA BA buh buh buh BA BAH!

147. Thanksgiving TV Cornucopia Nov 20, 2023

Happy soon-to-be Thanksgiving, everyone! In celebration of the traditional themes, tropes, and gastronomies of the season, Chris and Kevin dive into a trio of classic TV episodes tackling the Thanksgiving spirit: Happy Days' "The First Thanksgiving," Small Wonder's "Thanksgiving Story," and Amazing Stories' "Thanksgiving." Enjoy, everyone!

Also — we're thankful for you and we know you're thankful for us. To see all the bonus content we have on offer, including episodes on contemporary releases, and watch-along tracks so you can enjoy the stuff we watch with us, check out Patreon.com/nowweknow! Thanks, all!

146. We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story Nov 06, 2023

With spooky season 2023 in the rear view mirror, Kevin and Chris turn their weary eyes to We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story, the ignoble, ill-fated Spielberg produced—though not directed—dino toon flick. Starring John Goodman, Walter Kronkite, Julie Kavner, and Jay Leno among others, this movie lays bare the fact that, while a Picasso scribble on a cocktail napkin may be worth millions, a tossed off Spielberg idea without the man himself at the helm is not.

145. The X-Files Oct 23, 2023

Wooo wooo wooo wooo wooo wooooooooooo dun de da dun de dah (this is supposed to be the X-files theme)

Fan favorite Miranda returns to the pod to dish on the classic 1990's sci-fi paranoia series! We look back at a pair of episodes: "Squeeze," and "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose."

144. “Manos” The Hands of Fate Oct 09, 2023

The month of October is upon us, and so too are all the attendant ghosts, goblins, ambulatory skeletons—you know the drill. But here at Now We Know studios, a different sort of ghoul shambles out to center stage: Torgo, along with the Master, Michael, Margaret, little Debbie, and Manos (not pictured in this film). That's right, it's "Manos" The Hands of Fate, the basement-budget reviled cult horror flick made famous by those jokers at Mystery Science Theater 3000. We aren't here for laughs, however—we're here to tell you, when you strip away the wisecracking robots, and watch as writer/director/star Hal Warren intended, just how bad is Manos really?

143. L.A. Story Sep 25, 2023

Like a brilliant smoggy sunset against the skyline of 1990's Los Angeles, your loyal hosts are joined by returning guest Dr. Ian Werkheiser (PhD) to awe and delight you. This time we look back at L.A. Story, starring Steve Martin, Victoria Tennant, Richard E. Grant, and a cast of thousands! And don't worry—no showbiz phonies allowed.

142. The Rescuers Down Under Sep 11, 2023

Who’s ready for a little outback adventure? Kevin and Chris revisit The Rescuers Down Under, the oft-forgotten Disney movie which sits snugly between The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, in the early days of Disney’s animation renaissance. With Bob Newhart and Eva Gabor returning as those selfsame Rescuer mice Bernard and Bianca one last time (barring a new Bernard-only sequel—RIP Eva, but happy 94th Bob!), you hardly ever hear about this one, possibly because unlike its contemporaries, it’s not a musical. Is its relative obscurity deserved? Or is this an under-heralded gem?

141. Poirot Aug 28, 2023

Kevin and Chris traipse back to the mid-90's, of PBS "Mystery!" vintage, to revisit one of Kevin's favorite childhood detective characters—Poirot, Agatha Christie's indefatigable, razor-sharp Belgian dandy investigator, complete with his trademark immovable mustache. Kevin presents two episodes of the classic series, featuring David Suchet as the titular detective.

140. FernGully: The Last Rainforest Aug 14, 2023

Kevin and Chris are joined by treasured returning guest Miranda to discuss FernGully: The Last Rainforest, a film which Disney executive Jeffrey Katzenberg attempted to pressure Robin Williams out of doing, on the grounds that his turn as the genie in Aladdin (which came out after this movie) would be crowded if he also portrayed the inimitable Batty Koda. Williams refused, however, joining Samantha Mathis, Tim Curry, Jonathan Ward, Grace Zabriskie, Tone Loc, and those daring young troubadours Cheech and Chong to lead an all-star cast. But of course, the vital question: was it any good?

139. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) Jul 31, 2023

In honor of the upcoming release of Perpetual Teenager Seth Rogen's take on Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and the rest, Kevin brings Chris the former #1 turtle movie to reassess. Is it totally tubular or a major bummer? And which of our heroes has more Cowabunga Attitude? Peel the shell open and see!

138. Video Games of the 80’s and 90’s Vol. 2 Jul 17, 2023

Crash, boom, bang, it's time again! For summer fun, holed up in your shabbily carpeted living room, peering into the searing, unrelenting glare of a CRT television! For ten minutes apiece, Kevin straps in to experience eight classic [citation needed] games from Chris' youth: The Little Mermaid, Ducktales, Prince of Persia, the ignoble Mario is Missing, and more.

137. The Flash (1990) Jul 03, 2023

With the hitherto disastrous release of THE FLASH (2023) still ongoing, and the Batman '89 topical content well already run dry here at Now We Know, Kevin looks back at the feature-length TV pilot for the 1990 The Flash series, starring John Wesley Shipp as the titular speedster. So how will it stack up, not against not just its contemporary edition, but also the early-90's Captain America? All your answers lie within.

136. The Scout Jun 19, 2023

Now We Know's salute to Academy Award-winner Brendan Fraser (The Whale, 2022) continues with The Scout, the 1994 baseball comedy (alongside iconic funny man Albert Brooks) that lit up Comedy Central's daytime programming slots, but decidedly did not light up the box office or the heart or minds of film critics. Was the jaded public reception appropriate? Or is this a misunderstood gem? Only one way to find out—you know the drill.

135. The Little Mermaid (1989) Jun 05, 2023

Head on over to Patreon.com/nowweknow to find out what Kevin and Chris think of the new "live-action" Little Mermaid remake, in theaters now.

That said, always thorough, this episode Kevin and Chris revisit Disney's 1989 classic The Little Mermaid, which kicked off their animation renaissance of the 1990's. Conventional wisdom says this is a stone cold classic, but then again, conventional wisdom has kept Peeps on our grocery store shelves for eight decades running. What's the truth? Find out inside.

134. Monkeybone May 22, 2023

It's Monkeybone night in America. After granting returning guest Evan Tognotti the unprecedented privilege to pick a surprise topic, with no prior knowledge on the part of Kevin or Chris, your humble hosts were shocked and appalled to be ambushed with the reviled Monkeybone, starring Academy Award winner Brendan Fraser, Bridget Fonda, Dave Foley, John Turturro, and many more. Was this movie unfairly maligned in its time? No!

133. Camelot May 08, 2023

Per listener request, the Now We Know boys look back at the musical movie sensation Camelot, starring Richard Harris, Vanessa Redgrave, Franco Nero, and a cast of thousands! Traipse back into medieval times, with magic, mayhem, and yes, copious amounts of cuckoldry.

132. D2: The Mighty Ducks Apr 24, 2023

The quack attack is back, Jack! That's right, for the very first time (but far from the last) audiences in 1994 got to return to The Mighty Ducks cinematic universe. Charlie! Gordon Bombay! Goldberg! The female goalie who's much better than Goldberg but never gets to play, for reasons definitely unrelated to sexism! Join Kevin and Chris as they look back at the most climactic and incredible finish in the history of the, I want to say, Junior Goodwill Games?

