Episode 200 - The History of The Final Girl

Episode 200 - The History of The Final Girl

Author: The Lunatics Project July 21, 2026 Duration: 59:29
In this episode of Lunatics Radio Hour, we explore the history of the Final Girl, one of horror’s most recognizable character archetypes. From early examples in horror literature and film to the rise of the slasher genre in the 1970s and 1980s, we examine how the trope developed and why it became so important to horror storytelling. We discuss the academic origins of the term, the characteristics traditionally associated with the Final Girl, and how characters like Laurie Strode, Nancy Thompson, and Sidney Prescott helped define and evolve the role. We also look at how modern horror films have challenged, expanded, and reinterpreted the trope for new audiences. Join us as we trace the history of the Final Girl and her lasting impact on horror cinema. Follow @Sonrisalibrary on Instagram. Sources Men, Women, and Chain Saws by Carol J Clover (1992) Fandom article: Halloween Flips The Final Girl Trope on Its Head by Kim Taylor-Foster In Session Film article by Codie Allen: The Scream Queen’s Legacy: Janet Leigh and the Evolution of Horror Dread Central article by Mary Beth McAndrews: Jess’s Choice: How ‘Black Christmas’ (1974) Responsibly Addresses Abortion and Bodily Autonomy  Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep. Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tune into Lunatics Radio Hour: The History of Horror for a deep and often unsettling journey into the shadows of our past. Produced by The Lunatics Project, this series operates on a compelling premise: that the history of horror and the horror of history are inextricably linked. Rather than reviewing movies, each episode digs into documented, real-world events where primal forces like fear, violence, and the struggle for survival left a permanent mark on cultures and individuals. You’ll hear about the dark historical episodes and psychological phenomena that have haunted humanity for centuries, as well as the folklore born from genuine terror. Furthermore, this podcast meticulously traces the line from these factual atrocities and anxieties to the silver screen, analyzing how our most profound real-world fears are processed, shaped, and reflected in the horror films we watch. It’s an exploration for anyone curious about where our darkest stories truly come from and how the echoes of actual events resonate in the genre’s most iconic imagery and narratives. The result is a rich, thought-provoking listen that challenges the boundary between entertainment and the unsettling truths from which it often springs.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Lunatics Radio Hour: The History of Horror
Podcast Episodes
Episode 167 - The Dark Lore Behind The Wizard of Oz: Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:10
Abby and Alex pick up where they left off last week, and talk through The Wiz and Wicked, in all of it's forms. Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in…
Episode 166 - The Dark Lore Behind The Wizard of Oz: Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:54
Abby sits down with Alex to talk through all things Wizard of Oz. From L Frank Baum's books which date back to 1900, to the 1939 classic MGM film and so much more. Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord.…
Lunatics Library 49 - Friday The 13th Inspired Horror Stories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:25
This week Abby and Alan present four modern day horror stories, all in some ways inspired by or adjacent to the Friday the 13th film franchise. Belly Bees was written by Sam Logan and narrated by Kate Rotunda. Follow Sam…
Episode 165 - The History of Friday the 13th: Part Three [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:41
The saga concludes! Abby and Alan continue with their deep dive into the Friday the 13th horror franchise with the final four movies; Jason Goes to Hell, Jason X, Freddy vs Jason and the Friday the 13th reboot from 2009.…
Episode 164 - The History of Friday the 13th: Part Two [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:33
Abby and Alan talk about the middle films in the Friday the 13th franchise: Part 5 through Part 8. Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and pap…
Episode 163 - The History of Friday the 13th: Part One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:30
Abby and Alan sit down to discuss the history and production of the first four films in the Friday the 13th horror franchise. In part one we start with the first four films; Friday the 13th (1980), Friday the 13th Part 2…
Episode 162 - Campfire Tales #6 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:00
Abby and Alex are so thrilled to present three haunting and spooky tales. The Summoning was written by Joseph Hare, and narrated by Denali Bartell. Check out Joseph on Instagram @josephhareifyoucare and on Substack josep…
Episode 161 - Campfire Tales #5 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:20
Abby and Alex Goleman are thrilled to present three haunting horror stories. First Date was written by Carver Welsh and narrated by Abby Brenker. Follow Carver on IG @carverwelsh. A Scratching at The Door was written by…
Episode 160 - The History of Spring-Heeled Jack [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:43
Abby just couldn't get enough. This week is a true deep dive into the history of one of the most bizarre phantoms to haunt a major city. Reports and sightings of Spring-Heeled Jack were commonplace in Victorian London. J…