History of Late Night with the Devil in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 20, 2024

Late Night with the Devil is a 2023 supernatural horror film about a late-night talk show that attempts to boost ratings on Halloween 1977 by inviting an allegedly possessed girl onto the show. The film, written, directed, and edited by Colin and Cameron Cairnes, uses elements of documentary filmmaking and found footage to depict the events of the episode. It stars David Dastmalchian, Laura Gordon, and a talented supporting cast.

1977: Haunted Talk Show Episode

On Halloween night in 1977, a live broadcast of the talk show 'Night Owls with Jack Delroy' is interrupted by unexplained events. The episode, which features an allegedly possessed girl, becomes the subject of a documentary investigating the supernatural occurrence.

1977: Night Owls with Jack Delroy

The sixth season of the successful variety late-night talk show 'Night Owls with Jack Delroy' aired in 1977. The show, hosted by Jack Delroy, competed for ratings with 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson'.

1992: Ghostwatch

The British mockumentary supernatural horror TV film 'Ghostwatch' aired in 1992. The film's influence can be seen in 'Late Night with the Devil', according to film critic Mark Kermode.

February 2022: Production Announced

Production for 'Late Night with the Devil' was announced in February 2022. The film is an international co-production between Australia, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. Spooky Pictures and Image Nation are attached to the project.

June 2022: David Dastmalchian Cast as Jack Delroy

In June 2022, David Dastmalchian was announced to play the role of Jack Delroy in 'Late Night with the Devil'. Dastmalchian was offered the role after the Cairnes brothers read an article he wrote for Fangoria magazine.

March 2023: World Premiere at SXSW

'Late Night with the Devil' had its world premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival (SXSW) in March 2023. The film received positive reviews from critics, with praise for its performances, production design, and technical aspects.

March 2023: Positive Reviews and Stephen King Endorsement

Following its premiere at SXSW in March 2023, 'Late Night with the Devil' screened at the Sydney Film Festival in June. That same month, horror author Stephen King praised the film on Twitter, calling it "absolutely brilliant".

October 2023: Distribution Rights Acquired

In October 2023, IFC Films and Shudder acquired the distribution rights for 'Late Night with the Devil' in North America, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.

2023: Late Night with the Devil Premieres

The supernatural horror film 'Late Night with the Devil', directed by Colin and Cameron Cairnes, premiered in 2023. The film stars David Dastmalchian and follows the events of a late-night talk show episode aired on Halloween 1977.

March 2024: Wide Theatrical Release

'Late Night with the Devil' expanded to a wider theatrical release in March 2024, playing in 1,442 theaters in its second week. The film earned an additional $2.2 million, finishing seventh at the box office.

March 2024: Theatrical Release and Box Office Success

In March 2024, 'Late Night with the Devil' was released theatrically in the United States by IFC Films. The film had a successful opening weekend, earning $2.8 million and becoming the best opening for an IFC Films release. It ultimately grossed $11 million.