131. Super Mario Bros. (1993) Apr 10, 2023

"Better than the others, you'll be hooked on the brothers. UNH!" But in all seriousness folks, Super Mario is back in theaters this month, with Nintendo's big-budget return to the silver screen already hauling in cash in wheelbarrows. But it took a long, long time for the iconic video game company to ever attempt another theatrical release, in no small part thanks to SUPER MARIO BROS. (1993), the Bob Hoskins/John Leguizamo vehicle that was a commercial and critical failure, and torpedoed the careers of husband and wife directorial duo Rocky Morton and Annabel Jankel. Was the hate deserved, or is this a hidden gem? Kevin and Chris are joined by returning guest Sean Hurlburt to find out.

130. Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird Mar 27, 2023

Chris was but four years old when he first saw—for the only time—the critically praised yet commercially unsuccessful Sesame Street theatrical movie, Follow That Bird. It's loomed large in his imagination for decades for subjecting our beloved Big Bird to undue, needless, harrowing cruelty. Is Chris' inner child right? Or does this one go down a little smoother when you've reached the Age of Reason?

129. Nick at Nite (Dragnet, Taxi, Bewitched) Mar 13, 2023

At long last, to revisit one of the seminal experiences of an 80's childhood–watching decades-old shows because Nickelodeon had too much time to fill–CEO and managing partner of Now We Know Industries Jordan Banks stops by the pod. He, Kevin, and Chris watched a trio of classic Nick at Nite shows: Dragnet, Taxi, and Bewitched. So, late on a school night, why not cozy up in bed with a new episode to drift off to? You can finish it tomorrow when you wake up.

128. Titanic: Adventure Out of Time Feb 27, 2023

After 25 long years, James Cameron's romantic epic Titanic is back in theaters for a limited time, a delight for White Star Line-heads everywhere. So, Chris decided to reach back into the annals of his sixth-grade PC and pull out Titanic: Adventure Out of Time, an "interactive movie" video game which actually preceded the Cameron film by one year. Can you win a race against time to change the future and save countless lives, but definitely not the ones aboard Titanic?

127. Willow Feb 13, 2023

You wanted more Burglekutt, and you got it. Kevin unveils the big Willow episode, in which we watch Willow, starring among others Warwick Davis and Val Kilmer. PROGRAMMING NOTE: If you want to also hear our foray into the the Disney+ Willow series, head to Patreon.com/nowweknow!

126. Funny Farm Jan 30, 2023

To Kevin's abject horror, Chris wrests control of the wheel and sets course for Funny Farm. The 1988 comedy—characterized as a "small miracle" by Roger Ebert, and directed by George Roy Hill (The Sting, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Slap Shot)—is now, according to a citation-free claim on Wikipedia, considered one of Chevy Chase's best films. Is that true? And, if so, would that definitionally mean it has to be good? Let's all find out, together.

125. TigerSharks Jan 16, 2023

Tiger tiger by the tail! Hold on, tiger tiger!

(this show stinks)

124. Four Rooms Jan 02, 2023

Happy New Year, everyone! And to kick off Season Six, Kevin and Chris bring forth a consummate New Year's movie: 1995's Four Rooms, starring Tim Roth, Madonna, Ione Skye, Quentin Tarantino, Antonio Banderas, Bruce Willis (in an uncredited role), and many more. Rest assured, you won't find a better way to ring in 2023 than with your saintly friends and Now We Know.

Patreon Premium UNLOCKED: A Christmas Story Christmas Dec 25, 2022

Patreon.com/nowweknow

Merry Christmas! Your present this year, from your humble hosts straight into your podcast feed: we've unlocked the final Patreon premium episode of the year, free of charge. Kevin and Chris are joined by Evan Tognotti to watch and discuss A CHRISTMAS STORY CHRISTMAS (2022), the legacy sequel to 1983's 24-hour TV marathon classic A CHRISTMAS STORY.

If you like what you hear, you can access to all our bonus content—in addition to everything we've got cooking in the oven for next year—by subscribing to our Patreon feed! Hop on over to Patreon.com/nowweknow. Thanks all, we'll see you in the new year!

123. Christmas Eve on Sesame Street Dec 19, 2022

Christmas time is here again... again! Kevin and Chris dive even deeper into classic Xmas nostalgia with the 1978 PBS special, Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. Join Big Bird, Bert, Ernie, Oscar, Cookie Monster, and more—including a certain iconic star of small and big screen alike, who'd apparently rather sit out in the wintry New York cold than spend the holidays with his, ah, demanding girlfriend—for a heartwarming paean to good cheer, kindness, and community.

And for you, yes you, wherever you are, please have a happy and safe winter holiday and New Year's! We'll be back in two weeks with season six of Now We Know!

122. A Christmas Story Dec 05, 2022

Christmastime, christmastime, christmastime is here! And with it comes Kevin and Chris finally tackling one of the foundational works of the American Christmas canon, that which famously aired in 24 hour broadcast TV blocks on the big day it—A Christmas Story, the 1983 Bob Clark film based on the work of legendary radio humorist Jean Shepherd. This movie is very much not niche, and there's a great chance you know its ins and outs better than almost any other subject we've covered. But, the eternal question: is it any good?

121. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Nov 22, 2022

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Kevin and Chris are back in the seasonal spirit with A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, the third Peanuts holiday special, released in 1973. Is it yet another stone cold classic like A Charlie Brown Christmas, or It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown? Not exactly, but it still boasts that Vince Guaraldi magic, and would bring home Emmy gold the following year. So, join us this Thanksgiving, as we join Charlie Brown, Linus, Peppermint Patty, Marcie, Franklin, Snoopy, and Woodstock for some heaping helpings of buttered toast, popcorn... pretzel sticks... and jelly beans. (Also features Lucy in a particular cruel football-themed cold open, although she apparently had better things to do than spend Thanksgiving proper with the gang.)

120. Blank Check Nov 14, 2022

Episode 120 is finally here, and it's just another bread and butter Now We Know classic. This time around, your humble hosts Chris and Rachel look back at equal parts cynical and controversial 1994 kids flick Blank Check, featuring such luminaries as Miguel Ferrer, Karen Duffy, Michael Lerner, Tone Loc, and James Rebhorn. Come for the nostaglia, stay for Rachel's infamous buttermilk story!

119. Dracula: Dead and Loving It Oct 31, 2022

Happy Halloween, everyone! On this dim, sanguinary Night of Fright, in the year of our gored 2022, Chris does the unthinkable and voluntarily hosts a vampire movie episode. But this isn't just any vampire movie—in fact, according to Wikipedia, it's "currently the latest film" directed by 96-year-old comedy icon Mel Brooks! That's right, it's Leslie Nielsen vehicle Dracula: Dead and Loving It, co-starring Peter MacNicol, Amy Yasbeck, Steven Weber, and Mel himself. Prepare yourselves, folks, because few things are as spooooooky as an unfunny comedy!

118. Dracula: The Series & Kindred: The Embraced Oct 17, 2022

The Halloween season is upon us, and so Kevin has once again foisted his trademark vampire nonsense on poor, unsuspecting, saintly Chris. This time it's the early 90's Dracula TV show, in which some radical kids and their uncle (could he be... Van Helsing?) take on an 80's businessman Drac, and Kindred: The Embraced, a sexy, thick-with-passion blend of vampires and the mob set in the milieu of 90's San Francisco. Scary stuff ahead!

117. Commercials of the 80s and 90s Vol. 5 Oct 03, 2022

The boys are back with the fifth installment of their populist darling series, Commercials of the 80s and 90s. From rappin' Flintstones, to the sttely commands of the Bop-It!, to the unholy union of Michael Jordan and McDonald's, Kevin and Chris pour over 18 more memorable commercials from the annals of their youths.

(Programming note: If you're confused — "Volume 5!? Where's Volume 4?" you ask, hands shaking, sweat pouring down your face, feet rapidly turning cold as ice — that episode, released earlier this year, is on our subscriber feed! Check it out today, as well as all our other bonus content, at patreon.com/nowweknow)

116. Highlander 2: The Quickening Sep 19, 2022

There can be only two! Two hosts, that is! Also, two Highlander movies as of the year 1991. Departing boldly from the plot and canon of the original film, yet nonetheless featuring returning co-stars Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery, Highlander 2 sends our beloved sword-wielding boys from Earth, to the Planet Zeist, and back again! Remember your home... another galaxy!

115. Little Big League Sep 05, 2022

As fast as a streaking comet—its majestic tail slowly fading into a dark, night sky—baseball season is already very nearly over. As such, Chris decided to trot out the last remaining baseball movie of his youth for Kevin to behold: 1994's Little Big League, starring Luke Edwards, a.k.a the wizard from The Wizard. Also featuring Timothy Busfield, Jason Robards, Dennis Farina, Chris "deux deux deuxs" Berman, and a particularly odious turn by Jonathan Silverman.

PROGRAMMING NOTE: This is NOT the movie where a kid pitches in the major leagues! That's 1993's Rookie Of The Year. In this one, the kid's the manager.

114. The NeverEnding Story Aug 22, 2022

In remembrance of its recently deceased director, Wolfgang Petersen, Kevin and Chris revisit a towering classic of 80’s childrens’ cinema: The NeverEnding Story. The boys are joined by professor, podcaster, and bon vivant Dr. Ian Werkheiser to talk Bux, Atreyu, Artax, Bux’s dad (and whether he should have been played by John Cleese), and a cast of thousands!

113. Felix The Cat (1989) Aug 08, 2022

Callooh, callay, it's Felix The Cat day! Deep from the recesses of Chris' memory comes this late 80's theatrical revival of the beloved children's cartoon classic. Our favorite magic bag-wielding cat had been on hiatus for a while prior to this release—29 years, to be exact—so you can rest assured they put every ounce of their blood, sweat, and talent into this thing. Feat. Princess Oriana, The Duke of Zill, and Wack Lizardi.

112. Spider-Man (1977) Jul 25, 2022

Get ready, webslingers! It's time for a 1977 Spider-Man film—which also served as a feature-length pilot for the shortlived CBS live-action series—which Kevin has graciously brought before the Now We Know magisterium. How does it hold up? We couldn't possibly spoil the surprise.

111. Xanadu Jul 11, 2022

Somehow, Gene Kelly returned. That's right, America's preeminent song and dance man finally got his big screen swansong in Xanadu, the 1980 Olivia Newton-John-as-a-muse musical that was a hell of a lot more successful as an album than a movie. Kevin and Chris are joined by first-time guest Hilary for a songful saunter to Kubla Khan's stately pleasure dome.

110. Fish Police, Capitol Critters, and Scorch Jun 27, 2022

In the early 90's, with the golden era of The Simpsons in full swing, Fox's rival networks were desperate to devise counterprogramming to bridge a seemingly insurmountable ratings and cultural impact gap. They failed miserably with a pair of evening cartoons made for basically nobody, Fish Police and Capitol Critters. Plus: a side of Scorch, starring the titular dragon puppet Scorch, also featuring Seinfeld's J. Peterman himself, John O'Hurley.

109. The Wizard Jun 13, 2022

Kevin and Chris go long on 1989's The Wizard, starring the likes of Fred Savage, Christian Slater, Luke Edwards, Beau Bridges, and the inimitable Jenny Lewis. Join for a magical road trip through the deserts, casinos, and Universal backlot tours of America, culminating in a video game showdown to shake the heavens—complete with the reveal of the new hotness, Super Mario Bros. 3.

108. Rock & Rule May 30, 2022

Join Kevin and Chris on a trip into the annals of Canadian animation with Rock and Rule, a 1983 sci-fi dystopian flick featuring the vocal talents of Debbie Harry, Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, and Don Francks as deranged super rocker/demonic summoner Mok. This was Canada's first-ever English language animated feature, produced by Nelvana—you know, they of the stately polar bear—and it hauled in a whopping... $30,000 at the box office. Did it deserve better? Time to find out!

107. Iron Chef (Japan) May 16, 2022

No matter the season—whether it's hot szechuan soup weather, or time for a smooth, chilled pineapple pudding—it's always a good time for Kevin and Chris to dip back into the original Iron Chef series, which aired in Japan from 1993 through 1999, and was brought stateside via an iconic dub. Join the guys as they look back at a trio of epic clashes featuring mighty chefs iron Chen Kenichi, Hiroyuki Sakai, and Roksaburo Michiba.

106. The Return of Jafar May 02, 2022

Granny, at long last, 's gonna grab ya.

TEASER: Commercials of the 80s and 90s Vol. 4 Apr 25, 2022

Subscribe at patreon.com/nowweknow for an exclusive bonus episode every month.

105. DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp Apr 18, 2022

Shabooey! If you know, you know. Kevin and Chris looks back at the ill-fated DuckTales movie, featuring Scrooge, Webby and the boys, Launchpad (barely), and Rip Taylor as, surely, Disney's number one animated genie.

104. Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers Apr 04, 2022

ch ch ch chris and kev, podcast rangers

103. Angels in the Outfield Mar 21, 2022

Baseball is back, oh joyous day, callooh callay! To celebrate the return of America' preeminent stick-based sporting event, Kevin and Chris look back at Angels in the Outfield, the 1994 Disney movie that boldly asks: what if God would help you win baseball games, but not if it's a division clincher? Starring Christopher Lloyd, Danny Glover, Tony Danza, and a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

102. Batman (1989) Mar 07, 2022

The Batman is here — Batman (1989) that is! Kevin and Chris revisit the Tim Burton classic, which more or less launched "moody Batman" in the hearts and minds of the American mainstream. Chris had never before seen this renowned classic, much to Kevin's finger-steepling delight. Starring Jack Nicholson, Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger, and of Arli$$ fame, the inimitable Robert Wuhl.

101. Blackbeard's Ghost Feb 21, 2022

For a momentous, celebratory 101st episode, Kevin and Chris revisit Blackbeard's Ghost, a 1968 live-action Disney comedy starring the inimitable Peter Ustinov as the selfsame salty pirate! Join the boys as they watch this master of his craft sashay, strut, and wail as only he knows how. Also, special guest appearances by a host of past guests, subscribers, and friends of the show! Thanks for a great run everyone... so far!

100. The Cutting Edge Feb 07, 2022

The Winter Olympics are upon us, and Kevin is getting us into the spirit with 1992 figure skating romantic comedy The Cutting Edge. Prepare to be whisked away by D.B. Sweeney, Moira Kelly, Terry O'Quinn, and as previously mentioned in our very first episode, Michael Hogan! And remember: Now We Know does two things well, and podcasting's the other one.

99. Bringing Down The House Jan 24, 2022

Closing out his time visiting for the holidays, bro of the show Evan Tognotti joins Kevin and Chris for a look back at largely memory-holed Steve Martin/Queen Latifah vehicle Bringing Down The House. Wholly unfunny and wildly racist, this 2003 "comedy" is perhaps valuable solely as a historical document of early-aughts Hollywood racism. Join the gang for all the grisly play-by-play, and make sure to check out our new Patreon: patreon.com/nowweknow

98. Sneakers Jan 10, 2022

Kicking off Season Five—and celebrating the life of the late Sidney Poitier, Academy Award winner, knighted in the UK, onetime Ambassador of the Bahamas, and all-around man about town—Kevin brings forth Sneakers, a 1992 thriller starring Robert Redford and a stacked ensemble cast. A preemptive word of advice: never trust a man who says he's with the NSA.

97. The Santa Clause Dec 27, 2021

Ringing out the season, Kevin and Chris look back at The Santa Clause, a 1994 Christmas romp in which Tim Allen (I guess inadvertently) kills old St. Nick and hops into his place.

96. Christmas Nights Into Dreams Bonus Episode! Dec 25, 2021

Merry Christmas! Callooh! Callay!

Tucked far beneath your tree, in that little spot not even the light reflecting off the ornaments quite reaches... why, it's a present from your friends Chris and Kevin. A Christmas morning bonus episode! Aren't they just the best, you think, clasping your mug of cocoa in hand. Come along with us for a look back at Christmas Nights Into Dreams, a 1996 winter seasonal promo game for the dearly departed Sega Saturn.

95. Robotech Dec 13, 2021

This time, Kevin and Chris are joined by an extra special guest from clear across the United States — space guy, maple syrup maven, and all-around raconteur Dave Prosper! Dave brings with him tales of the seminal American anime localization Robotech, originally known as Macross in Japan. Full of intrigue, suspense, and a surprising amount of darkly accurate commentary on propaganda and crisis fatigue, you'll be clamoring to climb into your Veritech in no time.

94. Sailor Moon Nov 29, 2021

This time Chris escorts Kevin back to the halcyon days of 1995, when syndicated cartoon powerhouse DIC—known to some in the industry as "Do It Cheap"—decided to import Sailor Moon, Japan's prototypical magical girl anime, to western shores. This was the first introduction little Chris had to the wide world of anime (or as Americans called it in those days, Japanimation), but the question looms: was it any good?

93. Thanksgiving Dinner Special Nov 25, 2021

Whether you're feeling celebratory, stressed, cozy, or stuffed, Kevin and Chris are here to share a Thanksgiving meal with you. The boys relive some memories of Thanksgivings past, and invite you to eat along with them!

92. Planes, Trains and Automobiles Nov 15, 2021

Deep in the heart of November, Kevin pulls a Thanksgiving classic out of his back pocket — 1987's Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, starring Steve Martin and John Candy, both at or near the height of their respective powers. Will Neal Page make it home by Turkey Time? Is Del Griffith really an honest man, or is he actually a witting, canny con artist? Also, the boys definitively figure out what's in Del's trunk.

91. My Boyfriend's Back Nov 01, 2021

Rounding out Halloween season 2021, Kevin and Chris are joined by three-time returning guest Evan Tognotti—the most prolific sibling in Now We Know history—to examine My Boyfriend's Back, a 1993 comedy/horror (kind of?) flick that bravely asks: what if a clingy loser won Traci Lind's heart simply by decomposing in her arms? Featuring several early performances by big names—Philip Seymour Hoffman, Matthew Fox, and Matthew McConaughey all make appearances, as well as the mayor of Tinseltown, Paul Dooley.

90. Forever Knight Oct 18, 2021

Spooky season continues as Kevin and Chris gaze back, with longingly erotic, vampiric intensity, at Canadian TV series Forever Knight, which ran from 1992 to 1996. Centered on 800-year-old vampire Nick Knight, who joins the Toronto police force to atone for his past sins and depravities, this show has it all: Vamps! Unethical 12-step sponsors! Bisexual lighting! Panicked 90's attitudes toward video games! And, last but not least, a humble man named Skanky.

90. Tales From The Far Side Halloween Bonus Episode! Oct 11, 2021

In a special spooky season bonus episode, Kevin and Chris look back at an oft-forgotten relic of early 90's Halloween animated specials — Tales From The Far Side, featuring macabre meanderings straight from the brain of Gary Larson. Come for the cow Bride of Frankenstein, stay for the saddest wolf in recorded history.

89. Danger Mouse Sep 27, 2021

Hot on the heels of Now We Know's look back at its spinoff series Count Duckula, the boys turn their gaze to Danger Mouse, the 1981 British cartoon hit that made David Jason (or at least his voice) a beloved companion of millions of children the world over. Featuring villainous toads, militarized washing machines, controversially Italian crows, and yes, a certain vampire duck, you're in for a treat.

88. Count Duckula Sep 13, 2021

In the heart of Transylvania, in the vampire Hall of Fang-ya, there's supposedly not a single vampire zanier than Count Duckula. Kevin and Chris look back at the Thames Television children's cartoon—a spin-off of another Cosgrove Hall animated hit, Danger Mouse—which was a ubiquitous fixture on Nickelodeon in the late 80's and early 90's.

87. Candyman (1992) Aug 30, 2021

Chris and Kevin are joined by four-time conquering guest Miranda for a look back at gothic horror classic Candyman—infamous on 90's elementary school playgrounds everywhere—on the occasion of the release of a brand new remake. All the stars are here—Tony Todd! Virginia Madsen! Kasi Lemmons! Xander Berkeley! So why not pop some popcorn, say Candyman up to four times, and settle in with Now We Know?

86. GI Joe The Movie (1987) Aug 16, 2021

With Chris disabused of some foundational misunderstandings in our earlier G.I. Joe cartoon series episode, Kevin returns to the well for the 1987 animated movie—sadly, not a theatrical release, but a familiar pick on the home video market. What follows is a rollicking, at times macabre tale of soldiers, secrets, spores, and the utter denigration of Cobra Commander, a magnificent man who truly deserved better.

85. Gallavants Jul 31, 2021

This time, Kevin and Chris are joine by first-time guest Rachel Beach to discuss Gallavants, a 1984 children's movie (technically, somehow, a Marvel movie?) combining cartoon ants, the voice of Optimus Prime, and a vernacular so pointlessly complicated you'll feel like a Scientologist by the end. Content advisory: this episode is intended only for listeners who already have their kabumps.

84. Commercials of the 80s and 90s vol 3 Jul 19, 2021

Crash, boom, bang! It's the third installment of Now We Know's ballyhooed Commercials of the 80's and 90's series! This time Kevin brings forth a bevy of exciting, confusing, controversial, and memorable TV ads from his youth, some of which Chris remembers, and some of which are brand new. Time to fire up your cathode ray tubes gang, we're goin' back!

83. Video Games of the 80's and 90's (Vol. 1) Jul 05, 2021

Kevin and Chris enter the video zone in this inaugural installment of Video Games of the 80's and 90's. Fate calls upon Kevin to run a gauntlet of 11 video games across the NES and SNES — all of them "Chris classics," though some, perhaps, not actual classics. Also, a devout Indiana Jones fan calls the Now We Know hotline, and he's got a bone to pick.

82. Top Gun Jun 21, 2021

With a Tony Scott-less sequel right around the corner, Kevin and Chris revisit 1986 high-octane thrill ride (and military recruitment propaganda vehicle) Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise and Tom Skerritt — the Toms. Also featuring Anthony Edwards, Val Kilmer, Kelly McGillis, and three gallons of artificial sweat. Prepare to enter the danger zone!

81. The Jungle Book (1967) Jun 07, 2021

Kevin and Chris return to a mystical jungle of their youths, complete with familial wolves, scolding panthers, smooth layabout bears, swingin' monkeys, and aristocratic, homicidal tigers. That's right, it's 1967 Disney animated film The Jungle Book, based on the 1894 Rudyard Kipling tome of the same name. Oh, there are also some vultures who kinda sorta seem they were going for a Beatles thing.

80. The Great Muppet Caper May 24, 2021

What time is it? Muppet time once more! This episode Kevin revisits the 1981 follow-up to the classic subject of a prior episode, The Muppet Movie ― it's The Great Muppet Caper, featuring the whole gang plus Charles Grodin, Diana Rigg, and a host of familiar faces in cameo roles. But does it live up to the first film's lofty standards?

79. Fraggle Rock May 10, 2021

This time, Chris takes the wheel for a look back at a renowned classic of children's television, Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock. Join the guys for this trip down memory lane, alongside Gobo, Red, Mokey, Boober, Wembley, Doc, Sprocket, Convincing John, the adorable Doozers, and the ignoble Gorgs.

78. Mortal Kombat (1995) Apr 25, 2021

With a brand new motion picture reboot upon us, Kevin looks back at the 1995 Mortal Kombat movie, the blood-soaked fighting game's first adaptation for the silver screen. All your favorites are here! Kano, Liu Kang, Raiden, Johnny Cage, Scorpion, Sonya, MORTALLLL KOMBAAAAT!

77. Mega Man Animated Series Apr 12, 2021

Once upon a time, as little eight-year-old Chris languished in a bed at Marin General Hospital with an inflamed appendix, he by happenstance caught an episode of the 1990's Ruby-Spears Mega Man cartoon series on a small TV in the upper left corner of the room. Will this video game adaptation bring him as much comfort now as it did back then? There's only one way to find out.

76. The Pirates of Dark Water Mar 29, 2021

Avast ye sea dogs, Captain Kev is here with a tale of piracy, alien worlds, treasure hunting, and foul creatures known as "monkeybirds." This time it's early 90's Hanna-Barbera cartoon The Pirates of Dark Water, which ran for three seasons, and boasts a robust voice acting cast featuring, well, the same 20 people who basically do every cartoon.

75. Car Talk Mar 15, 2021

This time Kevin and Chris revisit one of the all-time feel-good shows in radio history—and public radio, to boot. It's Car Talk, hosted by the irrepressably upbeat Tom and Ray Maggliozi for a staggering 35 years. Whether you give a damn about cars or not, the men known to NPR listeners as Click and Clack are sure to bring a smile to your face.

74. The Beatles' Help! Mar 01, 2021

Don't worry, listener, Kevin and Chris aren't the ones who need help—but Rock n' Roll Hall of Famer Ringo Starr is another story! This time the guys revisit the 1965 Beatles film Help!, starring Starr, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison, amid a globetrotting series of failed, mischievous attempts on the former's life. Also stars the decidedly white Briton Leo McKern as an Indian cult leader named Clang, so feel free to draw some conclusions from that.

73. Zombies Ate My Neighbors Feb 15, 2021

For the final episode of Season Three, Kevin and Chris tackle a hyper-challenging video game from the latter's youth — Zombies Ate My Neighbors for the Super Nintendo, 48 grueling levels of B-movie horror schlock. Strap on your water gun, your weed-whacker, a few cans of soda, some popsicles, a martian ray gun, and maybe some footballs, and join in the fight. BYOT (bring your own theremin).

72. James Burke's Connections Feb 01, 2021

Kevin revisits Connections, a 1978 ten-episode miniseries created and hosted by British science historian James Burke, which examines the sinew between history, technology, and human understanding. He and Chris watched and discussed three episodes this time around — “The Trigger Effect,” “Eat, Drink, And Be Merry,” and “Yesterday, Tomorrow, And You.”

71. Double Dragon (1994) Jan 18, 2021

Returning guest Brian joins Kevin and Chris to ring in the new year with 1994's video game film adaptation Double Dragon. Join your favorite hosts as they dish on Jimmy and Billy Lee, Alyssa Milano as leader of the Power Corps vigilantes, Robert Patrick as industrialist ghoul Koga Shuko, and the inimitable Bo Abobo.

Also: Viennetta is coming back! We did it guys! You can put 2021 on ice!

70. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Graphic Adventure Bonus Episode! Nov 24, 2020

Now We Know tickles your ears with some new bonus content! This time, the guys played through Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Graphic Adventure, the 1989 LucasArts point-and-click PC game with which little Chris spent many an hour. If you decide to play along, be careful — it is surprisingly easy to "choose poorly" in this one.

69. The Muppet Movie Jul 20, 2020

Cozy up with Kevin and Chris with a look back and one of their shared childhood loves, 1979's The Muppet Movie. From the music to the journey to the yuks along the way, Kermit and company have you covered.

68. Mask of Zorro Jun 22, 2020

Kevin and Chris execute their first remote podcast of a long summer season, and are joined by a returning guest, Kevin's sister Colleen! This time it's The Mask of Zorro, a movie that was pretty significant for Colleen, not least of all thanks to Anthony Hopkins snuffing out candles with some cracks of his whip.

67. The Adventures of Tintin May 31, 2020

This time we're looking back at something both of them loved as adventure-hungry kids — The Adventures of Tintin, the classic comic series by Belgian cartoonist Hergé which was adapted into an animated series in the early 90's. This episode covers the animated versions of three Tintin adventures: The Crab With the Golden Claws, The Shooting Star, and Tintin in America.

66. Out of This World May 16, 2020

Woooooould youuuuuuuu... like to swing on a star? This question and more are daringly posed by Out of This World, a late 80's sitcom featuring a half-alien teenage girl, her mysterious alien powers, her scenery-chewing uncle Beano, celebrity mayor Doug McClure, and regular drop-ins from the disembodied voice of Burt Reynolds.

65. Legends of the Hidden Temple May 04, 2020

The year is 1993. The reign of Family Double Dare, the inheritor of classic Double Dare's legacy for the previous three years, is coming to an end. And so, Nickelodeon brings forth a new competitive game show, equal part genius and horrifying in design: Legends of the Hidden Temple. This show was a well-oiled disappointment machine, with about 3/4ths of its 120 episodes ending with the failure of desperately striving children. And Chris watched a lot of it — does this say something about our intrepid host?

64. GI Joe Apr 14, 2020

Kevin takes the reins for a look back at the 80's cartoon classic G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, a show which to some people's surprise (Chris) does not feature an individual character named Joe! There's a bunch of them apparently, and they're ready to face off against the nefarious warlord and subliminal messaging expert Cobra Commander.

63. Final Fantasy VII (Part Two) Apr 03, 2020

Kevin and Chris return for part two of their deluxe Final Fantasy 7 retrospective, with the shiny new PS4 remake right around the corner. Will Cloud unify the fractured corners of his mind? Will Sephiroth be stopped? And will we ever truly comprehend the infinite mystery of Pandora's Box?

62. Final Fantasy VII (Part One) Mar 30, 2020

With perhaps the most hotly anticipated video game remake ever about to drop, Chris decided it was time for Kevin to finally take a journey he never had before: Final Fantasy 7, the iconic 1997 RPG that enchanted, thrilled, and devastated millions of gamers. Cloud, Tifa, Aeris, Sephiroth, all of them! The whole gang's here. And this one's a deluxe two-parter.

61. Darby O'Gill and the Little People Mar 16, 2020

Three-time returning guest Miranda joins Kevin and Chris for a look back at a film all three of them saw as wee ones ― Darby O'Gill and the Little People, a tale of leprechauns, drunken revelry, warmly lit Irish whimsy, generous pension programs, and a young Sean Connery brawling with a guy named Pony. Just watch out for the death coach.

60. Double Dare Mar 02, 2020

On your marks, get set, go! It's time for Double Dare, the classic Nickelodeon game show that made Marc Summers a household name. Join Chris and Kevin as they revisit a trio of episodes: Swatches vs. Headrooms (1986), Out of the Blue vs. The Vulcans (1988), and an episode of Family Double Dare, The Whitehouse Crew vs. Gross Gladiators (1990).

59. Return to Oz Feb 17, 2020

Kevin and Chris are joined by Hollywood Crime Scene's Rachel Fisher for a deep dive into 1985's surprisingly macabre Return to Oz, starring the strikingly haunted-looking Fairuza Balk as Dorothy Gale. From electroshock therapy, to a clockwork soldier, to a jack-o-lantern with mommy issues, to a head-thieving witch, you're not in Judy Garland's Oz anymore. Ray Bolger ain't walking through that door. Also, they replaced Toto with a sassy southern chicken.

58. Sonic The Hedgehog (Saturday Morning Cartoon) Feb 05, 2020

Kevin and Chris are joined by returning guest Sean Hurlburt, mere days before the release of the brand new Sonic The Hedgehog movie, to revisit the 1993 Saturday morning animated series starring the lil' blue speedster himself. Fair warning: you probably can't run as fast as Sonic, even after he's absolutely gorged himself sick on chili dogs.

57. Logan's Run Jan 23, 2020

Do you ever feel like your clock is running out? You intrepid hosts have surely never felt this way. But this time, Kevin is revisiting a childhood favorite that is decidedly preoccupied with mortality ― Logan's Run, starring Michael York, the doctor from Darkman who explains the Rangeveritz Technique, and a guy who looks like a young Christopher Hitchens (albeit surprisingly, much less attractive)!

56. Super Baseball 2020 Jan 08, 2020

Don't look now, but this stately little podcast has now spanned two decades! To celebrate, Kevin and Chris ring in the new year by looking back at the SNES version of Super Baseball 2020, a video game which serves up an uncompromising, tech-infused vision of America's national pastime. And yes, there are baseball-playing robots!

55. The Smurfs Christmas Special Dec 22, 2019

Our final episode of the year is filled with Smurfy holiday cheer, as Kevin foists the Smurfs Christmas Special on Chris. The godless little Smurfs don't celebrate Christmas themselves, but they do battle Satan so they're maybe not quite as pagan as they seem.

54. Jack Frost Dec 11, 2019

With the holiday season well and truly upon us, Chris brings forth Jack Frost, the Christmas/horror movie with the murdering snowman! Oops, wait, what's that? Sorry, we're having some technical difficulties... it appears we somehow ended up with the Michael Keaton one?

53. Garfield's Thanksgiving Bonus Episode! Nov 28, 2019

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! We've decided to celebrate by treating you to a high-quality, fresh out of the oven bonus episode. And as is traditional since last year, you're getting another Garfield holiday special, this one with many more mean-spirited Orson Welles jokes than you might expect. Enjoy the chow!

52. Commercials of the 80s and 90s vol 2 Nov 27, 2019

In the second installment of Now We Know's award-winning series, Kevin looks back at a collection of TV commercials from his heyday back in the 1980s and 1990s. Curated for your enjoyment, complete with earworm jingles, bizarre visuals, and every now and then, a truly vexing quandary.

51. Super Mario Bros. Super Show Nov 13, 2019

It's more than a little shocking that it's taken this long. But finally, Chris has foisted 1989's Super Mario Bros. Super Show, which managed to air its entire run of episodes in just three months, onto Kevin. Of course, Kevin saw this show as a kid himself, like any true devotee of Nintendo's iconic plumber brothers. Will you get hooked on said brothers? Let's find out!

50. Ghostbusters 2 Oct 28, 2019

Well, would you look at that, the Now We Know boys just hit the half-century mark. And they’re celebrating, in Halloween fashion, by watching one of Kevin’s beloved childhood films, Ghostbusters 2. Come for the emotionally charged goo and Carpathian warlords, stay for the two bewilderingly pointless Slimer cameos.

49. Pet Sematary Two Oct 15, 2019

One year after returning guest Jessica divulged her traumatic childhood horror movie experience to the Now We Know audience, Chris has invited her back to discuss a film he had a nearly identical experience with: Pet Sematary Two. With Jessica and Kevin's help, will Chris be able to endure this terrible fright from decades past?

48. Mel's Hole Sep 30, 2019

Oh, Mel! This time, Chris and Kevin are joined by returning guest Miranda to discuss Mel's Hole, one of the most memorable tales of macabre mystery to ever cross the airwaves of the late conspiracy theory/paranormal radio host Art Bell. Come for the meandering, madness-inducing conversations about bottomless pits, the science of radar, and reanimated dogs, and stay for Mel's unthinkable, unspeakable, ultimate discovery.

47. Dragon Ball Z Sep 16, 2019

This time Chris unleashes super-charged combat anime Dragon Ball Z onto Kevin, reliving the iconic first clash between series hero Goku (or Kakarot, as you may prefer) and series villain/anti-hero/eventual full-hero Vegeta. And to top it off, Chris made sure to track down the original Canadian dub that aired on Cartoon Network's Toonami block when he watched it in middle school. The dragon, in other words, will be rocked.

46. Eerie, Indiana Sep 01, 2019

As a long, beautiful summer draws to a close, Kevin unleashes Eerie, Indiana on Chris, an ostensibly spooky kids show that aired on NBC in the early 1990s. Will child hero Marshall "Mars" Teller manage to survive the many twists, turns, and macabre happenings of the peculiar town of Eerie? Will he somehow manage to defeat a mid-level marketing scam, his romantic rival, and a conspiracy of cognitively colossal canines? Settle in and find out!

45. It (1990) Aug 19, 2019

With a brand new movie release right around the corner, Kevin and Chris are joined by returning guest Natasha Vinik (@NatashaVinik) to discuss It, the 1990 TV miniseries adaptation of the Stephen King classic. Natasha had a particularly intense relationship with It in her youth, and she dishes all the deets for your listening pleasure.

44. One Small Hero Aug 05, 2019

Returning guest Evan Tognotti joins Chris and Kevin to relive One Small Hero, a rightfully forgotten 1999 children's film about perseverance, boring forests, and an extremely stress-free kidnapping. Once upon a time, a four-year-old Evan watched this movie about seven or eight times while trapped aboard a Carnival cruise ship, and now he's sharing the story of Sarah, Reese, Hutch, Baby, and Joey Cooper for our listening pleasure.

43. Trancers Jul 22, 2019

Kevin and Chris are joined by Brian Houghton to discuss Trancers, a 1984 time travel/sci-fi flick starring Tim Thomerson as Trooper Jack Deth. A cop who embarks from the year 2247 to 1985 Los Angeles, all to foil a somewhat convoluted attempt at future government overthrow, Deth is aided in his mission by none other than a young, fresh-faced Helen Hunt. Prepare to go up the line!

42. Warriors of Virtue Jul 08, 2019

This time around, Kevin and Chris are joined by India Hamilton to revisit Warriors of Virtue, a central plank of her childhood entertainment experience. Prepare to be sucked down the sewer to the land of Tao, to be thrust into a brutal war between anthropomorphic Roos, thickly-built bald generals with goatees, and Angus Macfadyen.

41. Earthbound Jun 25, 2019

Following Kevin's completion of perhaps the most important video game of Chris' childhood, Earthbound for the Super Nintendo, the guys are joined by returning guest Seth Millstein and first-timer Sean Sterling to break down the all-time cult classic RPG. If you only know Ness from Super Smash Bros. it's time to get wise!

40. Godzilla (1998) Jun 10, 2019

With moviegoers everywhere (or at least surely somewhere) buying their tickets for Godzilla: The King Of Monsters, Kevin looks back at Roland Emmerich’s oft-derided take on the great lizard. Complete with old-young Matthew Broderick, Kent Brockman, Roger Ebert, baby Godzillas that are definitely not raptors, and Jean Reno griping about croissant and “french roast.”

39. 1999 Golden State Warriors May 27, 2019

The NBA Finals are nearly upon us, and for a lifelong Warriors fan like Chris, it's just another chapter in a seemingly impossible dream. Which is why he decided to celebrate by dipping two decades into the past, to a game between Golden State and the hated L.A. Lakers all the way back on April 20, 1999. And your favorite Warriors are all here! Erick Dampier! Chris Mills! Terry "Top Cat" Cummings! Bimbo Coles! Settle in for the jump ball.

38. Captain Power May 13, 2019

This time, Kevin brings forth Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future, a cherished late 80s single-season sci-fi series with a fake Darth Vader, a million-dollars-per-episode price tag, and a particularly brazen kid’s toy tie-in gimmick. But you know what they say: Kid Kev gets what Kid Kev wants (“nobody puts Kid Kev in the corner” would’ve also been accepted).

37. Death and the Compass Apr 29, 2019

Chris finally plays his ace in the hole, and Kevin simply wasn't prepared for it: Death and the Compass, a 1990s film adaptation of a Jorge Luis Borges story of the same name. Kid Chris was blown away by this low-budget, highly dissonant, Peter Boyle-as-mystic-detective indie film some 20 years ago, but what to make of it now?

36. Small Wonder Apr 15, 2019

This week, Kevin pulls from the vault a truly bizarre relic of the 1980s: Small Wonder, wherein a cookie-cutter American sitcom family welcomes a robot daughter to the mix. Come for Vicki's incorrigable japes, stay for grandpa's anti-robot bigotry!

35. The 2002 World Series: Giants vs. Angels Apr 01, 2019

Baseball season is finally upon us! And so, Chris decided to take Kevin ― and all San Francisco Giants fans ― back to a particularly harrowing time, a full eight years before the start of their golden, shimmering championship dynasty. Specifically, the 2002 World Series, perhaps the most ignominious moment in the franchise's history, and the formative experience of Chris' life as a sports fan.

34. The Field Mar 18, 2019

As winter turns to spring, Kevin brings us a 1990 film set in rural Ireland that seeks to plunge viewers into a permanent emotional frost. Namely, The Field, starring Richard Harris, Sean Bean, John Hurt, and Tom Berenger. Spoiler alert: Richard Harris is really protective of his field, and young Kevin was not prepared for this desperate, squalid, and decidedly leprechaun-free tale. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

33. NWK Ep 0: Lisa Goes Gaga Mar 04, 2019

Unfortunately, Kevin is ailing, and as such the boys weren't able to whip up a brand new episode this week. But they'd never leave you high and dry without your content ― feast your ears on the decidedly lo-fi, previously unreleased Now We Know pilot episode! This was recorded in late 2017, the very first bit of Now We Know ever produced. And it concerns what was, at the time, the lowest-rated episode of The Simpsons on IMDB: Lisa Goes Gaga, from the show's 23rd season.

32. Are You Afraid of the Dark Feb 18, 2019

The very same week Nickelodeon announced it's rebooting Are You Afraid Of The Dark? in October, Kevin and Chris watched a trio of episodes of the 1990s original, a children's creepshow classic of the first water. But how does it hold up all these years later?

31. The Borrowers Feb 04, 2019

In the crossover episode of a lifetime, Colleen from WikiWhy leads Kevin and Chris on a journey through The Borrowers, one of her childhood classics. And to be clear, this is the one with John Goodman, and the gross cheese spray, and baby Draco Malfoy, and that scene where Arietty scoops the ice cream with her hands.

30. Secret of NIMH Jan 21, 2019

Don Bluth classic The Sceret Of NIMH has charmed, vexed, and harrowed children the world over for decades, including a pint-sized Kevin Werkheiser. Will Chris, who’s never properly seen it before, fall similarly under its thrall?

29. Inspector Gadget Jan 07, 2019

And thus begins season two! Kevin and Chris celebrate the occasion in grand fashion by revisiting the 1983 cartoon classic Inspector Gadget, in which the beloved mechanical G-man is long on bad jokes and light on basic investigatory competence.

28. Transformers the Movie Dec 24, 2018

Rounding out a rousing first season, and amid the Christmas release of Bumblebee to boot, Kevin and Chris finish out the 2018 year with a look back at the 1986 animated Transformers movie. And it's not light on star power, including Judd Nelson, Casey Kasem, Leonard Nimoy, Eric Idle, and mere days from death, the final performance of Orson Welles.

27. Ernest Saves Christmas Dec 10, 2018

Special guest Sean Hurlburt brings one of his childhood favorites: Ernest Saves Christmas! Santa needs a replacement, a streetwise teenage runaway needs to learn to believe again, and only the inimitable Ernest can make it all happen. Will he do it, or is the title incredibly misleading? Find out!

26. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas Nov 26, 2018

Christmas is right around the corner, at least in relative terms, and thus Kevin treated Chris to one of his holiday favorites, a classic of the 1970's Rankin/Bass oeuvre. Namely: 'Twas The Night Before Christmas, which tells the tale of a skeptical (read: atheist) little mouse who ruins everyone's Christmas with his egghead opinions.

25. Commercials of the 80s and 90s Nov 12, 2018

In a delightful palate cleanser, Kevin and Chris look back at a handful of TV commercials from the latter's childhood that successfully burned themselves into his brain. it's a nostalgic celebration of that inimitable, "I'm never gonna die" stage of not-quite-late capitalism ― the 80's and 90's.

24. Little Monsters Oct 29, 2018

This time, Kevin and Chris are joined by special guest Miranda Everitt to discuss 1989's Little Monsters, a hybrid children's/freak-out/gross-out/coming of age comedy starring Ben Savage, Howie Mandel, and some pretty peculiar and suggestively dark themes. But fear not, your trusty friends are here to lead you through the night.

23. The House on the Borderland Oct 15, 2018

In a Now We Know first, the boys discuss a book! And, in keeping with the October Halloween extravaganza, it's a genuine fright: William Hope Hodgson's 1908 supernatural horror forerunner The House on the Borderland, which was hugely influential on H.P. Lovecraft and Chris Tognotti alike. Steel your nerves, for ahead be pig-men!

22. Garfield's Halloween Adventure Oct 10, 2018

In a surprise bonus episode, Now We Know continues its fright-filled month of October by looking back at Garfield's Halloween Adventure, a 1985 animated special that clearly left some marks on young Kevin's psyche.

21. Pumpkinhead 2: Blood Wings Oct 01, 2018

Kicking off an October month of spooktacular episodes to sate your Halloween hungers, Kevin and Chris are joined by Jessica to discuss a movie that haunted her young life ― Pumpkinhead 2: Blood Wings.

20. 1998 NY Senate Debate Sep 16, 2018

For the groundbreaking 20th episode of Now We Know, you'll step into a time warp, hurtling you 20 years into the past to revisit the very first time Chris watched a political debate. And, as it turns out, the in question debate have been a historic one ― you'll never find a political candidate more devastatingly on-message than New York Senator Al D'Amato.

19. Flight of the Navigator Sep 03, 2018

Don’t look now, but Paul Reubens is a spaceship and he done stole a kid! That’s a brief, wholly unfair description of Disney’s 1986 classic film Flight of the Navigator, which Kevin and Chris were all too eager to relive.

18. Little Nemo Aug 20, 2018

This time Kevin and Chris are joined by a very special guest ― Bay Area stand-up comedian Natasha Vinik ― to gaze back at a childhood favorite that'd been kicking around in her head for decades. Namely, 1989's Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland, a lavishly animated film based on the groundbreaking early 20th century comic strip of the same name.

17. Coyle and Sharpe Aug 06, 2018

This week, your humble hosts look back at a tragically unheralded pair of comedy pioneers, Jim Coyle and Mal Sharpe, better known as Coyle and Sharpe. The hilarious duo tormented and tantalized many random San Franciscans in the early 1960s with their absurdist brand of street interviews, and spoiler alert, they are timelessly great.

16. Batman Power Records Audio Drama (1975) Jul 23, 2018

The Now We Know boys are hurled back into the world of audio drama, as Kevin brings forth a 1975 vinyl album of Batman stories produced by Power Records. You'd be hard pressed to find a more tension-free quartet of adventures for the caped crusader, as your dynamic duo quickly learned.

15. Supermarket Sweep Jul 09, 2018

The next time you're at the checkout counter and you hear the beep, think of all the fun you could have listening to Chris and Kevin talk about Supermarket Sweep!

14. Get A Life Jun 25, 2018

If you've never seen Chris Elliot's 1990s sitcom "Get A Life," starring Elliot as something of a psychopath manchild, you are either very fortunate or very unfortunate. You'll simply have to listen to this week's episode to find out which!

13. Metal Gear Solid Jun 11, 2018

Chris successfully convinces Kevin to delve into a murky world of conspiracy theories, psycho-sexually motivated cowboys, cyborg ninjas, nuclear-armed bipedal battle tanks, and the Super Baby Method.

12. Star Wars: The NPR Radio Drama May 28, 2018

Did you know that NPR created a radio drama of the original Star Wars trilogy, complete with the vocal talents of one Mark Hamill? It's true! Join Kevin and Chris on a warm, cozy auditory jaunt through the worlds of Tatooine, Alderaan, and the decks of the Tantive IV.

11. Problem Child 2 May 14, 2018

This time, Seth Millstein ― of Now We Know intro and outro theme fame ― joins Kevin and Chris for a revisiting of Problem Child 2, in which the entire plot hinges on John Ritter being the most undeniably sexually attractive man on Earth.

10. The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T Apr 30, 2018

This time, Chris plucks a peculiar children's film out of the fog of 1953: The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T, the first and only movie written by Dr. Seuss! Includes tyrannical piano teachers, upbeat musical numbers, unsettling descriptions of torture implements, and a surprising number of extremely direct Simpsons influences.

9. Captain America (1990) Apr 16, 2018

Are you excited for Avengers: Infinity War? If so, you better get familiar with 1990's Captain America first, because the two films are chronologically canonical, and the new one won't make any sense otherwise! Kevin revisits a childhood classic, and Chris is inescapably along for the ride.

8. Wisconsin Death Trip Apr 02, 2018

Chris and Kevin dip into a haunting, lilting tide of morbidity, depression, murder, suicide, and cocaine-fueled (or possibly alleviated?) window smashing with 1999's Wisconsin Death Trip. Also: a really ripping recipe for sheepshead stew.

7. Star Trek VCR Board Game Bonus Episode! Mar 26, 2018

Feast your ears on the raw, unadulterated audio of Kevin, Chris, and Jason playing Star Trek: The Next Generation VCR Board Game: A Klingon Challenge, the scintillating subject of last week's episode! Bij included.

6. Star Trek: The VCR Board Game Mar 19, 2018

Kevin brought a board game, a VHS tape filled with Klingon insults and guest 'caster Jason Rudy to us this time. The board game? The punchily-titled Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Interactive VCR Board Game: A Klingon Challenge. Get ready to experience bij (that's punishment in Klingon) along with us!

5. Sonic Adventure Mar 05, 2018

This week, guest star Evan Tognotti presents Sonic Adventure, Sega's disastrous 1998 response to Nintendo's Super Mario 64. Together, Evan, Kevin, and Chris braved Sonic's strange and meandering tale, and came out on the other side with some pointed thoughts.

4. Consuming Passions Feb 19, 2018

This time, Chris serves up a feast of cannibalistic chocolate decadence with 1988's Consuming Passions. Written by Michael Palin and Terry Jones of Monty Python fame, and starring Jonathon Pryce and Vanessa Redgrave. (Don't be fooled by the pedigree.)

3. Bugsy Malone Feb 05, 2018

Kevin presents one of his favorite cult kids' movies: Bugsy Malone. A gangster movie where all the characters are played by kids, starring young Jodie Foster and Scott Baio. Also it's a musical with songs by Paul Williams, sung by adults which the kids lipsync to.

2. The Thief and the Cobbler Jan 22, 2018

This time Chris brings a dim memory of artistic integrity into the present: The Thief and the Cobbler! (originally released as Arabian Knight).

1. The Peanut Butter Solution Jan 05, 2018

On our first episode, Kevin brings a childhood trauma from 1986 for us to relive.

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